Nouvelles approches physiopathologiques de la bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive

Newly described pathophysiologic processes may change the understanding of chronic pulmonary inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This review is dedicated to (i) recent data on the mechanisms leading to elastolysis in the alveolar spaces and bronchial walls as well as (ii) the auto-immune component of COPD.