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Updated: Jun 26, 2025
Multicellular Human Alveolar Model Composed of Epithelial Cells and Primary Immune Cells for Hazard Assessment
Published on: May 6, 2020
Protocol to develop human alveolar macrophage-like cells from mononuclear cells or purified monocytes for use in
Susanta Pahari1, Anna-Lena Neehus2, Bruce C Trapnell3
1Host Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA.
Abstract:
Human alveolar macrophages are a unique myeloid subset critical for understanding pulmonary diseases and are difficult to access. Here, we present a protocol to generate human alveolar macrophage-like (AML) cells from fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells or purified monocytes. We describe steps for cell isolation, incubation in a defined cocktail of pulmonary surfactant and lung-associated cytokines, phenotype analysis, and validation with human alveolar macrophages. We then detail procedures for quality control and technical readouts for monitoring microbial response. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Pahari et al.1 and Neehus et al.2.
Insights
Researchers developed a new protocol to generate human alveolar macrophage-like (AML) cells from blood. This breakthrough provides a reliable method for studying pulmonary diseases and microbial responses in lung immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Human alveolar macrophages are crucial for lung immunity but difficult to access for research.
- Understanding pulmonary diseases requires accessible models of these specialized immune cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reproducible protocol for generating human alveolar macrophage-like (AML) cells from peripheral blood.
- To provide a valuable tool for studying lung immunity and pulmonary diseases.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells or monocytes.
- Incubation in a defined cocktail of pulmonary surfactant and lung-associated cytokines.
- Phenotype analysis and validation against primary human alveolar macrophages.
Main Results:
- Successful generation of human alveolar macrophage-like (AML) cells.
- Detailed procedures for quality control and monitoring microbial response are provided.
- The protocol offers a viable alternative to primary alveolar macrophage isolation.
Conclusions:
- The developed protocol enables the generation of functional human alveolar macrophage-like (AML) cells.
- This method facilitates research into pulmonary diseases and innate lung immunity.
- AML cells serve as a valuable model for studying macrophage function in lung health and disease.
