3D Lung Tissue Models for Studies on SARS-CoV-2 Pathophysiology and Therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Infectious Diseases
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a significant global health threat with millions of deaths.
• Existing animal and cell culture models often fail to accurately replicate human responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• There is a critical need for advanced experimental models that precisely mimic human organ responses to SARS-CoV-2.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review emerging three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models for COVID-19 research.
• To highlight the utility of organoids and organs-on-chips in studying SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
• To discuss the application of these models in antiviral drug and vaccine development.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on 3D cell culture models for respiratory diseases.
• Focus on lung organoids and bioengineered organs-on-chips.
• Analysis of their application in studying viral infections, including coronaviruses.

Main Results:

• Lung airway, small airway, and alveolus organ chips show promise for studying lung responses to pathogens.
• These 3D models provide higher fidelity replication of human responses compared to traditional models.
• Organoids and organs-on-chips are valuable tools for COVID-19 pathogenesis research and drug testing.

Conclusions:

• Three-dimensional cell cultures represent crucial advancements for COVID-19 research.
• These models enhance the study of SARS-CoV-2 infection, drug efficacy, and vaccine development.
• Addressing limitations and improving these models will benefit future research on emerging epidemics.