Goblet Cell Metaplasia

Goblet cell metaplasia can be induced by environmental pollutants such as cigarette smoke.

The aim of this assay is to evaluate compound efficacy to block or to reverse goblet cell metaplasia.

Respiratory allergy as well as asthma is characterized by TH-2 cytokine-mediated immune response in which IL-2, 3, 5, and 13 play an important role. Treated with neutralizing anti-IL-13 monoclonal antibody, the health condition of several asthmatic patients was significantly improved, suggesting that targeting the TH-2 cytokines is a promising therapeutic option. This assay allows evaluating and ranking the efficacy of drugs blocking the IL-13 signaling pathway.

MucilAir™ is treated during two weeks with IL-13 at 30 ng/ml. Using MUC5AC histological analysis, an increased goblet cell density is observed after 14 days of IL-13 treatment.

Cilia beating frequency is decreased in IL-13 condition at day 14.

Furthermore, other markers such as Eotaxin-3 was released in the culture media depending on IL-13 concentration.

Left: Percentage of the mucus cells over the total surface was measured using Software ImageJ, showing a dose-dependent increase of the goblet cell density induced by IL-13 at Day 14.

Right: ELISA Quantification of Eotaxin-3, a chemokine induced by IL-13 at Day 14.