P05 - Organotypic in vitro models for high throughput prediction assays
Our project T05 aims to elucidate nanomaterial (NM)-cell interactions and mode of actions using scaffold-free, multicellular assembloids, offering a medium to high-throughput approach to assess pulmonary responses towards NMs in vitro. Previous single-cell RNA sequencing of NM-instilled murine lungs identified material-specific target and effector cell signatures and unraveled molecular cascades potentially leading to chronic adverse outcomes in vivo. By utilizing an organotypic in vitro model, aggregating multiple responsible cell types facilitating cell-cell contact and using physiologically relevant cells, the project anticipates creating a high-throughput toxicity testbed with predictive potential for chronic lung diseases. To enhance clinical relevance, human primary lung cells isolated from explanted tissue will be utilized, validating observed NM-induced cellular perturbations in the human context.