Neutrophils in chronic inflammatory airway diseases: can we target them and how?

M any lung diseases, such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), bronchiectasis and infiltrative pulmonary diseases are associated with chronic neutrophilic inflammation. These diseases are common, can be severe and, together, represent a major economic burden and worldwide public health challenge. In addition to chronic handicap, these diseases also feature recurrent episodes of acute worsening of inflammatory symptoms, known as exacerbations, a leading cause for progressive lung impairment. Prevention and prompt management of exacerbations is strongly recommended since they often influence disease prognosis.