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Published on: March 23, 2022
Human organoid models to study SARS-CoV-2 infection
Yuling Han1, Liuliu Yang1, Lauretta A Lacko1
1Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is one of the deadliest pandemics in history. SARS-CoV-2 not only infects the respiratory tract, but also causes damage to many organs. Organoids, which can self-renew and recapitulate the various physiology of different organs, serve as powerful platforms to model COVID-19. In this Perspective, we overview the current effort to apply both human pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids and adult organoids to study SARS-CoV-2 tropism, host response and immune cell-mediated host damage, and perform drug discovery and vaccine development. We summarize the technologies used in organoid-based COVID-19 research, discuss the remaining challenges and provide future perspectives in the application of organoid models to study SARS-CoV-2 and future emerging viruses.
Insights
Organoids are powerful tools for studying COVID-19, modeling SARS-CoV-2 infection, host response, and aiding drug discovery. This perspective reviews organoid technologies and future applications for emerging viruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology and Stem Cell Biology
- Infectious Disease Modeling
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a significant global health crisis.
- SARS-CoV-2 affects multiple organs beyond the respiratory system.
- Organoids offer a unique in vitro system to mimic organ physiology and study complex diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of organoid applications in COVID-19 research.
- To discuss the use of organoids in understanding SARS-CoV-2 tropism and host responses.
- To highlight the role of organoids in drug discovery and vaccine development for COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing human pluripotent stem cell-derived and adult organoids.
- Modeling SARS-CoV-2 infection, host response, and immune-mediated damage in organoids.
- Summarizing current technologies in organoid-based COVID-19 research.
Main Results:
- Organoids effectively model SARS-CoV-2 infection across various organ systems.
- Organoid platforms facilitate the study of viral tropism and host immune responses.
- Organoid research aids in evaluating potential therapeutics and vaccine strategies.
Conclusions:
- Organoid technology is crucial for advancing COVID-19 research and understanding multi-organ effects.
- Continued development of organoid models will be vital for combating current and future viral pandemics.
- Organoids represent a promising platform for personalized medicine and drug screening against emerging infectious diseases.
