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Histopathological features of SARS-CoV-2 infection and relationships with organoid technology
1Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) following infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic that is still having serious effects worldwide. This virus, which targets the lungs in particular, can also damage other tissues. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) plays a key role in viral entry into host cells. The presence of ACE-2 in various tissues may permit viral infection. Studies of COVID-19 often make use of postmortem tissues. Although this information provides various useful results, it is also necessary to conduct in vitro studies to understand optimal treatment approaches. Because the virus may show species-specific differences, in vitro technologies using human cells are particularly important. Organoid technologies, three-dimensional structures that can be obtained from human cells, are playing increasingly important roles in studies of SARS-CoV-2. This technology offers a significant advantage in terms of mimicking in vivo tissue structures and testing antiviral compounds. In this mini-review, we summarize studies of SARS-CoV-2 using both histopathological and organoid technology approaches.
Insights
This review explores how histopathology and organoid technology aid in understanding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. These methods help study the virus
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to a global pandemic with widespread health consequences.
- While SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects the lungs, it can also impact other organs, with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) facilitating viral entry into host cells.
- Postmortem histopathological studies offer insights into COVID-19, but in vitro models are crucial for understanding species-specific viral behavior and developing treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize research on SARS-CoV-2 utilizing both histopathological and organoid technology approaches.
- To highlight the importance of in vitro human cell-based studies for understanding viral mechanisms and testing antiviral therapies.
- To emphasize the utility of organoid technology in mimicking in vivo tissue structures for SARS-CoV-2 research.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on SARS-CoV-2 studies employing histopathological analysis of tissues.
- Analysis of studies utilizing organoid technology, which involves three-dimensional human cell structures, to model SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Comparison of findings from histopathological and organoid-based research to assess their respective contributions to understanding COVID-19.
Main Results:
- Histopathological studies provide valuable data on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 in various human tissues.
- Organoid technology offers a promising in vitro model that closely mimics in vivo tissue architecture, enabling detailed study of viral interactions and pathogenesis.
- Both approaches are essential for a comprehensive understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection and for evaluating the efficacy of potential antiviral treatments.
Conclusions:
- Histopathology and organoid technology are complementary tools for advancing SARS-CoV-2 research.
- Organoid models are particularly valuable for their ability to replicate human tissue environments, facilitating the development of targeted antiviral strategies.
- Further integration of these methodologies will be key to combating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and preparing for future viral threats.
