BALB/c Mouse Tracheal Epithelial Cells

Description

BALB/c mouse tracheal epithelial cells (MTECs) are primary epithelial cells derived from the trachea of healthy BALB/c mice, a commonly used inbred strain in immunological, allergen response research and the BALB/c mice immune system. These cells exhibit classic cobblestone morphology and retain the capacity to differentiate into functional airway epithelial cell types, including basal, ciliated, and secretory cells, especially under air-liquid interface (ALI) culture. BALB/c MTECs express key markers such as cytokeratin 5 (Krt5), acetylated tubulin, MUC5AC, and SCGB1A1 (Club cell marker). They serve as an immunologically relevant model for investigating respiratory inflammation, mucosal barrier function, and epithelial–immune crosstalk in allergic airway diseases like asthma. Their robust cytokine responsiveness and reproducible differentiation profiles make them essential for mechanistic studies and drug screening.