1
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Narasipura SD, Zayas JP, Ash MK, Reyes A, Shull T, Gambut S, Schneider JR, Lorenzo-Redondo R, Al-Harthi L, Mamede JI. HIV-1 infection promotes neuroinflammation and neuron pathogenesis in novel microglia-containing cerebral organoids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.13.598579. [PMID: 38915632 PMCID: PMC11195220 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.13.598579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral organoids (COs) are a valuable tool to study the intricate interplay between glial cells and neurons in brain development and disease, including HIV-associated neuroinflammation. We developed a novel approach to generate microglia containing COs (CO-iMs) by co-culturing hematopoietic progenitors and induced pluripotent stem cells. This approach allowed for the differentiation of microglia within the organoids concomitantly to the neuronal progenitors. CO- iMs exhibited higher efficiency in generation of CD45 + /CD11b + /Iba-1 + microglia cells compared to conventional COs with physiologically relevant proportion of microglia (∼7%). CO-iMs exhibited substantially higher expression of microglial homeostatic and sensome markers as well as markers for the complement cascade. CO-iMs showed susceptibility to HIV infection resulting in a significant increase in several pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and compromised neuronal function, which were abrogated by addition of antiretrovirals. Thus, CO-iM is a robust model to decipher neuropathogenesis, neurological disorders, and viral infections of brain cells in a 3D culture system.
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2
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Capendale PE, García-Rodríguez I, Ambikan AT, Mulder LA, Depla JA, Freeze E, Koen G, Calitz C, Sood V, Vieira de Sá R, Neogi U, Pajkrt D, Sridhar A, Wolthers KC. Parechovirus infection in human brain organoids: host innate inflammatory response and not neuro-infectivity correlates to neurologic disease. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2532. [PMID: 38514653 PMCID: PMC10958052 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46634-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Picornaviruses are a leading cause of central nervous system (CNS) infections. While genotypes such as parechovirus A3 (PeV-A3) and echovirus 11 (E11) can elicit severe neurological disease, the highly prevalent PeV-A1 is not associated with CNS disease. Here, we expand our current understanding of these differences in PeV-A CNS disease using human brain organoids and clinical isolates of the two PeV-A genotypes. Our data indicate that PeV-A1 and A3 specific differences in neurological disease are not due to infectivity of CNS cells as both viruses productively infect brain organoids with a similar cell tropism. Proteomic analysis shows that PeV-A infection significantly alters the host cell metabolism. The inflammatory response following PeV-A3 (and E11 infection) is significantly more potent than that upon PeV-A1 infection. Collectively, our findings align with clinical observations and suggest a role for neuroinflammation, rather than viral replication, in PeV-A3 (and E11) infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela E Capendale
- OrganoVIR Labs, Emma Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam Institute for Reproduction and Development, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Inés García-Rodríguez
- OrganoVIR Labs, Emma Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam Institute for Reproduction and Development, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anoop T Ambikan
- The Systems Virology Lab, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, ANA Futura, Campus Flemingsberg, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lance A Mulder
- OrganoVIR Labs, Emma Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam Institute for Reproduction and Development, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Josse A Depla
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- UniQure Biopharma B.V., Department of Research & Development, Paasheuvelweg 25A, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eline Freeze
- OrganoVIR Labs, Emma Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam Institute for Reproduction and Development, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Koen
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlemi Calitz
- OrganoVIR Labs, Emma Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam Institute for Reproduction and Development, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vikas Sood
- The Systems Virology Lab, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, ANA Futura, Campus Flemingsberg, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Renata Vieira de Sá
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Systems Virology Lab, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, ANA Futura, Campus Flemingsberg, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ujjwal Neogi
- The Systems Virology Lab, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, ANA Futura, Campus Flemingsberg, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dasja Pajkrt
- OrganoVIR Labs, Emma Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam Institute for Reproduction and Development, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adithya Sridhar
- OrganoVIR Labs, Emma Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam Institute for Reproduction and Development, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katja C Wolthers
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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3
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Egilmezer E, Hamilton ST, Foster CSP, Marschall M, Rawlinson WD. Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) dysregulates neurodevelopmental pathways in cerebral organoids. Commun Biol 2024; 7:340. [PMID: 38504123 PMCID: PMC10951402 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05923-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading non-genetic aetiology of congenital malformation in developed countries, causing significant fetal neurological injury. This study investigated potential CMV pathogenetic mechanisms of fetal neural malformation using in vitro human cerebral organoids. Cerebral organoids were permissive to CMV replication, and infection dysregulated cellular pluripotency and differentiation pathways. Aberrant expression of dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinases (DYRK), sonic hedgehog (SHH), pluripotency, neurodegeneration, axon guidance, hippo signalling and dopaminergic synapse pathways were observed in CMV-infected organoids using immunofluorescence and RNA-sequencing. Infection with CMV resulted in dysregulation of 236 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)-related genes (p = 1.57E-05) and pathways. This notable observation suggests potential links between congenital CMV infection and ASD. Using DisGeNET databases, 103 diseases related to neural malformation or mental disorders were enriched in CMV-infected organoids. Cytomegalovirus infection-related dysregulation of key cerebral cellular pathways potentially provides important, modifiable pathogenetic mechanisms for congenital CMV-induced neural malformation and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Egilmezer
- Serology and Virology Division, Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Medical Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Stuart T Hamilton
- Serology and Virology Division, Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Charles S P Foster
- Serology and Virology Division, Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Medical Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - William D Rawlinson
- Serology and Virology Division, Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
- School of Medical Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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4
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Smirnova L, Hartung T. The Promise and Potential of Brain Organoids. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2302745. [PMID: 38252094 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Brain organoids are 3D in vitro culture systems derived from human pluripotent stem cells that self-organize to model features of the (developing) human brain. This review examines the techniques behind organoid generation, their current and potential applications, and future directions for the field. Brain organoids possess complex architecture containing various neural cell types, synapses, and myelination. They have been utilized for toxicology testing, disease modeling, infection studies, personalized medicine, and gene-environment interaction studies. An emerging concept termed Organoid Intelligence (OI) combines organoids with artificial intelligence systems to generate learning and memory, with the goals of modeling cognition and enabling biological computing applications. Brain organoids allow neuroscience studies not previously achievable with traditional techniques, and have the potential to transform disease modeling, drug development, and the understanding of human brain development and disorders. The aspirational vision of OI parallels the origins of artificial intelligence, and efforts are underway to map a roadmap toward its realization. In summary, brain organoids constitute a disruptive technology that is rapidly advancing and gaining traction across multiple disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Smirnova
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Bloomberg School of Public Health and Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Bloomberg School of Public Health and Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78464, Konstanz, BW, Germany
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5
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Adelman JW, Rosas-Rogers S, Schumacher ML, Mokry RL, Terhune SS, Ebert AD. Human cytomegalovirus induces significant structural and functional changes in terminally differentiated human cortical neurons. mBio 2023; 14:e0225123. [PMID: 37966250 PMCID: PMC10746155 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02251-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a highly prevalent viral pathogen that can cause serious neurological deficits in infants experiencing an in utero infection. Also, as a life-long infection, HCMV has been associated with several diseases in the adult brain. HCMV is known to infect early neural progenitor cells, but whether it also infects terminally differentiated neurons is still debated. Here, we differentiated human-induced pluripotent stem cells into neurons for 84-120 days to test the ability of HCMV to infect terminally differentiated neurons and assess the downstream functional consequences. We discovered that mature human neurons are highly permissive to HCMV infection, exhibited late replication hallmarks, and produced infectious virus. Moreover, infection in terminally differentiated neurons essentially eliminated neuron function. These results demonstrate that terminally differentiated human neurons are permissive to HCMV infection, which can significantly alter both structural and functional features of this mature neuron population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob W. Adelman
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Suzette Rosas-Rogers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Megan L. Schumacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rebekah L. Mokry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Scott S. Terhune
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Allison D. Ebert
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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6
