Biomaterial-based 3D human lung models replicate pathological characteristics of early pulmonary fibrosis.

ABSTRACT: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and incurable lung disease characterized by tissue scarring that disrupts gas exchange. Epithelial cell dysfunction, fibroblast activation, and excessive extracellular matrix deposition drive this pathology that ultimately leads to respiratory failure. Mechanistic studies have shown that repeated injury to alveolar epithelial cells initiates an aberrant wound-healing response in surrounding fibroblasts through secretion of mediators like transforming growth factor-β, yet the precise biological pathways contributing to disease progression are not fully understood. To better study these interactions there is a critical need for lung models that replicate the cellular heterogeneity, geometry, and biomechanics of the distal lung microenviron

SUBMITTER: Tanneberger AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11870410 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature