Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic identifies molecular switch that steers lung cells to repair or defense
Heather Vogel Fact checked
Mayo Clinic researchers have mapped a molecular circuit in alveolar type 2 lung cells that helps determine whether they rebuild tissue or fight infection. The study, published Oct. 14, 2025, in Nature Communications, suggests new paths for regenerative approaches in chronic lung conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis and COPD.