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O'Brien BS, Mokry RL, Schumacher ML, Rosas-Rogers S, Terhune SS, Ebert AD. Neutralizing antibodies with neurotropic factor treatment maintain neurodevelopmental gene expression upon exposure to human cytomegalovirus. J Virol 2023; 97:e0069623. [PMID: 37796129 PMCID: PMC10653813 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00696-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is the leading cause of non-heritable birth defects worldwide. HCMV readily infects the early progenitor cell population of the developing brain, and we have found that infection leads to significantly downregulated expression of key neurodevelopmental transcripts. Currently, there are no approved therapies to prevent or mitigate the effects of congenital HCMV infection. Therefore, we used human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids and neural progenitor cells to elucidate the glycoproteins and receptors used in the viral entry process and whether antibody neutralization was sufficient to block viral entry and prevent disruption of neurodevelopmental gene expression. We found that blocking viral entry alone was insufficient to maintain the expression of key neurodevelopmental genes, but neutralization combined with neurotrophic factor treatment provided robust protection. Together, these studies offer novel insight into mechanisms of HCMV infection in neural tissues, which may aid future therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S. O'Brien
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rebekah L. Mokry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Megan L. Schumacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Suzette Rosas-Rogers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Scott S. Terhune
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Allison D. Ebert
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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7
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Li J, Wang J, Wang H. Emerging Landscape of Preclinical Models for Studying COVID-19 Neurologic Diseases. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1323-1339. [PMID: 37854617 PMCID: PMC10580392 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and has globally infected 768 million people and caused over 6 million deaths. COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system but increasing reports of neurologic symptoms associated with COVID-19 have been reported in the literature. The exact mechanism behind COVID-19 neurologic pathophysiology remains poorly understood due to difficulty quantifying clinical neurologic symptoms in humans and correlating them to findings in human post-mortem samples and animal models. Thus, robust preclinical experimental models for COVID-19 neurologic manifestations are urgently needed. Here, we review recent advances in in vitro, in vivo, and other models and technologies for studying COVID-19 including primary cell cultures, pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons and organoids, rodents, nonhuman primates, 3D bioprinting, artificial intelligence, and multiomics. We specifically focus our discussion on the contribution, recent advancements, and limitations these preclinical models have on furthering our understanding of COVID-19's neuropathic physiology. We also discuss these models' roles in the screening and development of therapeutics, vaccines, antiviral drugs, and herbal medicine, and on future opportunities for COVID-19 neurologic research and clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Li
- Department
of Neurology, Indiana University School
of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - Jing Wang
- Department
of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University
of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Hu Wang
- Institute
of Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore 21215, United States
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8
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Barreras P, Pamies D, Hartung T, Pardo CA. Human brain microphysiological systems in the study of neuroinfectious disorders. Exp Neurol 2023; 365:114409. [PMID: 37061175 PMCID: PMC10205672 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS) are 2D or 3D multicellular constructs able to mimic tissue microenvironments. The latest models encompass a range of techniques, including co-culturing of various cell types, utilization of scaffolds and extracellular matrix materials, perfusion systems, 3D culture methods, 3D bioprinting, organ-on-a-chip technology, and examination of tissue structures. Several human brain 3D cultures or brain MPS (BMPS) have emerged in the last decade. These organoids or spheroids are 3D culture systems derived from induced pluripotent cells or embryonic stem cells that contain neuronal and glial populations and recapitulate structural and physiological aspects of the human brain. BMPS have been introduced recently in the study and modeling of neuroinfectious diseases and have proven to be useful in establishing neurotropism of viral infections, cell-pathogen interactions needed for infection, assessing cytopathological effects, genomic and proteomic profiles, and screening therapeutic compounds. Here we review the different methodologies of organoids used in neuroinfectious diseases including spheroids, guided and unguided protocols as well as microglia and blood-brain barrier containing models, their specific applications, and limitations. The review provides an overview of the models existing for specific infections including Zika, Dengue, JC virus, Japanese encephalitis, measles, herpes, SARS-CoV2, and influenza viruses among others, and provide useful concepts in the modeling of disease and antiviral agent screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Barreras
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - David Pamies
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA; CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Carlos A Pardo
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
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9
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Palma S, Forli F, Rossi C, Filice R, D'adamo C, Roversi MF, Monzani D, Lorenzoni F, Botti C, Berrettini S, Bruschini L, Berardi A, Genovese E, Canelli R. The Audiological Follow-Up of Children with Symptomatic Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: An Experience in Two Italian Centers. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1136. [PMID: 37508638 PMCID: PMC10378266 DOI: 10.3390/children10071136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the leading cause of non-hereditary sensorineural hearing loss in children. While about 10% of children reportedly display symptoms at birth, 85-90% of cCMV infection cases are asymptomatic. However, 10-15% of these asymptomatic infants may later develop hearing, visual, or neurodevelopmental impairments. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cCMV infection on newborns' hearing function with a particular emphasis on progressive and late-onset cases. METHODS This study is a retrospective chart analysis with longitudinal character and was conducted in two Italian centers: Center 1 (from 1 November 2007 to 31 December 2021) and Center 2 (from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2021). Data collected included newborn hearing screening results, characterization of hearing loss (unilateral/bilateral, degree of impairment), and audiological follow-up. RESULTS The cohort consisted of 103 children (42% males, 58% females). In total, 28 children presented with hearing impairment; 71.4% (20 out of 28) of the cases of hearing loss were severe/profound, with 35.7% of the cases due to unilateral hearing loss. Out of twenty-eight, six experienced progression of hearing loss and four had late-onset hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS In the absence of universal cCMV screening, hearing screening at birth for cCMV remains a critical factor for early diagnosis. A significant percentage of children affected by cCMV with normal audiological evaluations at birth is easily lost to follow-up. Close collaboration between neonatologists, pediatricians, and audiological services is fundamental to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of cCMV-related hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Palma
- Audiology, Primary Care Department, AUSL of Modena, 41100 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Forli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Rossi
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Riccardo Filice
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Concetta D'adamo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Federica Roversi
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Monzani
- ENT, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, University of Verona, Borgo Roma Hospital, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Lorenzoni
- Division of Neonatology and NICU, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Botti
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 21124 Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Berrettini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Bruschini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Berardi
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Genovese
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Rachele Canelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 56121 Pisa, Italy
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10
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D'Antoni C, Mautone L, Sanchini C, Tondo L, Grassmann G, Cidonio G, Bezzi P, Cordella F, Di Angelantonio S. Unlocking Neural Function with 3D In Vitro Models: A Technical Review of Self-Assembled, Guided, and Bioprinted Brain Organoids and Their Applications in the Study of Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10762. [PMID: 37445940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the complexities of the human brain and its associated disorders poses a significant challenge in neuroscience. Traditional research methods have limitations in replicating its intricacies, necessitating the development of in vitro models that can simulate its structure and function. Three-dimensional in vitro models, including organoids, cerebral organoids, bioprinted brain models, and functionalized brain organoids, offer promising platforms for studying human brain development, physiology, and disease. These models accurately replicate key aspects of human brain anatomy, gene expression, and cellular behavior, enabling drug discovery and toxicology studies while providing insights into human-specific phenomena not easily studied in animal models. The use of human-induced pluripotent stem cells has revolutionized the generation of 3D brain structures, with various techniques developed to generate specific brain regions. These advancements facilitate the study of brain structure development and function, overcoming previous limitations due to the scarcity of human brain samples. This technical review provides an overview of current 3D in vitro models of the human cortex, their development, characterization, and limitations, and explores the state of the art and future directions in the field, with a specific focus on their applications in studying neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara D'Antoni
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Mautone
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Sanchini
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Tondo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Greta Grassmann
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Cidonio
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bezzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Federica Cordella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
- D-Tails s.r.l., 00165 Rome, Italy
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11
