In vitro organ culture models of asthma

It has been long recognized that, in addition to its barrier function, the airway epithelium is also involved in modulating innate and adaptive immune responses. The recent discovery of TSLP's function in Th2-mediated allergic responses has further reinforced the central position of the airway epithelium in pathogenesis of asthma. This paradigm justifies the development and use of in vitro cell models of the airway epithelium in asthma research and in drug development.

Section editor:Michelle Epstein – Department of Dermatology, DIAID, Experimental Allergy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria