Pneumonia, triggered by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, continues to be a worldwide public health concern with significant morbidity and mortality. It is a leading risk factor for the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), characterized by diffuse alveolar damage, extensive immune cell infiltration, dangerous hypoxemia, and the potential for multisystem organ failure. Many pathogen-derived toxins cause direct tissue damage, but activated immune cells further harm host tissue in the necessary process of pathogen killing.
展开▼
