Organotypic Airway Models Derived from Primary Human Nasal Epithelial Cells

Area of Science:

• Respiratory medicine
• Cell biology
• Immunology

Background:

• The respiratory system, particularly the nasal epithelium, is crucial for gas exchange and immune defense.
• Diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, and COPD pose significant global health challenges.
• Understanding nasal epithelial cell function is key to deciphering respiratory disease mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in human nasal epithelial cell (hNEC) models.
• To explore the applications of these models in respiratory research.
• To highlight their role in understanding immune responses and disease.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of submerged cell cultures with air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures.
• Integration of ALI cultures with immune co-cultures.
• Utilization of patient-derived hNECs and apical-out organoid systems.

Main Results:

• Air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures differentiate into physiologically relevant models, preserving native epithelial signatures.
• ALI cultures can be co-cultured with immune cells to study inflammation.
• Patient-derived hNECs and organoids provide enhanced insights into infection dynamics, differentiation, and host-pathogen interactions.

Conclusions:

• Advanced hNEC models, particularly ALI cultures and organoids, are powerful tools for respiratory disease research.
• These models aid in investigating disease mechanisms and guiding therapeutic development.
• Standardization of culture expansion methods is essential for reliable results.