Fig. 7. Fully differentiated primary human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells grown at the air liquid interface (ALI).

HBE cells from lungs rejected for organ donation are grown in a two-chamber culture system where they differentiate for at least 21 days at the ALI into mature bronchial epithelia. HBE cells are exposed to the mainstream smoke from tobacco cigarettes by a smoke robot closely mimicking in vivo conditions