Tissue Eng Regen Med.
2021 Oct;18(5):735-745. 10.1007/s13770-021-00348-x.
Three-Dimensional Cell Cultures as a Research Platform in Lung Diseases and COVID-19
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
- 2Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- 3Department of Biotechnology, São Paulo State University -UNESP, Assis, São Paulo, Brazil
- 4Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Paranaense University - UNIPAR, Umuarama, Parana, Brazil
- 5Department of Biotechnology, São Paulo State University -UNESP, Assis, São Paulo, Brazil
- KMID: 2520633
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.1007/s13770-021-00348-x
Abstract
- Background
Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) are a major public health problem worldwide. In the current epidemiological context, CRD have received much interest when considering their correlation with greater susceptibility to SARS-Cov-2 and severe disease (COVID-19). Increasingly more studies have investigated pathophysiological interactions between CRD and COVID-19. Area covered: Animal experimentation has decisively contributed to advancing our knowledge of CRD. Considering the increase in ethical restrictions in animal experimentation, researchers must focus on new experimental alternatives. Two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures have complemented animal models and significantly contributed to advancing research in the life sciences. However, 2D cell cultures have several limitations in studies of cellular interactions. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures represent a new and robust platform for studying complex biological processes and are a promising alternative in regenerative and translational medicine. Expert opinion: Three-dimensional cell cultures are obtained by combining several types of cells in integrated and self-organized systems in a 3D structure. These 3D cell culture systems represent an efficient methodological approach in studies of pathophysiology and lung therapy. More recently, complex 3D culture systems, such as lung-on-a-chip, seek to mimic the physiology of a lung in vivo through a microsystem that simulates alveolar-capillary interactions and exposure to air. The present review introduces and discusses 3D lung cultures as robust platforms for studies of the pathophysiology of CRD and COVID-19 and the mechanisms that underlie interactions between CRD and COVID-19.