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Kilpatrick S, Irwin C, Singh KK. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) and organoid models of autism: opportunities and limitations. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:217. [PMID: 37344450 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02510-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder caused by genetic or environmental perturbations during early development. Diagnoses are dependent on the identification of behavioral abnormalities that likely emerge well after the disorder is established, leaving critical developmental windows uncharacterized. This is further complicated by the incredible clinical and genetic heterogeneity of the disorder that is not captured in most mammalian models. In recent years, advancements in stem cell technology have created the opportunity to model ASD in a human context through the use of pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which can be used to generate 2D cellular models as well as 3D unguided- and region-specific neural organoids. These models produce profoundly intricate systems, capable of modeling the developing brain spatiotemporally to reproduce key developmental milestones throughout early development. When complemented with multi-omics, genome editing, and electrophysiology analysis, they can be used as a powerful tool to profile the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this complex disorder. In this review, we will explore the recent advancements in hPSC-based modeling, discuss present and future applications of the model to ASD research, and finally consider the limitations and future directions within the field to make this system more robust and broadly applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah Kilpatrick
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Courtney Irwin
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karun K Singh
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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12
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Ijezie EC, O'Dowd JM, Kuan MI, Faeth AR, Fortunato EA. HCMV Infection Reduces Nidogen-1 Expression, Contributing to Impaired Neural Rosette Development in Brain Organoids. J Virol 2023; 97:e0171822. [PMID: 37125912 PMCID: PMC10231252 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01718-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a leading cause of birth defects in humans. These birth defects include microcephaly, sensorineural hearing loss, vision loss, and cognitive impairment. The process by which the developing fetus incurs these neurological defects is poorly understood. To elucidate some of these mechanisms, we have utilized HCMV-infected induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate in vitro brain organoids, modeling the first trimester of fetal brain development. Early during culturing, brain organoids generate neural rosettes. These structures are believed to model neural tube formation. Rosette formation was analyzed in HCMV-infected and mock-infected brain organoids at 17, 24, and 31 days postinfection. Histological analysis revealed fewer neural rosettes in HCMV-infected compared to mock-infected organoids. HCMV-infected organoid rosettes incurred multiple structural deficits, including increased lumen area, decreased ventricular zone depth, and decreased cell count. Immunofluorescent (IF) analysis found that nidogen-1 (NID1) protein expression in the basement membrane surrounding neural rosettes was greatly reduced by virus infection. IF analysis also identified a similar downregulation of laminin in basement membranes of HCMV-infected organoid rosettes. Knockdown of NID1 alone in brain organoids impaired their development, leading to the production of rosettes with increased lumen area, decreased structural integrity, and reduced laminin localization in the basement membrane, paralleling observations in HCMV-infected organoids. Our data strongly suggest that HCMV-induced downregulation of NID1 impairs neural rosette formation and integrity, likely contributing to many of HCMV's most severe birth defects. IMPORTANCE HCMV infection in pregnant women continues to be the leading cause of virus-induced neurologic birth defects. The mechanism through which congenital HCMV (cCMV) infection induces pathological changes to the developing fetal central nervous system (CNS) remains unclear. Our lab previously reproduced identified clinical defects in HCMV-infected infants using a three dimensional (3D) brain organoid model. In this new study, we have striven to discover very early HCMV-induced changes in developing brain organoids. We investigated the development of neural tube-like structures, neural rosettes. HCMV-infected rosettes displayed multiple structural abnormalities and cell loss. HCMV-infected rosettes displayed reduced expression of the key basement membrane protein, NID1. We previously found NID1 to be specifically targeted in HCMV-infected fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Brain organoids generated from NID1 knockdown iPSCs recapitulated the structural defects observed in HCMV-infected rosettes. Findings in this study revealed HCMV infection induced early and dramatic structural changes in 3D brain organoids. We believe our results suggest a major role for infection-induced NID1 downregulation in HCMV-induced CNS birth defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel C. Ijezie
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - John M. O'Dowd
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Man I Kuan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Alexandra R. Faeth
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Fortunato
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
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13
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Piccirilli G, Gabrielli L, Bonasoni MP, Chiereghin A, Turello G, Borgatti EC, Simonazzi G, Felici S, Leone M, Salfi NCM, Santini D, Lazzarotto T. Fetal Brain Damage in Human Fetuses with Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Histological Features and Viral Tropism. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:1385-1399. [PMID: 35933637 PMCID: PMC10006254 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01258-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes congenital neurological lifelong disabilities. To date, the neuropathogenesis of brain injury related to congenital HCMV (cCMV) infection is poorly understood. This study evaluates the characteristics and pathogenetic mechanisms of encephalic damage in cCMV infection. Ten HCMV-infected human fetuses at 21 weeks of gestation were examined. Specifically, tissues from different brain areas were analyzed by: (i) immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect HCMV-infected cell distribution, (ii) hematoxylin-eosin staining to evaluate histological damage and (iii) real-time PCR to quantify tissue viral load (HCMV-DNA). The differentiation stage of HCMV-infected neural/neuronal cells was assessed by double IHC to detect simultaneously HCMV-antigens and neural/neuronal markers: nestin (a marker of neural stem/progenitor cells), doublecortin (DCX, marker of cells committed to the neuronal lineage) and neuronal nuclei (NeuN, identifying mature neurons). HCMV-positive cells and viral DNA were found in the brain of 8/10 (80%) fetuses. For these cases, brain damage was classified as mild (n = 4, 50%), moderate (n = 3, 37.5%) and severe (n = 1, 12.5%) based on presence and frequency of pathological findings (necrosis, microglial nodules, microglial activation, astrocytosis, and vascular changes). The highest median HCMV-DNA level was found in the hippocampus (212 copies/5 ng of human DNA [hDNA], range: 10-7,505) as well as the highest mean HCMV-infected cell value (2.9 cells, range: 0-23), followed by that detected in subventricular zone (1.7 cells, range: 0-19). These findings suggested a preferential viral tropism for both neural stem/progenitor cells and neuronal committed cells, residing in these regions, confirmed by the expression of DCX and nestin in 94% and 63.3% of HCMV-positive cells, respectively. NeuN was not found among HCMV-positive cells and was nearly absent in the brain with severe damage, suggesting HCMV does not infect mature neurons and immature neural/neuronal cells do not differentiate into neurons. This could lead to known structural and functional brain defects from cCMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Piccirilli
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Liliana Gabrielli
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | | | - Angela Chiereghin
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gabriele Turello
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eva Caterina Borgatti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuliana Simonazzi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Felici
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Leone
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Donatella Santini
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tiziana Lazzarotto
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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14
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Niu D, Zhang X, Zhang S, Fan T, Zhou X, Wang H, Zhang X, Nan F, Jiang S, Liu F, Wang Y, Wang B. Human Cytomegalovirus IE2 Disrupts Neural Progenitor Development and Induces Microcephaly in Transgenic Mouse. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3883-3897. [PMID: 36991278 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03310-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a significant contributor to congenital birth defects. Limited by the lack of animal models, the pathogenesis of neurological damage in vivo caused by HCMV infection and the role of individual viral genes remain to be elucidated. Immediate early (IE2) protein may play a function in neurodevelopmental problems caused by HCMV infection. Here, this study intended to investigate IE2's long-term effects on development of the brain in IE2-expressing transgenic mice (Rosa26-LSL-IE2+/-, Camk2α-Cre) aimed to observe the phenotype of postnatal mice. The expression of IE2 in transgenic mice was confirmed by PCR and Western blot technology. We collected mouse brain tissue at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days postpartum to analyze the developmental process of neural stem cells by immunofluorescence. We discovered that transgenic mice (Rosa26-LSL-IE2+/-, Camk2α-Cre) can reliably produce IE2 in the brain at various postpartum phases. Furthermore, we also observed the symptoms of microcephaly in postnatal transgenic mice, and IE2 can damage the amount of neural stem cells, prevent them from proliferating and differentiating, and activate microglia and astrocytes, creating an unbalanced environment in the brain's neurons. In conclusion, we demonstrate that long-term expression of HCMV-IE2 can cause microcephaly through molecular mechanisms affecting the differentiation and development of neural stem cells in vivo. This work establishes a theoretical and experimental foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanism of fetal microcephaly brought by HCMV infection in throughout the period of neural development of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delei Niu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Xianjuan Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Shuyun Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Tianyu Fan
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Zhou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Special Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Xueming Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Fulong Nan
- Department of Special Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Shasha Jiang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Fengjun Liu
- Department of Special Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Yunyang Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China.
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China.
- Department of Special Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China.
