LAUSR

Due to the increasing concerns regarding the transferability of data from animal studies to potential human health effects, the development of complex in vitro cellular models which could potentially replace the ethically-debatable in vivo studies and fill the existing gap between in vivo and in vitro data has received considerable attention. The current review focuses on pulmonary in vitro cellular models available for studying the biological effects elicited by inhaled chemicals. The advantages and disadvantages of the 2D monoculture system and the more complex 3D models such as co-cultures and organ-on-a-chip platforms are discussed. Moreover, recent advancements in the field of respiratory toxicology such as the development of airliquid interface systems that better mimic the in vivo respiratory exposure are reviewed. We conclude with future perspectives of the in vitro cellular models in respiratory toxicology.