Comparison of commercially available differentiation media on morphology, function, and virus-host interaction in conditionally reprogrammed human bronchial epithelial cells

IntroductionPrimary air liquid interface (ALI) cultures of bronchial epithelial cells are used extensively to model airway responses. A recent advance is the development of conditional reprogramming that enhances proliferative capability. Several different media and protocols are utilized, yet even subtle differences may influence cellular responses. We compared the morphology and functional responses, including innate immune responses to rhinovirus infection in conditionally reprogrammed primary bronchial epithelial cells (pBECs) differentiated using two commonly used culture media. MethodspBECs from healthy participants (n = 5) were CR using {gamma}-irradiated 3T3 fibroblasts and Rho Kinase inhibitor. CRpBECs were differentiated at ALI in either PneumaCult (PN-ALI) or Bronchial Epithelial Growth Medium (BEGM)-based differentiation media (BEBM:DMEM, 50:50, Lonza) - (AB-ALI) for 28 days. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), immunofluorescence, histology, cilia activity, ion channel function, and expression of cell markers were analyzed. Viral load was assessed by RT-qPCR and anti-viral factors quantified by Legendplex following Rhinovirus-A1b (RVA1b) infection. ResultsCRpBECs differentiated in PneumaCult were smaller and had a lower TEER and cilia beat frequency (CBF) compared to BEGM media. PneumaCult media cultures exhibited significantly increased FOXJ1 expression, more ciliated cells with a larger active area, increased intracellular mucins, and increased calcium-activated chloride channel current. However, there were no significant changes in viral RNA or host antiviral responses. ConclusionThere are distinct structural and functional differences in CRpBECs cultured in the two commonly used ALI differentiation media. Such factors need to be taken into consideration when designing and comparing CRpBECs ALI experiments.