An Introduction to Engineering and Modeling the Lung

Over the last decade, the field of lung biology has evolved considerably due to many advancements, including the advent of single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) reprogramming, and 3D cell and tissue culture. Despite rigorous research and tireless efforts, chronic pulmonary diseases remain the third leading cause of death globally, with transplantation being the only option for treating end-stage disease. This chapter will introduce the broader impacts of understanding lung biology in health and disease, provide an overview of lung physiology and pathophysiology, and summarize the key takeaways from each chapter describing engineering translational models of lung homeostasis and disease. This book is divided into broad topic areas containing chapters covering basic biology, engineering approaches, and clinical perspectives related to (1) the developing lung, (2) the large airways, (3) the mesenchyme and parenchyma, (4) the pulmonary vasculature, and (5) the interface between lungs and medical devices. Each section highlights the underlying premise that engineering strategies, when applied in collaboration with cell biologists and pulmonary physicians, will address critical challenges in pulmonary health care.