After mucociliary clearance, these cells are the next line of cellular defense against invading pathogens through their phagocytic, microbiocidal, and secretory functions (Rubins 2003). Chronic alcohol ingestion decreases alveolar macrophage function by inhibiting the release of cytokines and chemokines as well as other factors essential for microbial killing and immune response (Franke-Ullmann et al. 1996; […]
