Figure 10.

Model of the induction of pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation caused by mtDNA release from CBNP-induced necrotic alveolar macrophages. CBNPs induced acute cell necrosis of alveolar macrophages involving lysosomal dysfunction, ROS generation and energy depletion. Cell necrosis caused the subsequent release of mitochondria and mitochondrial contents, such as mtDNA which emerge as important members of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Mitochondrial DNA activated the p38 MAPK and triggered the LTB4 production, thus recruiting neutrophils and inducing pulmonary inflammatory injury.