Targeting neutrophil-driven inflammation in bronchopulmonary dysplasia: From pathogenesis to therapeutic perspectives.

Neutrophil-driven inflammation plays a key role in the initiation and progression of the chronic lung disease of preterm infants, also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Their modulation represents a promising avenue for early risk stratification and targeted intervention. Among its pathogenic mechanisms, neutrophils are central contributors to impaired alveolarization and lung function defects. Preclinical hyperoxia models in neonatal mice confirm a causal link between neutrophil activation and lung injury. Early neutrophil-related biomarkers such as blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio are emerging as predictive of BPD onset and severity. Despite these findings, clinical translation in targeted therapies remains limited. Further research should focus on validating neutrophil-derived biomarkers, characterizing neutrophil phenotypes, and ultimately propose clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of anti-neutrophilic anti-inflammatory therapies in neonates.