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15
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Silva-Pedrosa R, Salgado AJ, Ferreira PE. Revolutionizing Disease Modeling: The Emergence of Organoids in Cellular Systems. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060930. [PMID: 36980271 PMCID: PMC10047824 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular models have created opportunities to explore the characteristics of human diseases through well-established protocols, while avoiding the ethical restrictions associated with post-mortem studies and the costs associated with researching animal models. The capability of cell reprogramming, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) technology, solved the complications associated with human embryonic stem cells (hESC) usage. Moreover, iPSCs made significant contributions for human medicine, such as in diagnosis, therapeutic and regenerative medicine. The two-dimensional (2D) models allowed for monolayer cellular culture in vitro; however, they were surpassed by the three-dimensional (3D) cell culture system. The 3D cell culture provides higher cell-cell contact and a multi-layered cell culture, which more closely respects cellular morphology and polarity. It is more tightly able to resemble conditions in vivo and a closer approach to the architecture of human tissues, such as human organoids. Organoids are 3D cellular structures that mimic the architecture and function of native tissues. They are generated in vitro from stem cells or differentiated cells, such as epithelial or neural cells, and are used to study organ development, disease modeling, and drug discovery. Organoids have become a powerful tool for understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying human physiology, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of cancer, metabolic diseases, and brain disorders. Although organoid technology is up-and-coming, it also has some limitations that require improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Silva-Pedrosa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Department of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - António José Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Pedro Eduardo Ferreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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16
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Human Maternal-Fetal Interface Cellular Models to Assess Antiviral Drug Toxicity during Pregnancy. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/reprodmed3040024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a period of elevated risk for viral disease severity, resulting in serious health consequences for both the mother and the fetus; yet antiviral drugs lack comprehensive safety and efficacy data for use among pregnant women. In fact, pregnant women are systematically excluded from therapeutic clinical trials to prevent potential fetal harm. Current FDA-recommended reproductive toxicity assessments are studied using small animals which often do not accurately predict the human toxicological profiles of drug candidates. Here, we review the potential of human maternal-fetal interface cellular models in reproductive toxicity assessment of antiviral drugs. We specifically focus on the 2- and 3-dimensional maternal placental models of different gestational stages and those of fetal embryogenesis and organ development. Screening of drug candidates in physiologically relevant human maternal-fetal cellular models will be beneficial to prioritize selection of safe antiviral therapeutics for clinical trials in pregnant women.
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17
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Priyathilaka TT, Laaker CJ, Herbath M, Fabry Z, Sandor M. Modeling infectious diseases of the central nervous system with human brain organoids. Transl Res 2022; 250:18-35. [PMID: 35811019 PMCID: PMC11185418 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa are known to infect and induce diseases in the human central nervous system (CNS). Modeling the mechanisms of interaction between pathogens and the CNS microenvironment is essential to understand their pathophysiology and develop new treatments. Recent advancements in stem cell technologies have allowed for the creation of human brain organoids, which more closely resembles the human CNS microenvironment when compared to classical 2-dimensional (2D) cultures. Now researchers can utilize these systems to investigate and reinvestigate questions related to CNS infection in a human-derived brain organoid system. Here in this review, we highlight several infectious diseases which have been tested in human brain organoids and compare similarities in response to these pathogens across different investigations. We also provide a brief overview of some recent advancements which can further enrich this model to develop new and better therapies to treat brain infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanthrige Thiunuwan Priyathilaka
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Collin James Laaker
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Melinda Herbath
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Zsuzsanna Fabry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Matyas Sandor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
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18
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Yu J, Wang K, Zheng D. Brain organoids for addressing COVID-19 challenge. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1055601. [PMID: 36523428 PMCID: PMC9744798 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1055601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a systemic disease involving multiple organs, and clinically, patients have symptoms of neurological damage to varying degrees. However, we do not have a clear understanding of the relationship between neurological manifestations and viral infection due to the limitations of current in vitro study models. Brain organoids, formed by the differentiation of stem cells under 3D culture conditions, can mimic the structure of tiny cell clusters with neurodevelopmental features in different patients. The paper reviewed the history of brain organoids development, the study of the mechanism of viral infection, the inflammatory response associated with neurological damage, the detection of antiviral drugs, and combined microarray technology to affirm the status of the brain organoid models in the study of COVID-19. In addition, our study continuously improved the model in combination with emerging technologies, to lay a theoretical foundation for clinical application and academic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yu
- Department of Hematology, Panzhihua Central Hospital, Panzhihua, Sichuan, China
| | - Kailun Wang
- Department of Emergency, Panzhihua Central Hospital, Panzhihua, Sichuan, China
| | - Dalin Zheng
- Department of Hematology, Panzhihua Central Hospital, Panzhihua, Sichuan, China
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19
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Abstract
Over a century of research has focused on improving our understanding of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), yet it remains the most common congenital infection in the United States, affecting 3 to 6 per 1000 live born infants each year. Pregnancies affected by cCMV are at a heightened risk of spontaneous abortion and intrauterine fetal demise. Neonates born with cCMV are also at substantial risk for long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae and disability, including sensorineural hearing loss, even those born without clinically apparent disease. Considerable progress has been made in recent years in study of the epidemiology and transmission of cCMV, developing better diagnostic strategies, implementing newborn screening programs, improving therapeutics, and launching vaccine trials. In this article, we review recent developments in the understanding of the virology and immunobiology of cytomegalovirus. We further discuss how this knowledge informs our understanding of the pathophysiology of cCMV and directs strategies aimed at improving outcomes and quality of life for congenitally infected children. We also provide an update on the epidemiology of cCMV in the United States, evolving scientific understanding of maternal-fetal transmission, enhanced screening approaches, and recognition of neonatal and long-term sequelae. Finally, we review the current landscape of pediatric cCMV research and provide recommendations for novel and high-priority areas for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan H Pesch
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mark R Schleiss
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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20
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LaNoce E, Dumeng-Rodriguez J, Christian KM. Using 2D and 3D pluripotent stem cell models to study neurotropic viruses. FRONTIERS IN VIROLOGY 2022; 2:869657. [PMID: 36325520 PMCID: PMC9624474 DOI: 10.3389/fviro.2022.869657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the impact of viral pathogens on the human central nervous system (CNS) has been challenging due to the lack of viable human CNS models for controlled experiments to determine the causal factors underlying pathogenesis. Human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and, more recently, cellular reprogramming of adult somatic cells to generate human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide opportunities for directed differentiation to neural cells that can be used to evaluate the impact of known and emerging viruses on neural cell types. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can be induced to neural lineages in either two- (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) cultures, each bearing distinct advantages and limitations for modeling viral pathogenesis and evaluating effective therapeutics. Here we review the current state of technology in stem cell-based modeling of the CNS and how these models can be used to determine viral tropism and identify cellular phenotypes to investigate virus-host interactions and facilitate drug screening. We focus on several viruses (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), Zika virus (ZIKV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), SARS-CoV-2, West Nile virus (WNV)) to illustrate key advantages, as well as challenges, of PSC-based models. We also discuss how human PSC-based models can be used to evaluate the safety and efficacy of therapeutic drugs by generating data that are complementary to existing preclinical models. Ultimately, these efforts could facilitate the movement towards personalized medicine and provide patients and physicians with an additional source of information to consider when evaluating available treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma LaNoce
- Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jeriel Dumeng-Rodriguez
- Developmental, Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Program, Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kimberly M. Christian
- Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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21
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Nitric Oxide Attenuates Human Cytomegalovirus Infection yet Disrupts Neural Cell Differentiation and Tissue Organization. J Virol 2022; 96:e0012622. [PMID: 35862705 PMCID: PMC9327702 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00126-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a prevalent betaherpesvirus that is asymptomatic in healthy individuals but can cause serious disease in immunocompromised patients. HCMV is also the leading cause of virus-mediated birth defects. Many of these defects manifest within the central nervous system and include microcephaly, sensorineural hearing loss, and cognitive developmental delays. Nitric oxide is a critical effector molecule produced as a component of the innate immune response during infection. Congenitally infected fetal brains show regions of brain damage, including necrotic foci with infiltrating macrophages and microglia, cell types that produce nitric oxide during infection. Using a 3-dimensional cortical organoid model, we demonstrate that nitric oxide inhibits HCMV spread and simultaneously disrupts neural rosette structures, resulting in tissue disorganization. Nitric oxide also attenuates HCMV replication in 2-dimensional cultures of neural progenitor cells (NPCs), a prominent cell type in cortical organoids that differentiate into neurons and glial cells. The multipotency factor SOX2 was decreased during nitric oxide exposure, suggesting that early neural differentiation is affected. Nitric oxide also reduced maximal mitochondrial respiration in both uninfected and infected NPCs. We determined that this reduction likely influences neural differentiation, as neurons (Tuj1+ GFAP- Nestin-) and glial populations (Tuj1- GFAP+ Nestin-) were reduced following differentiation. Our studies indicate a prominent, immunopathogenic role of nitric oxide in promoting developmental defects within the brain despite its antiviral activity during congenital HCMV infection. IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading cause of virus-mediated congenital birth defects. Congenitally infected infants can have a variety of symptoms manifesting within the central nervous system. The use of 3-dimensional (3-D) cortical organoids to model infection of the fetal brain has advanced the current understanding of development and allowed broader investigation of the mechanisms behind disease. However, the impact of the innate immune molecule nitric oxide during HCMV infection has not been explored in neural cells or cortical 3-D models. Here, we investigated the effect of nitric oxide on cortical development during HCMV infection. We demonstrate that nitric oxide plays an antiviral role during infection yet results in disorganized cortical tissue. Nitric oxide contributes to differentiation defects of neuron and glial cells from neural progenitor cells despite inhibiting viral replication. Our results indicate that immunopathogenic consequences of nitric oxide during congenital infection promote developmental defects that undermine its antiviral activity.
