Organotypic 3D cell culture models: Using the rotating wall vessel to study hostĝ€"pathogen interactions

Abstract

Appropriately simulating the three-dimensional (3D) environment in which tissues normally develop and function is crucial for engineering in vitro models that can be used for the meaningful dissection of hostĝ€" pathogen interactions. This Review highlights how the rotating wall vessel bioreactor has been used to establish 3D hierarchical models that range in complexity from a single cell type to multicellular co-culture models that recapitulate the 3D architecture of tissues observed in vivo. The application of these models to the study of infectious diseases is discussed. © 2010 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.