Agent-based modeling of alveolar type II cyst formation in vitro

We present an agent-based model of cultured alveolar type II (AT II) cells and early simulation results that provide new mechanistic insights into generative principles that may underpin alveolar morphogenesis in 3D cell cultures. The AT II cell-mimetic analogue comprises discrete components that represent cells and basic parts composing cell cultures. Cells are represented as quasi-autonomous agents that act based on a set of operating principles articulated as axioms and decision logic. By adhering strictly to those principles, cell agents self-organize and develop into multi-cell structures that resemble alveolar-like cysts in vitro. While it is premature to assign a specific biological mapping to the in silico operating principles, the findings enforce the idea that complex morphogenetic phenomena are a consequence of adherence to a small set of epigenetic principles. We expect more advanced adaptations will help elucidate basic principles and mechanisms underlying alveolar development and regeneration.