About this Research Topic
Recent advancements in stem cell technologies, including extracellular matrix components and growth factors, have improved organoid growth and differentiation of 3D organoids. Coupled with novel microfabrication technologies, organ-on-chip, organ-on-plate and 3D-bioprinting technologies have emerged to generate complex organoids with more precise control over their architecture and composition. Moreover, microphysiologic organ systems have been created to incorporate multiple organoids into a more complex and physiologically relevant system to study the systemic effects of immune responses and infectious diseases on different organs.
To improve the organoid culture for high-throughput screening (e.g., drugs, biomarkers, pathogen-host interactions), functional organoids can be further miniaturized into a microscale format (microfluidic systems) for easy manipulation and real time analysis, yet providing precise control over the cellular microenvironment and real-time monitoring of the development and functionality of the organoids.
Because of its versatility, different organoids can be developed across tissues and animals species, enabling for instance researchers to investigate potential critical molecular mechanisms (e.g., differences and similarities, key molecular pathways and biomarkers) behind the immune response to different pathogens, including species-specific pathogens and zoonotic pathogens, and therefore to develop novel therapies. In addition, genetic engineering (i.e., CRISPR technologies) of organoids further enables researchers to modify and control the cell signaling pathways involved in immune responses in each species and its response to pathogens.
Overall, the use of organoids to study transcriptomic and proteomics components of the immune responses to infectious diseases has the potential to revolutionize the field of immunology and lead to new insights into disease pathogenesis and treatment. Organoid research has promising translational value for personalized human medicine and drug discovery. Further, organoids can be used comparatively as a way to test the safety and efficacy of xenotransplantation. Three dimensional cell cultures can advance our understanding of human diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and infectious diseases. However, more research is needed to optimize organoid cultures in various species and improve the scalability and reproducibility of these systems.
This Research Topic aims to attract cutting-edge science around organoid model systems and their immune response. We are interested in Original Research, Methods, Brief Research Report, Case Report, and General Commentary articles covering, but not limited to, the following research areas:
• Advancements in stem cell technologies
• 3D cell cultures - Organoids, ALI cultures, Microphysiologic organ systems, organ-on-chip, organ-on-plate, and 3D-bioprinting technologies
• Use of 3D cultures in studying host-specific immune responses and pathogen interactions
• Use of 3D cultures for high-throughput screening, genetic engineering (CRISPR technologies)
• Use of 3D cultures for studying the microbiome, virome, bacteria, virus, and fungus
• We also encourage researchers to report the negative outcomes in a well-designed study
Keywords: organoids, 3D cell cultures, infectious diseases, immune response, Microphysiologic organ systems, host-pathogen interactions, disease pathogenesis, transcriptomics, proteomics, organotypic cell culture
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