Implications of SP-C Oligomerization in Membrane Fragmentation and Pulmonary Surfactant Homeostasis

Abstract

Pulmonary surfactant (PS) is a lipid-protein complex located at the air-liquid interface over the alveolar epithelium, which is fundamental for breathing dynamics. Besides, PS has a key function in lung defence against inhaled pathogens and harmful particles, especially through the interaction with alveolar macrophages (AMs). Pulmonary surfactant protein C (SP-C) is essential for the biophysical functions of PS, although it has also been associated to lung defence due to its interaction with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and with CD14, the macrophage LPS co-receptor.