Revealing immune cell secretion crosstalk in pulmonary pathogenesis: A microfluidic lung-on-a-chip approach

As a highly biomimetic in vitro microfluidic technology, the Lung-on-a-Chip (LOC) is capable of precisely simulating the pulmonary microenvironment and physiological functions, thereby providing an essential tool for the study of pulmonary diseases. The LOC constructs alveolar, airway, and vascular structures through multi-layered channels and biomaterials, supporting the culture of various types of cells. Its microstructural design can mimic the mechanical stimuli of respiratory movements, thereby influencing cellular behavior. Immune cells and their secreted cytokines play a crucial role in maintaining pulmonary homeostasis, and the LOC model offers a unique perspective for studying the behavioral characteristics of immune cells, their signaling pathways, and their synergistic interactions with other cells. This review focuses on the in-depth investigation of the mechanisms underlying the role of immune cells and their secretory products in pulmonary diseases using LOC technology, with the aim of providing theoretical foundations and innovative ideas for the development of therapeutic strategies and targets for pulmonary diseases. In the future, LOC technology is expected to advance the treatment and drug development for respiratory diseases through personalized medicine, multi-organ-on-a-chip systems, and interdisciplinary collaborations.