An Emerging Approach of Senotherapeutics for the Treatment of Lung Disorders

The emerging potential of senotherapeutics in the management of chronic pulmonary diseases focuses on the pivotal role of cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Senescent cells, characterized by irreversible cell cycle arrest and a pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype, accumulate with age and contribute to chronic inflammation, tissue remodeling, and disease progression in the lungs. The chapter provides an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms by which senescent cells influence pulmonary pathology and presents senolytics and senomorphics as innovative therapeutic strategies. These approaches aim to either eliminate or modulate the effects of senescent cells. While challenges such as adverse drug reactions remain, recent advancements—such as the development of FOXO4-DRI, a senolytic peptide—highlight the therapeutic promise of senotherapy in improving lung function and reducing disease burden. Ultimately, targeting senescent cells offers a dual benefit: alleviating symptoms and addressing the root causes of chronic lung disorders.