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22
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Braun B, Laib Sampaio K, Kuderna AK, Widmann M, Sinzger C. Viral and Cellular Factors Contributing to the Hematogenous Dissemination of Human Cytomegalovirus via Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071561. [PMID: 35891541 PMCID: PMC9323586 DOI: 10.3390/v14071561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) presumably transmit human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) between endothelial cells in blood vessels and thereby facilitate spread to peripheral organs. We aimed to identify viral components that contribute to PMN-mediated transmission and test the hypothesis that cellular adhesion molecules shield transmission sites from entry inhibitors. Stop codons were introduced into the genome of HCMV strain Merlin to delete pUL74 of the trimeric and pUL128 of the pentameric glycoprotein complex and the tegument proteins pp65 and pp71. Mutants were analyzed regarding virus uptake by PMNs and transfer of infection to endothelial cells. Cellular adhesion molecules were evaluated for their contribution to virus transmission using function-blocking antibodies, and hits were further analyzed regarding shielding against inhibitors of virus entry. The viral proteins pUL128, pp65, and pp71 were required for efficient PMN-mediated transmission, whereas pUL74 was dispensable. On the cellular side, the blocking of the αLβ2-integrin LFA-1 reduced virus transfer by 50% and allowed entry inhibitors to reduce it further by 30%. In conclusion, these data show that PMN-mediated transmission depends on the pentameric complex and an intact tegument and supports the idea of a virological synapse that promotes this dissemination mode both directly and via immune evasion.
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23
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Elgueta D, Murgas P, Riquelme E, Yang G, Cancino GI. Consequences of Viral Infection and Cytokine Production During Pregnancy on Brain Development in Offspring. Front Immunol 2022; 13:816619. [PMID: 35464419 PMCID: PMC9021386 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.816619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections during pregnancy can seriously damage fetal neurodevelopment by aberrantly activating the maternal immune system, directly impacting fetal neural cells. Increasing evidence suggests that these adverse impacts involve alterations in neural stem cell biology with long-term consequences for offspring, including neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and cognitive impairment. Here we review how maternal infection with viruses such as Influenza A, Cytomegalovirus, and Zika during pregnancy can affect the brain development of offspring by promoting the release of maternal pro-inflammatory cytokines, triggering neuroinflammation of the fetal brain, and/or directly infecting fetal neural cells. In addition, we review insights into how these infections impact human brain development from studies with animal models and brain organoids. Finally, we discuss how maternal infection with SARS-CoV-2 may have consequences for neurodevelopment of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Elgueta
- Center for Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Murgas
- Center for Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Erick Riquelme
- Center for Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gonzalo I Cancino
- Center for Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
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24
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O’Brien BS, Mokry RL, Schumacher ML, Pulakanti K, Rao S, Terhune SS, Ebert AD. Downregulation of neurodevelopmental gene expression in iPSC-derived cerebral organoids upon infection by human cytomegalovirus. iScience 2022; 25:104098. [PMID: 35391828 PMCID: PMC8980761 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a betaherpesvirus that can cause severe birth defects including vision and hearing loss, microcephaly, and seizures. Currently, no approved treatment options exist for in utero infections. Here, we aimed to determine the impact of HCMV infection on the transcriptome of developing neurons in an organoid model system. Cell populations isolated from organoids based on a marker for infection and transcriptomes were defined. We uncovered downregulation in key cortical, neurodevelopmental, and functional gene pathways which occurred regardless of the degree of infection. To test the contributions of specific HCMV immediate early proteins known to disrupt neural differentiation, we infected NPCs using a recombinant virus harboring a destabilization domain. Despite suppressing their expression, HCMV-mediated transcriptional downregulation still occurred. Together, our studies have revealed that HCMV infection causes a profound downregulation of neurodevelopmental genes and suggest a role for other viral factors in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S. O’Brien
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Rebekah L. Mokry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Megan L. Schumacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | - Sridhar Rao
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Scott S. Terhune
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Allison D. Ebert
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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25
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Depla JA, Mulder LA, de Sá RV, Wartel M, Sridhar A, Evers MM, Wolthers KC, Pajkrt D. Human Brain Organoids as Models for Central Nervous System Viral Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030634. [PMID: 35337041 PMCID: PMC8948955 DOI: 10.3390/v14030634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenesis of viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) is poorly understood, and this is partly due to the limitations of currently used preclinical models. Brain organoid models can overcome some of these limitations, as they are generated from human derived stem cells, differentiated in three dimensions (3D), and can mimic human neurodevelopmental characteristics. Therefore, brain organoids have been increasingly used as brain models in research on various viruses, such as Zika virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, human cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus. Brain organoids allow for the study of viral tropism, the effect of infection on organoid function, size, and cytoarchitecture, as well as innate immune response; therefore, they provide valuable insight into the pathogenesis of neurotropic viral infections and testing of antivirals in a physiological model. In this review, we summarize the results of studies on viral CNS infection in brain organoids, and we demonstrate the broad application and benefits of using a human 3D model in virology research. At the same time, we describe the limitations of the studies in brain organoids, such as the heterogeneity in organoid generation protocols and age at infection, which result in differences in results between studies, as well as the lack of microglia and a blood brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josse A. Depla
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.A.M.); (A.S.); (K.C.W.); (D.P.)
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- UniQure Biopharma B.V., Department of Research & Development, Paasheuvelweg 25A, 1105 BE Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (R.V.d.S.); (M.W.); (M.M.E.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Lance A. Mulder
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.A.M.); (A.S.); (K.C.W.); (D.P.)
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Renata Vieira de Sá
- UniQure Biopharma B.V., Department of Research & Development, Paasheuvelweg 25A, 1105 BE Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (R.V.d.S.); (M.W.); (M.M.E.)
| | - Morgane Wartel
- UniQure Biopharma B.V., Department of Research & Development, Paasheuvelweg 25A, 1105 BE Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (R.V.d.S.); (M.W.); (M.M.E.)
| | - Adithya Sridhar
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.A.M.); (A.S.); (K.C.W.); (D.P.)
| | - Melvin M. Evers
- UniQure Biopharma B.V., Department of Research & Development, Paasheuvelweg 25A, 1105 BE Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (R.V.d.S.); (M.W.); (M.M.E.)
| | - Katja C. Wolthers
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.A.M.); (A.S.); (K.C.W.); (D.P.)
| | - Dasja Pajkrt
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.A.M.); (A.S.); (K.C.W.); (D.P.)
