BEAS-2B Cells

BEAS-2B is an immortalized cell line derived from the bronchial epithelium of a non-cancerous individual. This cell line was established by transforming human bronchial epithelial cells with an adenovirus 12-SV40 hybrid virus, which confers the cells with an extended lifespan while maintaining many of the morphological and functional characteristics typical of primary bronchial epithelial cells. BEAS-2B cells are widely used in respiratory disease research, particularly in studies related to the toxicological and pharmacological effects of inhalable substances, owing to their origin from the airway epithelium. The cell line exhibits a cobblestone morphology when cultured and retains certain critical features, such as the ability to metabolize xenobiotic compounds, making them highly relevant for studies on drug metabolism and respiratory toxicology. They have also been employed extensively in studies exploring cellular mechanisms of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer. BEAS-2B cells respond predictably to cytokines, oxidative stress, and other stimuli typical of respiratory tract exposure to environmental agents. This makes them a valuable model for studying inflammation and oxidative stress mechanisms in pulmonary cells. As a tool in biomedical research, BEAS-2B cells are also frequently used to assess carcinogenic potential of airborne particles, where they serve as a model to understand the changes in airway epithelial cells following exposure to carcinogens. Their genetic makeup and susceptibility to genetic manipulation further enhance their utility in molecular biology experiments aimed at understanding gene expression and signaling pathways involved in lung diseases and cancer development.