induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can be differentiated into various cell types, including airway epithelial cells, since they have the capacity for self-renewal and pluripotency. Thus, airway epithelial cells generated from iPS cells are expected to be potent candidates for use in airway regeneration and the treatment of airway diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Recently, it was reported that iPS cells can be differentiated into airway epithelial cells according to the airway developmental process. These studies demonstrate that airway epithelial cells generated from iPS cells are equivalent to their in vivo counterparts. However, it has not been evaluated in detail whether these cells exhibit physiological functions and are fully mature. Airway epithelial cells adequately control water volume on the airway surface via the function of Cl⁻ channels. Reasonable environments on the airway surface cause ciliary movement with a constant rhythm and maintain airway clearance. Therefore, the generation of functional airway epithelial cells/tissues with Cl⁻ channel function from iPS cells will be indispensable for cell/tissue replacement therapy, the development of a reliable airway disease model, and the treatment of airway disease. This review highlights the generation of functional airway epithelial cells from iPS cells and discusses the remaining challenges to the generation of functional airway epithelial cells for airway regeneration and the treatment of airway disease.

诱导的多能干（iPS）细胞可以分化为多种细胞类型，包括气道上皮细胞，因为它们具有自我更新和多能的能力。因此，预期从iPS细胞产生的气道上皮细胞是用于气道再生和治疗气道疾病如囊性纤维化（CF）的有效候选者。最近，据报道，iPS细胞可以根据气道发育过程分化为气道上皮细胞。这些研究表明，从iPS细胞生成的气道上皮细胞与其体内对应物相同。但是，尚未详细评估这些细胞是否具有生理功能并完全成熟。气道上皮细胞通过Cl的功能充分控制气道表面的水量⁻频道。气道表面的合理环境会导致睫毛运动以恒定的节奏并保持气道间隙。因此，功能性气道上皮细胞/有Cl组织的生成^-通道功能由iPS细胞将是细胞/组织替代疗法，有可靠的气道疾病模型的发展，及气道疾病的治疗中是必不可少的。这篇综述着重介绍了从iPS细胞生成功能性气道上皮细胞的方法，并讨论了用于功能性气道上皮细胞的生成对气道再生和气道疾病治疗的挑战。