Yin, J., Bi, Z., Dai, T. et al. Respir Res 26, 253 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-025-03327-1
Abstract
Respiratory diseases encompass a broad range of conditions that affect the airways, alveolus, and other structures involved in breathing. With respiratory viruses emerging and spreading rapidly, and factors like air pollution, smoking, occupational hazards, and genetics as major risk contributors, respiratory diseases have emerged as a primary cause of illness and mortality around the globe. The development of in vitro respiratory microphysiological systems (MPS), like lung organoids and lung-on-a-chip models, is essential for preventing and treating these diseases effectively. In this review, we introduce the generation of lung organoids from different cellular sources and their applications in modeling lung development, disease models, and drug screening. Then, we discuss the establishment of various types of lung-on-a-chip models and their applications in disease modeling and drug screening. Finally, we outline the challenges confronting respiratory MPS and provide an outlook on their future perspectives.