Human Pulmonary Alveolar Epithelial Cells

Human Pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiC), also called Human Pneumocytes, are separated from human lung tissue. Human lung alveolar epithelial cells line the alveoli and comprise of 2 subtypes of epithelial cells known as Type I Alveolar Cells (AT1) and Type II Alveolar Cells (AT2).

Type 1 vs Type 2 Pneumocytes
AT1 cells are large squamous cells that account for over 95% of the alveolar surface area, type II cells are much smaller than Type I, scattered between Type I and adjacent alveolar septal junctions. Type I pneumocytes form the epithelial component of the thin air–blood barrier, while Type II pneumocytes secrete surfactants that form a fatty film to lowering surface tension. AT2 cells can also differentiate to replace damaged AT1 cells. Type II Alveolar cells contain Na+-, K+-ATPase and amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na+ channels.

Human Pneumocytes Applications
-Study the influences of the outside environment on the human respiratory system, by treating alveolar epithelial cells with damage factors like allergens, pollutants, irritants, infectious bacterial, or viral.
-Study the role of alveolar epithelial cells in barrier function, pathogen defense, immune function regulation, and its relationship with lung diseases.
-Assist to prove the feasibility of lung tissue regeneration induced by lung stem cells.