Generation of induced alveolar assembloids with functional alveolar-like macrophages

Abstract

Within the human lung, interactions between alveolar epithelial cells and resident macrophages shape lung development and function in both health and disease. To study these processes, we develop a co-culture system combining human pluripotent stem cell-derived alveolar epithelial organoids and induced macrophages to create a functional environment, termed induced alveolar assembloids. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and functional analyses, we identify alveolar type 2-like cells producing GM-CSF, which supports macrophage tissue adaptation, and macrophage-like cells that secrete interleukin-1β and interleukin-6, express surfactant metabolism genes, and demonstrate core immune functions. In response to alveolar epithelial injury, macrophage-like cells efficiently eliminate damaged cells and absorb oxidized lipids. Exposure to bacterial components or infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis reveals that these assembloids replicate key aspects of human respiratory defense. These findings highlight the potential of induced alveolar assembloids as a platform to investigate human lung development, immunity, and disease.