Generation of human tonsil epithelial organoids as an ex vivo model for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

ABSTRACT: The palatine tonsils (hereinafter referred to as "tonsils") serve as a reservoir for viral infections and play roles in the immune system's first line of defense. The aims of this study were to establish tonsil epithelial cell-derived organoids and examine their feasibility as an ex vivo model for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The tonsil organoids successfully recapitulated the key characteristics of the tonsil epithelium, including cellular composition, histologic properties, and biomarker distribution. Notably, the basal layer cells of the organoids express molecules essential for SARS-CoV-2 entry, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) and furin, being susceptible to the viral infection. Changes

SUBMITTER: Kim HK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8901203 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature