Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF): Clinical applications for present and future

<p>Lungs are exposed to a wide range of complex internal and external environmental factors, creating a complex pulmonary microenvironment that remains challenging to detect and interpret. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) contains an abundance of cells, microorganisms, and active substances, thus is considered to be a clinically promising body fluid detection substance that is representative of the pulmonary microenvironment. The combination of experimental strategies with emerging omics technologies has advanced the identification and interpretation of microscopic components in BALF, underscoring its applications in clinical detection. In summary, this review provides a systematic overview of the development understanding of BALF, discusses its possible applications in clinical diagnosis, prediction, and intervention, and highlights the role of emerging omics technologies in deciphering BALF.</p>