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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
An Air-liquid Interface Bronchial Epithelial Model for Realistic, Repeated Inhalation Exposure to Airborne Particles for Toxicity Testing
Published on: May 13, 2020
Impact of liquid dosing and associated cell 'drowning' in a 3D human bronchial epithelial model used for protease
Georgina Hopkins1, David Sheffield2, Hugh Barlow2
1School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Introduction:
As part of a programme of work developing human-relevant New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for next-generation risk assessment (NGRA), use of a human air-liquid interface (ALI) bronchial epithelial model (MucilAir™) to investigate the impact of exposure to protease was assessed.
Methods:
To guide in vitro dosing, scenarios representing low-high risk of sensitisation after 8 h of protease exposure in an occupational setting were modelled by performing simulations with the Multiple Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) model with refinement of the outputs using a tracheobronchial/alveolar clearance model, to estimate tracheobronchial tissue doses. With no effects seen at these concentrations, higher concentrations were subsequently tested to identify thresholds for biological effects. Repeated apical liquid exposures over 8 h were applied using a wide concentration range of protease (0.00125-7812 μg protease protein/mL) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control. Effects on epithelial barrier integrity, cytokine production, and extracellular vesicle (EV) dynamics were measured.
Results:
Reduced transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), increased EV and IL-8 secretion were observed using a PBS control reflecting the impact of liquid dosing alone. No significant protease-related adverse effects were observed at concentrations of 0.5 μg protease protein/mL or lower when compared to the PBS control. At concentrations of 75 μg protease protein/mL or more, however, TEER was significantly reduced and mucin and tetraspanin expression on EVs was degraded.
Discussion:
Here, we show the impact of liquid dosing when investigating the effects of materials on bronchial epithelia, and challenges encountered when working with proteases. This work provides a foundation for developing in vitro methodology for generation of data for use in risk assessment of inhalation of enzymes and other materials. It is hypothesised that nebulised protease delivery could be a more suitable alternative and better replicate in vivo (human) inhalation dynamics.
