The role of non-coding RNAs in regulating epithelial responses in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), one of the leading causes of death in the world, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways usually caused by long-term exposure to inhaled irritants. Airway epithelial cells (AECs) play a key role in initializing COPD and driving the exacerbation of this disease through the release of various cytokines. This AEC-derived cytokine response is tightly regulated possibly through the regulatory effects of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Although the importance of ncRNAs in pulmonary diseases has been increasingly realized, little is known about the role of ncRNA in the regulation of inflammatory responses in COPD. This review outlines the features of AEC-derived cytokine responses in COPD and how ncRNAs regulate these inflammatory responses.