In vitro models of the human epithelial airway barrier to study the toxic potential of particulate matter

Abstract

Background: Several epidemiological studies show that inhalation of particulate matter may cause increased pulmonary morbidity and mortality. Of particular interest are the ultrafine particles that are particularly toxic. In addition more and more nanoparticles are released into the environment; however, the potential health effects of these nanoparticles are yet unknown. Objectives: To avoid particle toxicity studies with animals many cell culture models have been developed during the past years. Methods: This review focuses on the most commonly used in vitro epithelial airway and alveolar models to study particle–cell interactions and particle toxicity and highlights advantages and disadvantages of the different models. Results/conclusion: There are many lung cell culture models but none of these models seems to be perfect. However, they might be a great tool to perform basic research or toxicity tests. The focus here is on 3D and co-culture models, which seem to be more realistic than monocultures.

Keywords::

• 3D models
• airway and alveolar cell culture models
• epithelial airway barrier
• lung
• nanoparticles
• particulate matter
• ultrafine particles

Acknowledgements

We thank S Frank for her excellent technical assistance; and M Ochs for the critical reading of the manuscript.

This work was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Swiss Agency for the Environment, the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, the Johanna Duermueller-Bol Foundation and the Animal Free Research.

Notes