https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2026.154481
Francesca Carlotta Passoni 1, Martina Iulini 1, Gloria Melzi 1, Filippo Liviero 2, Marina Marinovich 1, Emanuela Corsini 1, Valentina Galbiati 1
1 Laboratory of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
2 Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
Occupational allergic asthma is a critical health concern, yet traditional testing methods often rely on animal models that may not accurately reflect human pathology. In a new study published in Toxicology, researchers from the University of Milan have successfully used a human-cell-based ALI model to decode the molecular pathways underlying this condition.
By utilizing a VITROCELL Cloud Alpha exposure system, the team simulated real-world inhalation of industrial sensitizers to identify unique miRNA fingerprints. These miRNAs act as key regulatory switches for inflammation and oxidative stress. This advancement offers a robust, animal-free framework for the regulatory screening of chemicals, providing the precision needed to protect workers from respiratory sensitization before symptoms arise.
