Electronic cigarette exposure disrupts airway epithelial barrier function and exacerbates viral infection

Abstract

Electronic cigarette (e-cig) use, especially in teens, is alarming and at epidemic proportions, threatening public health. Our study shows that e-cig nicotine exposure disrupts airway epithelial tight junctions and increases RSV-induced barrier dysfunction. Furthermore, exposure to aerosolized flavors exaggerates e-cig nicotine-induced airway barrier dysfunction. Our study confirms that individual and combined components of e-cigs deleteriously impact the airway barrier and that e-cig exposure increases susceptibility to viral infection.