Organoid Technology and the COVID Pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 is caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has emerged as a devastating pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 not only causes respiratory illness but also leads to impairment of multi-organ function. Scientists are racing to evaluate a range of experimental therapeutics to target COVID-19 systemically. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are accelerating global research priorities to mobilize innovation towards diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines against COVID-19. In this scenario, information about appropriate organ-specific physiologically relevant models is critical to generate knowledge about the pathophysiology and therapeutic targeting of COVID-19. Human and animal organoids are providing a unique platform, demonstrating their applicability for experimental virology. This review provides a brief analysis of the available organoid models used to study and device strategies to combat COVID-19.