The Use of in vitro 3D Cell Models of Human Airway Epithelia (MucilAirTM) in Inhalation Toxicity

In vitro assessment of inhalation toxicity is an emerging and fast-growing field. Until now, only animal models were used in OECDtest guidelines for inhalation toxicity testing, and therefore in vitroalternatives of human origin are urgently needed. In the presentchapter, we first review the toolbox of in vitro human airwaymodelscurrently available. We then focus on the applications of the humanairway epithelia (MucilAirTM), a 3D cell model with a long shelf life,which is used for acute, long-term, and repeated dose testing. Apanel of tests relevant for inhalation toxicology is described.