3D Ex Vivo Human Tertiary or Lower Airways (Bronchodilation) Model Introduction

Respiratory tract infections are very common worldwide. The human airway is subdivided into upper and lower airways. Influenza viruses have different tropisms for different cell types within the airways. Notably, airway inflammation is common in respiratory diseases, thus requiring effective anti-inflammatory compounds. Although cell culture, organoid or animal models provide promising insights into the development of new compounds, they also have limitations. The development of human lower airway models facilitates the study of mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response and provides an attractive tool for drug development in inflammatory respiratory diseases.

Limitations of Traditional Models

Fig.1 Inadequacies of the traditional model. (Creative Biolabs)

Advantages of the Ex Vivo Models

• Epithelial barrier properties and most clearance mechanisms are preserved.
• Reduces the number of animals required and is cost-effective.
• Cellular complexity is preserved, providing a tool for the study of respiratory pathogens in a near-native environment.
• Complex cellular interactions can be achieved in ex vivo models but not in cell lines.
• Represents a simpler system while retaining most of the integrity of the organ.

Applications

Fig.2 Typical applications. (Creative Biolabs)

Preliminary data exist demonstrating that ex vivo human lung tissue models can be used to study the effect of allergens and other inflammatory stimuli on selected cytokine responses. As a world-leading supplier of ex vivo models, our vision is to develop ex vivo human lower airways models, which are suitable for on-target validation. We are committed to advancing the research and preclinical drug development of inflammatory mechanisms related to airway disease. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us for more details.

More information on the models can be obtained through the links below:

• 3D Ex Vivo Secondary Airways (healthy) Contractility Model
• 3D Ex Vivo Secondary Airways (diseased) Contractility Model
• 3D Ex Vivo Human Tertiary or Lower Airways (Healthy) Model
• 3D Ex Vivo Human Tertiary or Lower Airways (Diseased) Model

Related Sections:

• Ex Vivo Precision-Cut Lung Slice (PCLS) Model
• Ex Vivo Pulmonary Artery Bath Model
• Ex Vivo Airway Contractility Model