Successful generation of human iPS cell-derived mesenchymal cells capable of producing alveolar organoids

Breathing intakes oxygen and expels carbon dioxide, and this gas exchange takes place in the alveoli in the lungs. Alveoli contain type 1 alveolar epithelial cells (AT1), which are involved in the actual gas exchange, and type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (AT2), which produce surfactants to prevent a collapse of the alveolar space. The interaction between epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells is essential for alveolar development.