Optimizing In Vitro Nasal Epithelial Cell Models for Enhanced Cilia-Related Airway Research

The airways mediate the transport of inhaled air to the lungs and are lined with a layer of epithelial cells that provide protection against inhaled pathogens. In respiratory diseases such as primary ciliary dyskinesia, esophageal atresia, and infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus, defects can occur in the defense function of these airway cells. An example of this is the reduced activity of motile cilia on airway epithelial cells, which normally remove mucus and trapped pathogens from the airways.

This dissertation focuses on the improvement of existing and the development of novel in vitro airway models, based on nasal airway epithelial cells from individuals with respiratory diseases such as primary ciliary dyskinesia, esophageal atresia, and respiratory syncytial virus infections. These models provide a patient-specific platform to study abnormalities in airway epithelial cells, such as reduced ciliary function. Additionally, the models can be used for preclinical research, in which new treatments can be tested.