Abstract：
Airway remodeling, as a predominant characteristic of asthma, refers to the structural changes that occurred both in the large and small airways. These pathological changes not only contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness and airway obstruction, but also predict poor outcomes of patients. In vitro models are the alternatives to animal models that facilitate airway remodeling research. Current approaches to mimic airway remodeling in vitro include mono cultures of cell lines and primary cells that are derived from the respiratory tract, and co-culture systems that consist of different cell subpopulations. Moreover, recent advances in microfluid chips and organoids show promise in simulating the complex architecture and functionality of native organs. According, they enable highly physiological-relevant investigations of human diseases in vitro. Here we aim to detail the current human cell-based models regarding their key pros and cons, and to discuss how they may be used to facilitate our understanding of airway remodeling in asthma.
摘要：
气道重塑,作为哮喘的主要特征，是指在大型和小型气道中发生的结构变化。这些病理变化不仅导致气道高反应性和气道阻塞,但也可以预测患者的不良预后。体外模型是促进气道重塑研究的动物模型的替代方案。目前体外模拟气道重塑的方法包括细胞系和来源于呼吸道的原代细胞的单一培养,和由不同细胞亚群组成的共培养系统。此外，微流体芯片和类器官的最新进展在模拟天然器官的复杂结构和功能方面显示出希望。根据，它们能够在体外对人类疾病进行高度生理相关的研究。在这里，我们旨在详细介绍当前基于人类细胞的模型的主要利弊，并讨论如何使用它们来促进我们对哮喘气道重塑的理解。
