Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute, in collaboration with the company AlveoliX, have developed the first human “lung-on-a-chip” model consisting entirely of stem cells from a single donor. This technology allows for the precise emulation of the breathing process and the dynamics of disease progression within a specific individual’s body under laboratory conditions.
The study, published in the journal Science Advances, represents a significant step forward in personalized medicine and the study of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis (TB).
Previous lung-on-a-chip models were constructed using a mix of cells from different donors or commercially available cell lines. This made it difficult to understand how a disease progresses within a particular individual’s system. In contrast, the new model is composed of entirely genetically identical cells. Using stem cells from a single donor, scientists derived lung alveolar and vascular cells and arranged them on a specialized plastic chip.
To ensure the laboratory environment closely mimics real-life conditions in the human body, the researchers employed several key technological solutions:
-
Mechanical Simulation: First, the rhythmic movement characteristic of the lungs was established. Specialized equipment developed by AlveoliX stretches the chip in three dimensions, simulating the breathing process. This mechanical strain facilitates proper cell development and the formation of structures essential for lung function.
-
Integrated Immune Response: Furthermore, a complete immune response mechanism was integrated into the model. Researchers added macrophages to the chip—specialized immune cells also derived from the same donor’s stem cells. This allowed scientists to observe how a specific individual’s immune system interacts with an infection.
-
TB Simulation: Finally, the system was used to simulate tuberculosis. By introducing the bacteria into the system, researchers were able to study the early, invisible stages of the disease’s development. Observations showed that five days after infection, the lung’s protective barrier was breached, accurately reflecting the real-world progression of the disease and paving the way for testing new treatment methods.
According to the study’s author, Max Gutierrez, this method reduces the need for animal testing and allows for the pre-determination of how effective a particular antibiotic will be for a specific patient.
The scientists plan to further refine the model and utilize it to investigate other respiratory infections and lung cancer.
