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In vitro modeling of the airway epithelium:

Respiratory system is composed of the nasal cavity, trachea, bronchi, and lungs with bronchioles and alveolus. General functions of the respiratory epithelium is not only to moisten and protect the airway tract from infections and tissue injury, but also to facilitate gas exchanges.

Airway epithelium composition varies according to the localization. Nevertheless, most of these epitheliums are composed by basal, ciliated and goblet cells. Basal cells are progenitor cells that can differentiate into other cell types, they also respond to airway injuries notably to restore a healthy epithelial cell layer. Ciliated cells are located across the apical surface and facilitate the movement of mucus across the airway tract. These cells also play an essential role in expelling foreign particles. Finally, goblet cells secrete mucus to trap pathogens and debris within the airway tract, participating to airway clearance together with ciliated cells.

Airway diseases are a major health problem, from infections or genetic deficiency to allergic and inflammatory responses. At Artimmune, we are able to modelized some of these features to better assess the efficacy of new test compounds.