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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26
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Fan W, Christian KM, Song H, Ming GL. Applications of Brain Organoids for Infectious Diseases. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167243. [PMID: 34536442 PMCID: PMC8810605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Brain organoids are self-organized three-dimensional aggregates generated from pluripotent stem cells. They exhibit complex cell diversities and organized architectures that resemble human brain development ranging from neural tube formation, neuroepithelium differentiation, neurogenesis and gliogenesis, to neural circuit formation. Rapid advancements in brain organoid culture technologies have allowed researchers to generate more accurate models of human brain development and neurological diseases. These models also allow for direct investigation of pathological processes associated with infectious diseases affecting the nervous system. In this review, we first briefly summarize recent advancements in brain organoid methodologies and neurodevelopmental processes that can be effectively modeled by brain organoids. We then focus on applications of brain organoids to investigate the pathogenesis of neurotropic viral infection. Finally, we discuss limitations of the current brain organoid methodologies as well as applications of other organ specific organoids in the infectious disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Fan
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kimberly M Christian
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Epigenetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. https://twitter.com/UPenn_SongMing
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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27
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Bhattacharya A, Choi WWY, Muffat J, Li Y. Modeling Developmental Brain Diseases Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells-Derived Brain Organoids - Progress and Perspective. J Mol Biol 2021; 434:167386. [PMID: 34883115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Developmental brain diseases encompass a group of conditions resulting from genetic or environmental perturbations during early development. Despite the increased research attention in recent years following recognition of the prevalence of these diseases, there is still a significant lack of knowledge of their etiology and treatment options. The genetic and clinical heterogeneity of these diseases, in addition to the limitations of experimental animal models, contribute to this difficulty. In this regard, the advent of brain organoid technology has provided a new means to study the cause and progression of developmental brain diseases in vitro. Derived from human pluripotent stem cells, brain organoids have been shown to recapitulate key developmental milestones of the early human brain. Combined with technological advancements in genome editing, tissue engineering, electrophysiology, and multi-omics analysis, brain organoids have expanded the frontiers of human neurobiology, providing valuable insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of normal and pathological brain development. This review will summarize the current progress of applying brain organoids to model human developmental brain diseases and discuss the challenges that need to be overcome to further advance their utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afrin Bhattacharya
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; The University of Toronto, Department of Molecular Genetics, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Wendy W Y Choi
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; The University of Toronto, Department of Molecular Genetics, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Julien Muffat
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; The University of Toronto, Department of Molecular Genetics, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Yun Li
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; The University of Toronto, Department of Molecular Genetics, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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28
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Modeling Innate Antiviral Immunity in Physiological Context. J Mol Biol 2021; 434:167374. [PMID: 34863779 PMCID: PMC8940657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
An effective innate antiviral response is critical for the mitigation of severe disease and host survival following infection. In vivo, the innate antiviral response is triggered by cells that detect the invading pathogen and then communicate through autocrine and paracrine signaling to stimulate the expression of genes that inhibit viral replication, curtail cell proliferation, or modulate the immune response. In other words, the innate antiviral response is complex and dynamic. Notably, in the laboratory, culturing viruses and assaying viral life cycles frequently utilizes cells that are derived from tissues other than those that support viral replication during natural infection, while the study of viral pathogenesis often employs animal models. In recapitulating the human antiviral response, it is important to consider that variation in the expression and function of innate immune sensors and antiviral effectors exists across species, cell types, and cell differentiation states, as well as when cells are placed in different contexts. Thus, to gain novel insight into the dynamics of the host response and how specific sensors and effectors impact infection kinetics by a particular virus, the model system must be selected carefully. In this review, we briefly introduce key signaling pathways involved in the innate antiviral response and highlight how these differ between systems. We then review the application of tissue-engineered or 3D models for studying the antiviral response, and suggest how these in vitro culture systems could be further utilized to assay physiologically-relevant host responses and reveal novel insight into virus-host interactions.
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29
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Sang Y, Miller LC, Nelli RK, Giménez-Lirola LG. Harness Organoid Models for Virological Studies in Animals: A Cross-Species Perspective. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:725074. [PMID: 34603253 PMCID: PMC8481363 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.725074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models and cell culture in vitro are primarily used in virus and antiviral immune research. Whereas the limitation of these models to recapitulate the viral pathogenesis in humans has been made well aware, it is imperative to introduce more efficient systems to validate emerging viruses in both domestic and wild animals. Organoids ascribe to representative miniatures of organs (i.e., mini-organs), which are derived from three-dimensional culture of stem cells under respective differential conditions mimicking endogenous organogenetic niches. Organoids have broadened virological studies in the human context, particularly in recent uses for COVID19 research. This review examines the status and potential for cross-species applied organotypic culture in validating emerging animal, particularly zoonotic, viruses in domestic and wild animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongming Sang
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Laura C Miller
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Rahul K Nelli
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Luis Gabriel Giménez-Lirola
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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30
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Moulden J, Sung CYW, Brizic I, Jonjic S, Britt W. Murine Models of Central Nervous System Disease following Congenital Human Cytomegalovirus Infections. Pathogens 2021; 10:1062. [PMID: 34451526 PMCID: PMC8400215 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus infection of the developing fetus is a leading cause of neurodevelopmental disorders in infants and children, leading to long-term neurological sequela in a significant number of infected children. Current understanding of the neuropathogenesis of this intrauterine infection is limited because of the complexity of this infection, which includes maternal immunological responses that are overlaid on virus replication in the CNS during neurodevelopment. Furthermore, available data from human cases are observational, and tissues from autopsy studies have been derived from only the most severe infections. Animal models of this human infection are also limited by the strict species specificity of cytomegaloviruses. However, informative models including non-human primates and small animal models have been developed. These include several different murine models of congenital HCMV infection for the study of CMV neuropathogenesis. Although individual murine models do not completely recapitulate all aspects of the human infection, each model has provided significant information that has extended current understanding of the neuropathogenesis of this human infection. This review will compare and contrast different murine models in the context of available information from human studies of CNS disease following congenital HCMV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Moulden
- Department of Microbiology, UAB School of Medicine, Birmingham, Al 35294, USA;
| | - Cathy Yea Won Sung
- Laboratory of Hearing Biology and Therapeutics, NIDCD, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Ilija Brizic
- Center for Proteomics and Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (I.B.); (S.J.)
| | - Stipan Jonjic
- Center for Proteomics and Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (I.B.); (S.J.)
| | - William Britt
- Department of Microbiology, UAB School of Medicine, Birmingham, Al 35294, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurobiology, UAB School of Medicine, Birmingham, Al 35294, USA
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31
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Krenn V, Bosone C, Burkard TR, Spanier J, Kalinke U, Calistri A, Salata C, Rilo Christoff R, Pestana Garcez P, Mirazimi A, Knoblich JA. Organoid modeling of Zika and herpes simplex virus 1 infections reveals virus-specific responses leading to microcephaly. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1362-1379.e7. [PMID: 33838105 PMCID: PMC7611471 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Viral infection in early pregnancy is a major cause of microcephaly. However, how distinct viruses impair human brain development remains poorly understood. Here we use human brain organoids to study the mechanisms underlying microcephaly caused by Zika virus (ZIKV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). We find that both viruses efficiently replicate in brain organoids and attenuate their growth by causing cell death. However, transcriptional profiling reveals that ZIKV and HSV-1 elicit distinct cellular responses and that HSV-1 uniquely impairs neuroepithelial identity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, although both viruses fail to potently induce the type I interferon system, the organoid defects caused by their infection can be rescued by distinct type I interferons. These phenotypes are not seen in 2D cultures, highlighting the superiority of brain organoids in modeling viral infections. These results uncover virus-specific mechanisms and complex cellular immune defenses associated with virus-induced microcephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Krenn
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Camilla Bosone
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Thomas R Burkard
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Julia Spanier
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, and the Hanover Medical School, Hanover 30625, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kalinke
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, and the Hanover Medical School, Hanover 30625, Germany; Cluster of Excellence - Resolving Infection Susceptibility (RESIST), Hanover Medical School, Hanover 30625, Germany
| | - Arianna Calistri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Cristiano Salata
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Raissa Rilo Christoff
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Patricia Pestana Garcez
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (LABMED), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 17177, Sweden; National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala 75189, Sweden
| | - Jürgen A Knoblich
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna 1030, Austria; Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1030, Austria.
