Tracheal Epithelial Cells (TEC)

Respiratory epithelium is a type of epithelial Cells found lining the respiratory tract, where it serves to moisten and protect the airways. It also functions as a barrier to potential pathogens and foreign particles, preventing infection and tissue injury by producing and releasing a large number of chemical mediators and cytokines. The bronchial epithelium consists of the surface epithelial cells and mucus glands. The surface epithelial cells are made up of three principle cell types: basal, goblet, and ciliated cells, of which the latter two form a suprabasal columnar structure and are necessary for mucociliary clearance. Studies using bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) have demonstrated that IL-4 and IL-13 stimulation can modify cellular proliferation, ciliary beating, and mucous production. BEC proliferation is also regulated in part by EGF receptor signaling. Cultured tracheal epithelial cells (TEC) are a useful in vitro model for studying the function and pathophysiology of the respiratory epithelium.