Are the Organoid Models an Invaluable Contribution to ZIKA Virus Research?

Pathogens

Pasquale Marrazzo¹  Claudia Nastasi²  Monica Cricca³ 

[1] Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Cancer Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy;Section of Microbiology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;

关键词: organoids;    cellular microbiology;    organotypic;    3D cell model;    tissue engineering models;    in vitro models;   

DOI  :  10.3390/pathogens10101233

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

In order to prevent new pathogen outbreaks and avoid possible new global health threats, it is important to study the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, screen new antiviral agents and test new vaccines using the best methods. In the last decade, organoids have provided a groundbreaking opportunity for modeling pathogen infections in human brains, including Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. ZIKV is a member of the Flavivirus genus, and it is recognized as an emerging infectious agent and a serious threat to global health. Organoids are 3D complex cellular models that offer an in-scale organ that is physiologically alike to the original one, useful for exploring the mechanisms behind pathogens infection; additionally, organoids integrate data generated in vitro with traditional tools and often support those obtained in vivo with animal model. In this mini-review the value of organoids for ZIKV research is examined and sustained by the most recent literature. Within a 3D viewpoint, tissue engineered models are proposed as future biological systems to help in deciphering pathogenic processes and evaluate preventive and therapeutic strategies against ZIKV. The next steps in this field constitute a challenge that may protect people and future generations from severe brain defects.

【 授权许可】

Unknown