Jennifer Barrila

Abstract Spaceflight uniquely alters the physiology of both human cells and microbial pathogens, stimulating cellular and molecular changes directly relevant to infectious disease. However, the influence of this environment on host–pathogen interactions remains poorly understood.

INTRODUCTIONMucosal surfaces lining the gastrointestinal, respiratory and urogenital tracts continuously interface with the external environment and serve as a barrier against pathogens, commensals, chemicals, drugs, and toxins. These tissues possess a complex architecture with multiple cell types organized into three-dimensional (3-D) structures that facilitate tissue-specific functions.

An improved understanding of the transition between normal intestinal homeostasis and disease caused by enteric pathogens will be facilitated by development of organotypic intestinal cell culture models that mimic the 3-D architecture and multicellular complexity present in the parental tissue in vivo.