2025 Spring International Convention of
The Pharmaceutical Society of Korea

2025 Spring
International Convention of PSK

04.21(MON) - 04.22(TUE)
D+25

Abstracts

P3-4

A 3D microfluidic co-culture model integrating immune cells and ECM-mimicking hydrogel for studying asthma pathogenesis

  • Minseok Kim1, Hanjun Kim*1,2
  • 1College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea
  • 2Interdisciplinary Major Program in Innovative Pharmaceutical Sciences, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease involving airway remodeling, excessive mucus production, and immune cell infiltration. Human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEs) maintain the airway barrier and regulate mucus secretion, while immune cells like T cells and monocytes drive inflammation. However, conventional 2D in vitro asthma models fail to replicate the ECM environment, and immune-epithelial interactions, limiting the understanding of immune-mediated inflammation and restricting therapeutic development. We developed a physiologically relevant asthma model by examining IL-13 effects on airway inflammation and remodeling across four culture conditions: HBE (16HBE14o-) monoculture, HBE + T cell (HuT 78) co-culture, HBE + monocyte (THP-1) co-culture, and HBE + T cell + monocyte co-culture. To better mimic the airway microenvironment, cells were aggregated into spheroids and encapsulated in GelMA hydrogel for a 3D ECM-like structure and integrated into a microfluidic chip with controlled fluid dynamics and ALI conditions, enhancing physiological relevance. This study examines how T cells and monocytes affect epithelial impairment, inflammation, and airway remodeling in asthma across various co-culture settings. By combining immune cells, a 3D microtissue, and dynamic microfluidic settings, our model addresses the drawbacks of conventional in vitro systems, providing a more physiologically relevant platform for exploring asthma mechanisms and evaluating candidate treatments.


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TODAY 2025. 05. 17

2025 Spring Convention

D+25

Conference infomation

Conference Schedule
Apr. 21(Mon) ~ 22(Tue), 2025
Conference Venue
Daegu Exhibition & Convention Center (EXCO) 10 Exco-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
Location
Early Registration Period
Feb. 24(Mon) ~ Apr. 14(Mon), 2025
Abstract Submission Period
Feb. 24(Mon) ~ Apr. 3(Thu), 2025
Certificate of Attendance