Developing a 3D intestinal epithelium model for livestock species

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• In vitro 3D intestinal epithelium culture is crucial for functional studies.
• Rodent and human organoid models exist, but large animal models are lacking.
• Livestock enteric and zoonotic diseases cause significant animal and human health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a livestock species-specific intestinal organoid model.
• To investigate host-pathogen interactions in bovine and porcine models.
• To create a renewable resource for studying enteric diseases.

Main Methods:

• Bovine and porcine jejunum crypts were isolated and cultured in Matrigel.
• Organoids were cryopreserved and resuscitated.
• Epithelial cell characteristics were analyzed using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy.
• Organoids were infected with Toxoplasma gondii and Salmonella typhimurium.

Main Results:

• Successful development and culture of bovine and porcine intestinal organoids.
• Demonstrated organoid growth from crypts through budding and enlargement.
• Confirmed epithelial cell differentiation within the organoids.
• Organoids supported infection by Toxoplasma gondii and Salmonella typhimurium.

Conclusions:

• A novel 3D intestinal organoid model was established for livestock species.
• This model provides a valuable tool for studying species-specific enteric infections.
• The organoid system offers a renewable resource for research on host-pathogen dynamics and disease responses.