Regional immunity in the respiratory tract: challenges and opportunities

Respiratory diseases pose a significant threat to the health and lives of people. Although current vaccines targeting the respiratory pathogens can decrease disease severity, they mostly fail to effectively prevent infections and transmissions. Clearly identifying the clinical issues related to respiratory diseases, analyzing the important scientific questions surrounding airway mucosal immunity, and developing vaccines and therapeutic interventions based on the regulation of mucosal immune responses are key to addressing the issues of respiratory diseases. Here, we summarize the clinical pathological features of respiratory diseases and their relationship with pulmonary mucosal immunity. We also outline the immune response processes of respiratory mucosa represented by the pulmonary mucosa. On this basis, we reveiw the AI-based design strategies and mucosal delivery techniques for the respiratory diseases. We hope to summarize important clinical, fundamental, and technical issues in the research of respiratory mucosal immunity, thereby facilitating the exploration of new approaches for disease prevention and treatment.