Ready-to-use 3D Human Bronchial Fibroblast Spheroids

Human Bronchial Fibroblasts (HBF) are mesenchymal-derived cells and one of the largest cells in the lung. Under physiological conditions and in response to injury, HBF secretes extracellular proteins such as collagen, fibronectin and glycoproteins. During tissue injury and chronic inflammation, a series of molecular signaling events induce the transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts trigger excessive ECM production and may lead to scar tissue formation through a process known as fibrosis. Thickened lung tissue in lung fibrosis is a detrimental condition due to the downstream respiratory defects. To better understand and treat lung fibrosis, in vitro models to study HBF is necessary. The conventional method of studying fibroblasts in 2D culture is limited in the ability to mimic their native in-vivo state due to the lack of extracellular matrix.

To provide an in vitro model that better reflects HBF function physiologically, ScienCell has developed ready-to-use human bronchial fibroblast spheroids (SP-HBFS) comprised of primary HBF. These cells are cultured in three-dimensional (3D) architecture and are embedded in their own ECM, which better reflects the native lung tissue architecture. Furthermore, HBF in these spheroids can be used to model fibrosis through TGF-β1 treatment. These spheroids are ready for experiments within 24-48 hours of thawing, and are an excellent in vitro model for studying HBF function and its contribution to pulmonary fibrosis.