Respiratory System

Respiratory system comprises several specialized organs and structures, working together for gas exchange in the body. Gas exchange is essential for metabolism: oxygen participates in ATP (energy) production through aerobic respiration, while carbon dioxide is a waste product of this process. Oxygen is inhaled through the nose and mouth, passes through the larynx, pharynx, and airways, and is absorbed into the blood at lungs (alveoli). At the same time, carbon dioxide is released from the blood and exhaled via the reverse pathway. Studying cells of the respiratory system enables researchers to understand the regulation of gas exchange by alveolar cells and surfactant production by type II alveolar cells for breathing mechanics.

Otherwise, respiratory system also has crucial role in the immunology system. Pathogens in the environment, such as bacteria and viruses, has the chance to infect tissues of respiratory system during inhalation. Cells like nose mucosal cells, airway epithelial cells, alveolar macrophages, and other immune cells build up a robust barrier responding to these pathogens. Understanding their defense mechanisms is significant for developing vaccines and antiviral/antibacterial strategies. Moreover, some threats may come from toxins in the air. Air pollutions, industrial dust, microplastics, and chemical exposure seriously affect the living of respiratory cells. It is worth to construct models for occupational lung diseases.

Other biological activities or disorders of respiratory system may also be required to figure out, such as chronic respiratory diseases (asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis), allergy and hypersensitivity.

We provide lots of respiratory system cells to support your research and drug development. Please view the following list.