MICROCARRIER-BASED AT2 CELL THERAPY FOR ALVEOLAR RECONSTRUCTION IN COPD

Important results from the project

This project aimed to develop strategies for delivery of alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells with hybrid microcarriers as a treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For this, we first produced monodispersed hybrid microcarriers with optimal control and reproducibility using custom-made droplet-based microfluidic chips. AT2 cell growth on these microcarriers were achieved by use of spinner flask cultures in vitro. We also developed an ex vivo COPD model from wildtype mouse lungs by generating precision cut lung slices and treating them with several agents.

Expected long term effects

Monodispersed hybrid microcarriers with AT2 cell growth was achieved. We also developed an ex vivo COPD model from lungs of wildtype mouse. These microcarriers with AT2 cells could be evaluated for their alveolar regenerative capacity in ex vivo COPD models as well as COPD tissue obtained from surgeries. It could also be tested for alveolar restoration in COPD mouse models in vivo. Our strategy may have potential to enhance stem cell therapy by alveolar reconstruction of the damaged epithelium in patients with COPD.

Approach and implementation

This project was structured in three different steps including the production of hybrid microcarriers, their evaluation in ex vivo models, and their assessment in in vivo models of COPD. The grantee was supported by the lab members of Lung Bioengineering and Regeneration Lab at Lund University Medical Faculty, some of whom were supervised by the grantee along their projects. The results were discussed at various formal and informal meetings and conferences.