Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppress ozone-mediated airway inflammation in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

•Exposure to ozone resulted in a marked increase in inflammatory cells and factors in lung, reduced lung function and airspace enlargement.•mASCs intratracheal administration rescured the lung neutrophilia, lung function and emphysema-like phenotype.•Intratrachealadministration of mASCs appears more effective in treating ozone-induced COPD.•mASCs are expected to become a new potential intervention strategy for COPD.