The Print@Lung project
Given the significant and growing global impact of respiratory diseases, the Print@Lung project aims to create a physiological model of the human lung using 3D bioprinting to study infection mechanisms, predict infection severity, and validate therapeutic approaches. The complex architecture and composition of the lung pose a major challenge for developing in vitro models. Current advances in 3D culture techniques still have limitations, such as the lack of proper architecture, vascular structure, and an immune component. The multidisciplinary Print@Lung consortium aims to recreate this three-dimensional, multicellular lung tissue structure using 3D bioprinting technology.
The project aims to generate a functional and differentiated model of respiratory epithelium that incorporates vascularized connective tissue and immune cells, while replicating the architecture of various regions of the respiratory tract (alveoli, bronchi/bronchioles). The functionality of this model will be evaluated and compared with that of currently available models. These models will then be used to study the lung tissue response to bacterial infections (e.g., S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, L. pneumophila) as well as to atmospheric pollutants. Finally, the model will enable the evaluation of the efficacy of various antimicrobial strategies. In the longer term, PRINT@LUNG will open up new avenues for biomedical research, not only in the field of infectious diseases but also in cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and genetic disorders.
Project leaders:
Fabienne ARCHER
Fabienne Archer is an INRAE Research Director within the Viral Infections and Comparative Pathology (IVPC) unit (UnivLyon1-INRAE-EPHE). Her research focuses on host-pathogen interactions, employing a One Health and comparative pathology approach (spanning animal and human health). For many years, her group has been developing 2D and 3D in vitro lung models (organoids, air-liquid interface cultures) derived from various mammalian species to study lung tissue responses to viral or bacterial infections (SARS-CoV-2, RSV, Mycoplasma, Mycobacteria) and to test novel therapeutic or vaccine strategies.
Karen MOREAU
Karen Moreau is a Professor of Microbiology at the IUT Génie Biologique de l’université Lyon 1 and a member of the “Staphylococcal Pathogenesis” team at CIRI (International Center for Infectiology Research). Her research focuses on all aspects of the pathophysiology of staphylococcal infections. She is particularly interested in virulence regulation mechanisms as well as pathogen-pathogen and host-pathogen interactions. She aims to understand how polymicrobial infections can influence infection severity by developing relevant infection models.
Emma PETIOT
Emma Petiot is a CNRS researcher specializing in bioprinting and bioprocesses at the Institute of Molecular and Supramolecular Chemistry (ICBMS) and the 3d.FAB platform. She coordinates the cell culture and bioprocess activities of the 3d.FAB platform and the 3D Innovation Lab joint laboratory with Sartorius. Her research focuses on developing methods and technologies for the construction and culture of bioprinted tissues.