Researching alveoli

SP-A and SP-D function has been related to innate immunity of the lung based on their binding to sugar residues at pathogen surfaces. Here, we demonstrated that these proteins bind to glycosaminoglycans present at typical cell surfaces like the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx.

The present study provides quantitative data on the differential glycocalyx distribution on AEI and AEII based on cThO2 and demonstrates alveolar glycocalyx shedding in response to HEP or PLY resulting in a structural reduction in both glycosaminoglycan height and density.

We describe ten simple rules to guide participants of relevant training courses in implementing robust research practices in their own projects, once they return to their research group.