A Single-Cell Atlas of the Human Healthy Airways

Abstract Rationale The respiratory tract constitutes an elaborate line of defense that is based on a unique cellular ecosystem. Objectives We aimed to investigate cell population distributions and transcriptional changes along the airways by using single-cell RNA profiling. Methods We have explored the cellular heterogeneity of the human airway epithelium in 10 healthy living volunteers by single-cell RNA profiling. A total of 77,969 cells were collected at 35 distinct locations, from the nose to the 12th division of the airway tree. Measurements and Main Results The resulting atlas is composed of a high percentage of epithelial cells (89.1%) but also immune (6.2%) and stromal (4.7%) cells with distinct…