Mpox virus replicates in lung organoids without significantly affecting their cellular function

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Organoid Technology

Background:

• Mpox virus (MPXV) infection can cause respiratory symptoms.
• MPXV genome detected in throat swabs suggests potential respiratory tract involvement.
• Understanding MPXV's effect on the respiratory system is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of MPXV infection on lung organoids.
• To evaluate viral replication and host response in the respiratory system.
• To determine if MPXV infection alters lung organoid cellular function.

Main Methods:

• Utilized human lung organoids as a model system.
• Inoculated organoids with MPXV.
• Assessed viral replication via genome quantification.
• Analyzed histological changes using H&E staining.
• Evaluated host response using RNA-sequencing and cytokine analysis.

Main Results:

• High levels of MPXV genomes accumulated within lung organoid cells.
• No significant histological differences observed between infected and uninfected organoids.
• MPXV infection did not significantly alter lung marker gene expression.
• No significant changes in the production of key proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-β) were detected.

Conclusions:

• MPXV replicates efficiently in lung organoids.
• MPXV infection does not substantially impair lung organoid cellular function.
• MPXV does not induce a significant proinflammatory cytokine response in this model.
• Lung organoids serve as a valuable model for studying MPXV-respiratory tract interactions.