Air-liquid interface cultures of human primary distal respiratory epithelial for in vitro modelling of SARS-CoV-2 infections
Project leader: Dr. Ruth Olmer
Key area
- Pathophysiology: immunmodulation and immune control
Who is involved?
- Dr. Ruth Olmer (Project leader, MHH)
- Prof. Dr. Ulrich Martin (MHH)
- Prof. Dr. Gisa Gerold (TiHo)
What is the aim?
Infection with SARS-CoV-2 occurs not only in the upper pharyngeal and nasal tracts, trachea and bronchi, but also in the alveolar epithelium. Therefore, organotypic in vitro models reflecting the distal lung compartment are urgently needed. The aims of the project are therefore: 1. to establish the isolation and expansion of distal epithelial cells from human lung explants. 2. maturation of expanded distal epithelial cells and differentiation into AT1 cells in air-liquid interface cultures as an in vitro model for SARS-CoV-2 infections.