Protocol for generating and characterizing a nasal epithelial model using imaging with application for respiratory viruses

Air-liquid interface (ALI) culture can differentiate airway epithelial cells to recapitulate the respiratory tract in vitro. Here, we present a protocol for isolating and culturing nasal epithelial cells from turbinate tissues for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We describe steps to overcome challenges of imaging fragile cultures, detect the production of mucus, and quantify intracellular virus post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. We present data on the optimal duration of ALI maturation prior to experimentation and describe which steps can be altered to optimize testing of specific hypotheses.