Primary human airway epithelial cell cultures: an update on technique and application in virology

Well-differentiated primary human airway epithelial cell culture (HAE), an organotypic human airway culture system, has been increasingly used as a linkage between researches conducted on animal models and humans. In this review, we focus on progress in technological development and its application in virology. The following aspects are covered in this review: (1)Structure and function of the normal airway, (2)Role of respiratory epithelial cells in pulmonary innate immunity, (3)Development of primary human airway epithelial cell cultures, (4)Application of primary human airway epithelial cell cultures in virology. Key words: Primary human airway epithelial cell; Respiratory virus; Organotypic culture system