Pulmonary fibrosis is an irreversible and progressive disease affecting the lungs, and the etiology remains poorly understood. This disease can be lethal and currently has no specific clinical therapeutic regimen. Macrophages, the most common type of immune cell in the lungs, have been reported to play a key role in the pathogenesis of fibrotic disease. The lung macrophage population is mostly composed of alveolar macrophages and interstitial macrophages, both of which have not been thoroughly studied in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis. Interstitial macrophages have recently been recognised for their participation in lung fibrosis due to new technology arising from a combination of bioinformatics and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. This paper reviews recent developments regarding lung macrophage classification and summarizes the origin and replenishment of interstitial macrophages and their function in pulmonary fibrosis.

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Introduction: Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is based on polarization and bioparticle movement in applied electric fields. Each type of cells has its own electrical properties within the DEP spectra and undergoes significant changes in direction of frequency following an increase of an applied nonuniform alternating current (AC) electric field. Therefore, DEP can be an effective technique for characterization and separation of different cells. The goal of the current study was to determine the electrophysiological properties of human monocytes and a human monocytic cell line originated from an acute monocytic leukemia patient (THP-1), using a lab on a chip (LOC) device that utilised microarray dot electrodes. Methods: Ten microliters of human monocytes isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and highly confluent THP-1 cells were diluted in DEP medium and added to the spacer of the LOC device. Subsequently, the AC signal in the range of 10 kHz to 2 MHz was supplied to the LOC device, and the dynamic behaviours of monocytes and THP-1 cells due to the DEP force were observed. Images were captured and analyzed using MATLAB software. Results: Microscopic visualization showed that THP-1 cells were physically larger than human monocytes. The dielectric parameters (radius, diameter, and conductivity and permittivity of the cytoplasm and membrane) were greater for THP-1 cells compared to monocytes. The cross-over frequencies for THP-1 cells and monocytes were respectively 66 kHz and 280 kHz. Conclusion: In conclusion, the DEP spectra reflected the morphological differences between monocytes and THP-1 cells. The dielectric properties for each type of cells can be used as the criteria in the development of DEP-based characterization assays.

Aim: As a strategy to improve the outcome of ex vivo cultivated corneal epithelial transplantation, the role of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) is investigated in promoting corneal epithelial growth and functions. Materials & methods: Human telomerase-immortalized corneal epithelial cells were characterized and its functions evaluated by scratch migration assay, cellular senescence, HLA expression and spheres formation with hUC-MSC. Results: Expression of corneal epithelial markers was influenced by the duration and method of co-culture. Indirect co-culture improved cellular migration and delayed senescence when treated after 3 and 5 days. hUC-MSC downregulated expression of HLA Class I and II in IFN-γ-stimulated human telomerase-immortalized corneal epithelial cells. Conclusion: hUC-MSC promote corneal epithelial growth and functions after treatment with hUC-MSC.

Background: A major characteristic of Candida biofilm cells that differentiates them from free-floating cells is their high tolerance to antifungal drugs. This high resistance is attributed to particular biofilm properties, including the accumulation of extrapolymeric substances, morphogenetic switching, and metabolic flexibility. Objectives: This study evaluated the roles of metabolic processes (in particular the glyoxylate cycle) on biofilm formation, antifungal drug resistance, morphology, and cell wall components. Methods: Growth, adhesion, biofilm formation, and cell wall carbohydrate composition were quantified for isogenic Candida albicans ICL1/ICL1, ICL1/icl1, and icl1/icl1 strains. The morphology and topography of these strains were compared by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. FKS1 (glucan synthase), ERG11 (14-α-demethylase), and CDR2 (efflux pump) mRNA levels were quantified using qRT-PCR. Results: The ICL1/icl1 and icl1/icl1 strains formed similar biofilms and exhibited analogous drug-tolerance levels to the control