Bronchial Epithelial Cells (BEpiC)

Bronchial epithelial cells (BEpiC) is an important source of complex cytokines and chemokines. The synthesis and secretion of cytokines and chemotactic factor interleukin 8, 6, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP), monocyte chemotactic peptide (MCP), RANTES. Bronchial epithelial cells also express intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), which plays an important role in the migration of neutrophils and eosinophils across the vascular endothelial cells to the airway. Studies using bronchial epithelial cells have demonstrated that IL-4 and IL-13 stimulation can modify cellular proliferation, ciliary beating, and mucous production . BEpiC proliferation is also regulated in part by EGF receptor signaling . Cultured BEpiC are a useful in vitro model for studying the function and pathophysiology of the bronchial epithelium.