Breakthrough in Lung Research: The First Lung-on-a-Chip with a Working Immune System

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed the first lung-on-a-chip model that incorporates a functioning immune system, marking a significant advancement in biomedical engineering. This innovative platform, which is about the size of a postage stamp, features tiny channels lined with living human cells, allowing for real-time observation of lung behavior and immune responses.

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The study was co-directed by Ankur Singh, director of Georgia Tech’s Center for Immunoengineering, and Krishnendu “Krish” Roy, the Bruce and Bridgitt Evans dean of engineering at Vanderbilt University. Rachel Ringquist, a graduate student under Roy, led the project as part of her doctoral dissertation. Singh's personal motivation stems from losing an uncle to an infection, which fueled his dedication to improving lung disease research.

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The lung-on-a-chip model successfully mimics the immune response observed in human lungs. Researchers introduced a severe influenza virus to the chip, triggering an immune reaction that closely resembled what occurs in actual patients. Immune cells were observed rushing to the infection site, inflammation spreading, and defenses activating, demonstrating the model's ability to replicate real biological processes.

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This lung-on-a-chip platform opens new avenues for preclinical research, enabling scientists to study the interplay of immune responses to various viral infections and evaluate antiviral treatments. Singh noted, “This unique lung-on-a-chip model opens new, preclinical pathways of discovery that will allow researchers to better understand the interplay of immune responses to severe viral infections.”

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Historically, lung research has relied heavily on animal models, which do not always accurately reflect human responses. Singh emphasized that while “five mice in a cage may respond the same way, five humans won’t,” highlighting the chip's potential to provide more accurate insights into human lung behavior. This advancement aligns with the FDA’s strategic vision to reduce animal testing and develop predictive non-animal models.

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The researchers aim to expand the application of the lung-on-a-chip model to study other diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, and tuberculosis. They are also exploring the integration of immune organs to understand how the lung interacts with the body’s overall defenses. The long-term vision includes creating personalized medicine solutions, where chips are built from a patient’s own cells to tailor therapies effectively.

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The development of the lung-on-a-chip with a working immune system represents a pivotal step forward in lung disease research, offering a more accurate and humane alternative to traditional animal models. As researchers continue to refine this technology, it holds the promise of transforming our understanding of lung health and disease management.

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• “It was the first time we felt we had something close to a real human lung.” — Ankur Singh, Director, Georgia Tech’s Center for Immunoengineering

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• “This device goes further than ever before in modeling human severe influenza and providing unprecedented insights into the complex lung immune response,” he said.” — Krishnendu Roy, Dean of Engineering, Vanderbilt University

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• “Our chip can reflect that difference. That’s what makes it more accurate, and why it could dramatically reduce the need for animal models.” — Ankur Singh, Director, Georgia Tech’s Center for Immunoengineering

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