Thomas3.20.2010 Instead of emphysema being the result of the collective damage caused by smoking over the years, smoking triggers specific immune system responses that can lead to emphysema.Researchers found an APC, cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17), to be the mastermind behind the disease.Additionally researchers found gamma delta T-cells present, which are white blood cells that are a part of the body's defense. These cells helped battle inflammation. By understanding how smoke-induced emphysema develops, future research can look at APC's to help develop new treatments. Knowing what cells are present and their roles in a disease is a crucial first step in battling emphysema.
