REACT-HopOn aims at enhancing the overarching goal of the REACT project, which seeks to deepen our understanding of the interactions between the human host and respiratory viral infections. The REACT project utilizes state-of-the-art technologies like single-cell sequencing, T-cell epitope mapping, T and B cell receptor sequencing, antibody functional assessment, and functional assays of blood T cells and nasal epithelial cells to model innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infections. What sets REACT-HopOn apart is its integration of lung-on-chip technology into REACT's in vitro modeling methods. Lung-on-chip systems use microfluidic technology to replicate the intricate architecture and cell interactions found in the lower respiratory tract. This addition allows for a more detailed examination of how the lower respiratory tract responds to viruses and enables the simulation of organ-level pathophysiology and tissue functionality beyond conventional culture systems. To achieve this, REACT-HopOn replicates multicellular architectures, tissue-tissue interfaces, chemical gradients, mechanical cues, and vascular perfusion. An innovative aspect is the use of human lung tissue fragments in creating lung-on-chip models, incorporating various stromal, innate, and adaptive immune cell types for a richer understanding of lung responses to respiratory viruses. One of the project's strengths is its partnership with the BSRC Fleming, which coordinates the BronchoBOC consortium focused on advancing organ-on-chip technology for drug screening, particularly in lung tumor research. This collaboration leverages advanced technology and expertise to bolster REACT-HopOn's goals. In summary, REACT-HopOn complements and enhances the REACT project's comprehensive approach to understanding the molecular interactions between respiratory viral infections and the human host. Its findings promise to provide critical insights into these complex diseases, offering enhanced modeling tools

Background: Acrylamide is a chemical formed in many commonly consumed foods and beverages. It is neurotoxic, crosses the placenta and has been associated with restriction of fetal growth in humans. In animals, acrylamide causes heritable mutations, tumors, developmental toxicity, reduced fertility and impaired growth. Therefore, the discovery of acrylamide in food in 2002 raised concern about human health effects worldwide. Still, epidemiological studies are limited and effects on health of prenatal exposure have never been evaluated. Research gaps: Epidemiological studies have mostly addressed exposure during adulthood, focused on cancer risk in adults, and relied on questionnaires entailing a high degree of exposure misclassification. Biomarker studies on prenatal exposure to acrylamide from diet are critically needed to improve exposure assessment and to determine whether acrylamide leads to major diseases later in life. Own results: I have first authored a prospective European study showing that prenatal exposure to acrylamide, estimated by measuring hemoglobin adducts in cord blood, was associated with fetal growth restriction, for the first time. Objectives: To determine the effects of prenatal exposure to acrylamide alone and in combination with other potentially toxic adduct-forming exposures on the health of children and young adults. Methods: Both well-established and innovative biomarker methods will be used for characterization of prenatal exposure to acrylamide and related toxicants in blood from pregnant women and their offspring in prospective cohort studies with long-term follow-up. Risk of neurological disorders, impaired cognition, disturbed reproductive function and metabolic outcomes such as obesity and diabetes will be evaluated. Perspectives: CHIPS project will provide a better understanding of the impact of prenatal exposure to acrylamide from diet on human health urgently needed for targeted strategies for the protection of the health.