Work

Organoids Gone Viral: A Comprehensive Review on Human Organoid Models to Study Viral Pathogenesis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Organoid technology has transformed experimental virology by offering physiologically relevant 3D human models that bridge the gap between conventional 2D cell cultures and complex in vivo systems. Derived from pluripotent or adult stem cells, organoids self-organize into multicellular structures that recapitulate native tissue architecture and function, enabling more accurate modeling of host-virus interactions and disease mechanisms. This review outlines the evolution and application of organoid-based systems across neural, intestinal, hepatic, pulmonary, and renal tissues for studying a broad range of human viruses that remain a public health burden. These models can reproduce viral tropism, immune signaling, and host variability, offering new molecular insights into infection dynamics. Integration with single-cell transcriptomics, CRISPR editing, and antiviral screening has expanded the translational utility of organoids, establishing them as a powerful platform for antiviral discovery, vaccine testing, and precision medicine.

Source: Viruses

DOI: 10.3390/v18020238

Authors: N. S. Suneesh, Parikshit Bagchi, Anupam Mukherjee

Institutions: ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Washington University in St. Louis

Language: English

Topic: Pluripotent Stem Cells Research

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137