The Organoid Platform

Many pathogenic viruses that affect man display species specificity, limiting the use of animal models. Studying viral biology and identifying potential treatments therefore benefits from the development of in vitro cell systems that closely mimic human physiology. In the current COVID-19 pandemic, rapid scientific insights are of the utmost importance to limit its impact on public health and society. Organoids are emerging as versatile tools to progress the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 biology and to aid in the quest for novel treatments.
In this work Beumer, Clevers, and colleagues review the current state of affairs of ASC- and iPSC-derived organoids in fighting the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. To limit the impact of this pandemic, rapid scientific insights are crucial. Organoids closely resemble human physiology, and are emerging for studying viral biology and to identify potential treatments for current and future pandemics.