Modeling Multi-organ Infection by SARS-CoV-2 Using Stem Cell Technology

SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing the current COVID-19 pandemic, primarily targets the airway epithelium and in lungs can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Clinical studies in recent months have revealed that COVID-19 is a multi-organ disease causing characteristic complications. Stem cell models of various organ systems-most prominently, lung, gut, heart, and brain-are at the forefront of studies aimed at understanding the role of direct infection in COVID-19 multi-organ dysfunction.