Advances in common in vitro cellular models of pulmonary fibrosis

• Published in: Immunology and cell biology 2024-08, Vol.102 (7), p.557-569
• Main Authors: Li, Die, Zhang, Xinyue, Song, Ziqiong, Zhao, Shan, Huang, Yuan, Qian, Weibin, Cai, Xinrui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cell culture; Cell lines; cellular models; coculture system; Coculture Techniques; Fibrosis; Gene expression; Humans; Literature reviews; Lung diseases; Models, Biological; Molecular modelling; Pulmonary fibrosis; Pulmonary Fibrosis - pathology
• ISSN: 0818-9641; 1440-1711; 1440-1711
• DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12756

The development of in vitro models is essential for a comprehensive understanding and investigation of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) at both cellular and molecular levels. This study presents a literature review and an analysis of various cellular models used in scientific studies, specifically focusing on their applications in elucidating the pathogenesis of PF. Our study highlights the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to studing PF, emphasizing the necessity of considering multiple cell types and organs and integrating diverse analytical perspectives. Notably, primary cells demonstrate remarkable cell growth characteristics and gene expression profiles; however, their limited availability, maintenance challenges, inability for continuous propagation and susceptibility to phenotypic changes over time significantly limit their utility in scientific investigation. By contrast, immortalized cell lines are easily accessible, cultured and continuously propagated, although they may have some phenotypic differences from primary cells. Furthermore, in vitro coculture models offer a more practical and precise method to explore complex interactions among cells, tissues and organs. Consequently, when developing models of PF, researchers should thoroughly assess the advantages, limitations and relevant mechanisms of different cell models to ensure their selection is consistent with the research objectives. In this paper, we reviewed various cellular models used to understand the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Our studies suggest that a comprehensive understanding of PF should not be based on a single cell type or organ but on a multiorgan, multilevel and multiperspective approach.