Large airway T cells in adults with former bronchopulmonary dysplasia

What is already known on this topic Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) in infants born prematurely is a risk factor for chronic airway obstruction in adulthood. Cytotoxic T cells are increased in bronchoalveolar lavage in adults with former BPD. What this study adds We are able to demonstrate that inflammatory cell profiles in the bronchial wash from the large airway of preterm adults differ from healthy subjects born at term. Subjects with a history of BPD display an increased proportion of lymphocytes, mainly CD8 + T cells, and a lower proportion of CD4 + T cells. Furthermore, the number of cytotoxic T cells is associated with lung function. How this study might affect research practice and/or policy This study provides evidence of an immunological profile characterized by increased cytotoxic T cells in adults born prematurely, which suggests the involvement of both adaptive and innate immune mechanisms in the development of airway disease associated with preterm birth. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-024-02717-1.