Inside our lungs, microscopic structures called cilia play a surprisingly powerful role in keeping us healthy. These hair-like projections extend from the surface of cells and come in two main types: motile cilia, which sweep away mucus and debris from the airways, and primary cilia, which act like antennae to sense the environment and help cells grow and divide properly.

This review explores how cilia contribute to lung health and how their dysfunction is linked to chronic lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While scientists have long known that cilia are essential for clearing the lungs and maintaining respiratory health, the molecular mechanisms that control how cilia form and function are still not fully understood. This lack of knowledge has made it difficult to develop therapies that target cilia-related disorders.

The publication highlights how both types of cilia are involved in lung development and maintenance. Motile cilia are especially important in the airways, where they help prevent infections and inflammation by moving mucus out of the lungs. Primary cilia, on the other hand, are found on undifferentiated (immature) cells and help regulate how these cells grow and specialize—functions that are critical for tissue repair and regeneration.

Understanding how cilia influence lung cell behavior could help scientists harness stem cells more effectively to regenerate damaged lung tissue. For example, by learning how to restore or mimic cilia function, researchers may be able to guide stem cells to develop into healthy lung cells or improve the repair of damaged airways in diseases like COPD.

In short, this review brings attention to a tiny but mighty part of our cells—and how it could help unlock new treatments for chronic lung diseases through the power of regenerative medicine.