Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2026
Organoids as Model for Infectious Diseases: Culture of Human and Murine Stomach Organoids and Microinjection of Helicobacter Pylori
Published on: November 12, 2015
Organoid culture systems to study host-pathogen interactions
Devanjali Dutta1, Hans Clevers2
1Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University, Netherlands.
Abstract:
Recent advances in host-microbe interaction studies in organoid cultures have shown great promise and have laid the foundation for much more refined future studies using these systems. Modeling of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in cerebral organoids have helped us understand its association with microcephaly. Similarly, the pathogenesis of bacterial (Helicobacter pylori, Clostridium difficile) and viral (Norovirus, Rotaviruses) infections have been precisely dissected in organoid cultures. Additionally, direct associations between microbial colonization of tissues and diseases like cancer have also been deciphered. Here we discuss the most recent and striking studies on host-microbe interactions in organoid cultures, highlighting various methods which can be used for developing microbe-organoid co-culture systems.
Insights
Organoid cultures are revolutionizing host-microbe interaction research, aiding in understanding diseases like Zika virus-induced microcephaly and cancer. These models offer precise dissection of pathogen pathogenesis and microbial colonization effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Microbiology
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Organoid cultures represent a significant advancement in studying host-microbe interactions.
- These models provide a more refined system for investigating complex biological processes compared to traditional methods.
- Previous studies have utilized organoids to model viral infections, such as Zika virus (ZIKV), and their link to microcephaly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in host-microbe interaction studies utilizing organoid cultures.
- To highlight the application of organoids in dissecting the pathogenesis of various microbial infections.
- To discuss methods for developing microbe-organoid co-culture systems for future research.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on organoid-based host-microbe interaction studies.
- Analysis of methodologies employed in developing microbe-organoid co-culture systems.
- Case studies illustrating the use of organoids for modeling specific infections (e.g., ZIKV, H. pylori, C. difficile, Norovirus, Rotaviruses).
Main Results:
- Organoid models have successfully elucidated the mechanisms of Zika virus infection and its association with microcephaly.
- The pathogenesis of bacterial (Helicobacter pylori, Clostridium difficile) and viral (Norovirus, Rotaviruses) infections has been precisely dissected in organoid cultures.
- Organoid systems have revealed direct links between microbial colonization and diseases such as cancer.
Conclusions:
- Organoid cultures are powerful tools for advancing our understanding of host-microbe interactions and infectious diseases.
- These models facilitate the precise study of pathogen behavior and host responses in a controlled environment.
- The development of microbe-organoid co-culture systems holds significant promise for future research in infectious disease and oncology.
