Club cells

Club cells (formerly Clara cells) are non-ciliated secretory cells found in the bronchiolar epithelium of the lungs. They secrete surfactant proteins and components of the airway lining fluid. They possess cytochrome P450 enzymes for detoxification. Importantly, they function as progenitor cells for both themselves and ciliated cells in the bronchioles, contributing to the repair and maintenance of the distal airway epithelium.