Human organoid models to study SARS-CoV-2 infection

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. This Perspective discusses the use of organoid technology, its current limitations and unmet needs in the context of SARS-CoV-2 research.

Automated summary

Organoid models provide a powerful tool for studying COVID-19, including SARS-CoV-2 tropism, host response, drug discovery, and vaccine development. However, there are remaining challenges and unmet needs in the context of SARS-CoV-2 research using organoid technology.