In vitro model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in the human alveolus.

Cellular bilayer models can be used to simulate many biological compartments. Here, we describe a cell culture model of the human alveolus that enables the study of early invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. The cellular bilayer is constructed with human alveolar epithelial cells and human pulmonary artery endothelial cells. The cells are grown on a semipermeable polyester membrane. This model can be used to study the pathogenesis, immunobiology and pharmacology of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.