Pleura consists of visceral and parietal cell layers, producing a fluid, which
is necessary for lubrication of the pleural space. Function of both
mesothelial cell layers is necessary for the regulation of a constant pleural
fluid volume and composition to facilitate lung movement during breathing.
Recent studies have demonstrated that pleural mesothelial cells show a
distinct expression pattern of tight junction proteins which are known to
ubiquitously determine paracellular permeability. Most tight junction proteins
provide a sealing function to epithelia, but some have been shown to have a
paracellular channel function or ambiguous properties. Here we provide an in-
depth review of the current knowledge concerning specific functional
contribution of these proteins determining transport and barrier function of
pleural mesothelium
