Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2025

Isolating Bronchial Epithelial Cells from Resected Lung Tissue for Biobanking and Establishing Well-Differentiated Air-Liquid Interface Cultures
Published on: May 26, 2023
Bronchial smooth muscle extracellular vesicles interfere with bronchial epithelium metabolism and function in asthma
Elisa Celle1,2, Amine Chahin1,2, Fabien Beaufils1,2,3
1Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Département de Pharmacologie, Bordeaux Proteome, TBM-Core, US5, UAR 3427, OncoProt, CIC 1401, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
Abstract:
Bronchial smooth muscle (BSM) remodeling is an important feature of severe asthma pathophysiology. We previously showed that asthmatic BSM is metabolically different and increased rhinovirus (RV) replication rate, the main trigger of severe asthma exacerbations. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are the key mediator in cell-cell communication, but the role of BSM cells-derived EVs on bronchial epithelial has never been investigated in asthma. Using severe asthmatic and non-asthmatic tissue collection, we show that asthmatic BSM cells are able to produce a greater amount of EVs containing metabolites involved in bioenergetics. We study the bronchial epithelium energetic rewiring following stimulation with asthmatic BSM cells-derived EVs. Modifications of bronchial epithelium metabolic behavior were associated with an increased ATP production and a breakdown of bronchial epithelium barrier function such as ciliary beating frequency and efficiency. Finally, we show that asthmatic BSM cells-derived EVs increased RV replication in bronchial epithelium following RV infection.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-I: Introduction
The Bronchial Tree
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...

