A new tractable method for generating Human Alveolar Macrophage Like cells in vitro to study lung inflammatory processes and diseases.

Millions die annually from respiratory disorders. Lower respiratory track gas-exchanging alveoli maintain a precarious balance between fighting invaders and minimizing tissue damage. Key players herein are resident AMs. However, there are no easily accessible models of HAMs, presenting a huge scientific challenge. Here we present a novel model for generating AML cells based on differentiating blood monocytes in a defined lung component cocktail. This model is non-invasive, significantly less costly than performing a bronchoalveolar lavage, yields more AML cells than HAMs per donor and retains their phenotype in culture. We have applied this model to early studies of and SARS-CoV-2. This model will significantly advance respiratory biology research.