Applications of Brain Organoids for Infectious Diseases

Brain organoids are self-organized three-dimensional aggregates generated from pluripotent stem cells. They exhibit complex cell diversities and organized architectures that resemble human brain development ranging from neural tube formation, neuroepithelium differentiation, neurogenesis and gliogenesis, to neu-ral circuit formation. Rapid advancements in brain organoid culture technologies have allowed research -ers to generate more accurate models of human brain development and neurological diseases. These models also allow for direct investigation of pathological processes associated with infectious diseases affecting the nervous system. In this review, we first briefly summarize recent advancements in brain orga-noid methodologies and neurodevelopmental processes that can be effectively modeled by brain orga-noids. We then focus on applications of brain organoids to investigate the pathogenesis of neurotropic viral infection. Finally, we discuss limitations of the current brain organoid methodologies as well as appli-cations of other organ specific organoids in the infectious disease research.(c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This article introduces the definition, characteristics, and applications of brain organoids, with a focus on their application in the study of neurotropic viral infections.