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32
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Agboola OS, Hu X, Shan Z, Wu Y, Lei L. Brain organoid: a 3D technology for investigating cellular composition and interactions in human neurological development and disease models in vitro. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:430. [PMID: 34332630 PMCID: PMC8325286 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02369-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract The study of human brain physiology, including cellular interactions in normal and disease conditions, has been a challenge due to its complexity and unavailability. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) study is indispensable in the study of the pathophysiology of neurological disorders. Nevertheless, monolayer systems lack the cytoarchitecture necessary for cellular interactions and neurological disease modeling. Brain organoids generated from human pluripotent stem cells supply an ideal environment to model both cellular interactions and pathophysiology of the human brain. This review article discusses the composition and interactions among neural lineage and non-central nervous system cell types in brain organoids, current studies, and future perspectives in brain organoid research. Ultimately, the promise of brain organoids is to unveil previously inaccessible features of neurobiology that emerge from complex cellular interactions and to improve our mechanistic understanding of neural development and diseases. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02369-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwafemi Solomon Agboola
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 194 Xuefu Rd, Nangang District, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinglin Hu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 194 Xuefu Rd, Nangang District, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyan Shan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 194 Xuefu Rd, Nangang District, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanshuang Wu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 194 Xuefu Rd, Nangang District, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 194 Xuefu Rd, Nangang District, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Preservative of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China.
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33
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Abstract
Long-term effective use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people with HIV (PWH) has significantly reduced the burden of disease, yet a cure for HIV has not been universally achieved, likely due to the persistence of an HIV reservoir. The central nervous system (CNS) is an understudied HIV sanctuary. Importantly, due to viral persistence in the brain, cognitive disturbances persist to various degrees at high rates in PWH despite suppressive ART. Given the complexity and accessibility of the CNS compartment and that it is a physiologically and anatomically unique immune site, human studies to reveal molecular mechanisms of viral entry, reservoir establishment, and the cellular and structural interactions leading to viral persistence and brain injury to advance a cure and either prevent or limit cognitive impairments in PWH remain challenging. Recent advances in human brain organoids show that they can mimic the intercellular dynamics of the human brain and may recapitulate many of the events involved in HIV infection of the brain (neuroHIV). Human brain organoids can be produced, spontaneously or with addition of growth factors and at immature or mature states, and have become stronger models to study neurovirulent viral infections of the CNS. While organoids provide opportunities to study neuroHIV, obstacles such as the need to incorporate microglia need to be overcome to fully utilize this model. Here, we review the current achievements in brain organoid biology and their relevance to neuroHIV research efforts.
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Harschnitz O, Studer L. Human stem cell models to study host-virus interactions in the central nervous system. Nat Rev Immunol 2021; 21:441-453. [PMID: 33398129 PMCID: PMC9653304 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-020-00474-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in human pluripotent stem cell technology offer a unique opportunity for the neuroimmunology field to study host-virus interactions directly in disease-relevant cells of the human central nervous system (CNS). Viral encephalitis is most commonly caused by herpesviruses, arboviruses and enteroviruses targeting distinct CNS cell types and often leading to severe neurological damage with poor clinical outcomes. Furthermore, different neurotropic viruses will affect the CNS at distinct developmental stages, from early prenatal brain development to the aged brain. With the unique flexibility and scalability of human pluripotent stem cell technology, it is now possible to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying acute infection and latency, determine which CNS subpopulations are specifically infected, study temporal aspects of viral susceptibility, perform high-throughput chemical or genetic screens for viral restriction factors and explore complex cell-non-autonomous disease mechanisms. Therefore, human pluripotent stem cell technology has the potential to address key unanswered questions about antiviral immunity in the CNS, including emerging questions on the potential CNS tropism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Harschnitz
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York (NY), USA,The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York (NY), USA,
| | - Lorenz Studer
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York (NY), USA,The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York (NY), USA
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Sarieva K, Mayer S. The Effects of Environmental Adversities on Human Neocortical Neurogenesis Modeled in Brain Organoids. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:686410. [PMID: 34250020 PMCID: PMC8264783 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.686410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated the impact of prenatal environmental adversity on the development of the human embryonic and fetal brain. Prenatal environmental adversity includes infectious agents, medication, and substances of use as well as inherently maternal factors, such as diabetes and stress. These adversities may cause long-lasting effects if occurring in sensitive time windows and, therefore, have high clinical relevance. However, our knowledge of their influence on specific cellular and molecular processes of in utero brain development remains scarce. This gap of knowledge can be partially explained by the restricted experimental access to the human embryonic and fetal brain and limited recapitulation of human-specific neurodevelopmental events in model organisms. In the past years, novel 3D human stem cell-based in vitro modeling systems, so-called brain organoids, have proven their applicability for modeling early events of human brain development in health and disease. Since their emergence, brain organoids have been successfully employed to study molecular mechanisms of Zika and Herpes simplex virus-associated microcephaly, as well as more subtle events happening upon maternal alcohol and nicotine consumption. These studies converge on pathological mechanisms targeting neural stem cells. In this review, we discuss how brain organoids have recently revealed commonalities and differences in the effects of environmental adversities on human neurogenesis. We highlight both the breakthroughs in understanding the molecular consequences of environmental exposures achieved using organoids as well as the on-going challenges in the field related to variability in protocols and a lack of benchmarking, which make cross-study comparisons difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kseniia Sarieva
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School, Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simone Mayer
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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A BMPR2/YY1 Signaling Axis Is Required for Human Cytomegalovirus Latency in Undifferentiated Myeloid Cells. mBio 2021; 12:e0022721. [PMID: 34061599 PMCID: PMC8262994 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00227-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) presents a major health burden in the immunocompromised and in stem cell transplant medicine. A lack of understanding about the mechanisms of HCMV latency in undifferentiated CD34+ stem cells, and how latency is broken for the virus to enter the lytic phase of its infective cycle, has hampered the development of essential therapeutics. Using a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model of HCMV latency and patient-derived myeloid cell progenitors, we demonstrate that bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2) is necessary for HCMV latency. In addition, we define a crucial role for the transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) in HCMV latency; high levels of YY1 are maintained in latently infected cells as a result of BMPR2 signaling through the SMAD4/SMAD6 axis. Activation of SMAD4/6, through BMPR2, inhibits TGFbeta receptor signaling, which leads to the degradation of YY1 via induction of a cellular microRNA (miRNA), hsa-miR-29a. Pharmacological targeting of BMPR2 in progenitor cells results in the degradation of YY1 and an inability to maintain latency and renders cells susceptible to T cell killing. These data argue that BMPR2 plays a role in HCMV latency and is a new potential therapeutic target for maintaining or disrupting HCMV latency in myeloid progenitors.
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Pain B, Baquerre C, Coulpier M. Cerebral organoids and their potential for studies of brain diseases in domestic animals. Vet Res 2021; 52:65. [PMID: 33941270 PMCID: PMC8090903 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00931-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is a complex organ and any model for studying it in its normal and pathological aspects becomes a tool of choice for neuroscientists. The mastering and dissemination of protocols allowing brain organoids development have paved the way for a whole range of new studies in the field of brain development, modeling of neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental diseases, understanding tumors as well as infectious diseases that affect the brain. While studies are so far limited to the use of human cerebral organoids, there is a growing interest in having similar models in other species. This review presents what is currently developed in this field, with a particular focus on the potential of cerebral organoids for studying neuro-infectious diseases in human and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand Pain
- Univ Lyon, Université Lyon 1, INSERM, INRAE, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, U1208, USC1361, Bron, France.
| | - Camille Baquerre
- Univ Lyon, Université Lyon 1, INSERM, INRAE, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, U1208, USC1361, Bron, France
| | - Muriel Coulpier
- UMR1161 Virologie, Anses, INRAE, École Nationale Vétérinaire D'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Costamagna G, Comi GP, Corti S. Advancing Drug Discovery for Neurological Disorders Using iPSC-Derived Neural Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052659. [PMID: 33800815 PMCID: PMC7961877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, different research groups in the academic setting have developed induced pluripotent stem cell-based protocols to generate three-dimensional, multicellular, neural organoids. Their use to model brain biology, early neural development, and human diseases has provided new insights into the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders, including microcephaly, autism, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the adoption of organoid technology for large-scale drug screening in the industry has been hampered by challenges with reproducibility, scalability, and translatability to human disease. Potential technical solutions to expand their use in drug discovery pipelines include Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) to create isogenic models, single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the model at a cellular level, and machine learning to analyze complex data sets. In addition, high-content imaging, automated liquid handling, and standardized assays represent other valuable tools toward this goal. Though several open issues still hamper the full implementation of the organoid technology outside academia, rapid progress in this field will help to prompt its translation toward large-scale drug screening for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Costamagna
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (G.P.C.)
- IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (G.P.C.)
- IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (G.P.C.)
- IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Ramani A, Pranty AI, Gopalakrishnan J. Neurotropic Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Modeled by the Human Brain Organoids. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:373-384. [PMID: 33631123 PMCID: PMC7879157 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a socioeconomic burden, which exhibits respiratory illness along with unexpected neurological complications. Concerns have been raised about whether the observed neurological symptoms are due to direct effects on CNS or associated with the virus's systemic effect. Recent SARS-CoV-2 infection studies using human brain organoids revealed that SARS-CoV-2 targets human neurons. Human brain organoids are stem cell-derived reductionist experimental systems that have highlighted the neurotropic effects of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we summarize the neurotoxic effects of SARS-CoV-2 using brain organoids and comprehensively discuss how brain organoids could further improve our understanding when they are fine-tuned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Ramani
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universität Street 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Abida-Islam Pranty
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universität Street 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jay Gopalakrishnan
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universität Street 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Advances in modelling the human microbiome-gut-brain axis in vitro. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:187-201. [PMID: 33544117 PMCID: PMC7924999 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The human gut microbiome has emerged as a key player in the bidirectional communication of the gut–brain axis, affecting various aspects of homeostasis and pathophysiology. Until recently, the majority of studies that seek to explore the mechanisms underlying the microbiome–gut–brain axis cross-talk, relied almost exclusively on animal models, and particularly gnotobiotic mice. Despite the great progress made with these models, various limitations, including ethical considerations and interspecies differences that limit the translatability of data to human systems, pushed researchers to seek for alternatives. Over the past decades, the field of in vitro modelling of tissues has experienced tremendous growth, thanks to advances in 3D cell biology, materials, science and bioengineering, pushing further the borders of our ability to more faithfully emulate the in vivo situation. The discovery of stem cells has offered a new source of cells, while their use in generating gastrointestinal and brain organoids, among other tissues, has enabled the development of novel 3D tissues that better mimic the native tissue structure and function, compared with traditional assays. In parallel, organs-on-chips technology and bioengineered tissues have emerged as highly promising alternatives to animal models for a wide range of applications. Here, we discuss how recent advances and trends in this area can be applied in host–microbe and host–pathogen interaction studies. In addition, we highlight paradigm shifts in engineering more robust human microbiome-gut-brain axis models and their potential to expand our understanding of this complex system and hence explore novel, microbiome-based therapeutic approaches.
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41
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Human Cytomegalovirus Interactions with the Basement Membrane Protein Nidogen 1. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.01506-20. [PMID: 33177203 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01506-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2000, we reported that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) induced specific damage on chromosome 1. The capacity of the virus to induce DNA breaks indicated potent interaction between viral proteins and these loci. We have fine mapped the 1q42 breaksite. Transcriptional analysis of genes encoded in close proximity revealed virus-induced downregulation of a single gene, nidogen 1 (NID1). Beginning between 12 and 24 hours postinfection (hpi) and continuing throughout infection, steady-state (ss) NID1 protein levels were decreased in whole-cell lysates and secreted supernatants of human foreskin fibroblasts. Addition of the proteasomal inhibitor MG132 to culture medium stabilized NID1 in virus-infected cells, implicating infection-activated proteasomal degradation of NID1. Targeting of NID1 via two separate pathways highlighted the virus' emphasis on NID1 elimination. NID1 is an important basement membrane protein secreted by many cell types, including the endothelial cells (ECs) lining the vasculature. We found that ss NID1 was also reduced in infected ECs and hypothesized that virus-induced removal of NID1 might offer HCMV a means of increased distribution throughout the host. Supporting this idea, transmigration assays of THP-1 cells seeded onto NID1-knockout (KO) EC monolayers demonstrated increased transmigration. NID1 is expressed widely in the developing fetal central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS) and is important for neuronal migration and neural network excitability and plasticity and regulates Schwann cell proliferation, migration, and myelin production. We found that NID1 expression was dramatically decreased in clinical samples of infected temporal bones. While potentially beneficial for virus dissemination, HCMV-induced elimination of NID1 may underlie negative ramifications to the infected fetus.IMPORTANCE We have found that HCMV infection promotes the elimination of the developmentally important basement membrane protein nidogen 1 (NID1) from its host. The virus both decreased transcription and induced degradation of expressed protein. Endothelial cell (EC) secretion of basement membrane proteins is critical for vascular wall integrity, and infection equivalently affected NID1 protein levels in these cells. We found that the absence of NID1 in an EC monolayer allowed increased transmigration of monocytes equivalent to that observed after infection of ECs. The importance of NID1 in development has been well documented. We found that NID1 protein was dramatically reduced in infected inner ear clinical samples. We believe that HCMV's attack on host NID1 favors viral dissemination at the cost of negative developmental ramifications in the infected fetus.
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Willner MJ, Xiao Y, Kim HS, Chen X, Xu B, Leong KW. Modeling SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with opioid use disorder with brain organoids. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:2041731420985299. [PMID: 33738089 PMCID: PMC7934045 DOI: 10.1177/2041731420985299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated a preexisting epidemic: the opioid crisis. Much literature has shown that the circumstances imposed by COVID-19, such as social distancing regulations, medical and financial instability, and increased mental health issues, have been detrimental to those with opioid use disorder (OUD). In addition, unexpected neurological sequelae in COVID-19 patients suggest that COVID-19 compromises neuroimmunity, induces hypoxia, and causes respiratory depression, provoking similar effects as those caused by opioid exposure. Combined conditions of COVID-19 and OUD could lead to exacerbated complications. With limited human in vivo options to study these complications, we suggest that iPSC-derived brain organoid models may serve as a useful platform to investigate the physiological connection between COVID-19 and OUD. This mini-review highlights the advances of brain organoids in other neuropsychiatric and infectious diseases and suggests their potential utility for investigating OUD and COVID-19, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe J Willner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yang Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hye Sung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Regenerative Dental Medicine, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matter Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Xuejing Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kam W Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Nikolakopoulou P, Rauti R, Voulgaris D, Shlomy I, Maoz BM, Herland A. Recent progress in translational engineered in vitro models of the central nervous system. Brain 2020; 143:3181-3213. [PMID: 33020798 PMCID: PMC7719033 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the human brain poses a substantial challenge for the development of models of the CNS. Current animal models lack many essential human characteristics (in addition to raising operational challenges and ethical concerns), and conventional in vitro models, in turn, are limited in their capacity to provide information regarding many functional and systemic responses. Indeed, these challenges may underlie the notoriously low success rates of CNS drug development efforts. During the past 5 years, there has been a leap in the complexity and functionality of in vitro systems of the CNS, which have the potential to overcome many of the limitations of traditional model systems. The availability of human-derived induced pluripotent stem cell technology has further increased the translational potential of these systems. Yet, the adoption of state-of-the-art in vitro platforms within the CNS research community is limited. This may be attributable to the high costs or the immaturity of the systems. Nevertheless, the costs of fabrication have decreased, and there are tremendous ongoing efforts to improve the quality of cell differentiation. Herein, we aim to raise awareness of the capabilities and accessibility of advanced in vitro CNS technologies. We provide an overview of some of the main recent developments (since 2015) in in vitro CNS models. In particular, we focus on engineered in vitro models based on cell culture systems combined with microfluidic platforms (e.g. 'organ-on-a-chip' systems). We delve into the fundamental principles underlying these systems and review several applications of these platforms for the study of the CNS in health and disease. Our discussion further addresses the challenges that hinder the implementation of advanced in vitro platforms in personalized medicine or in large-scale industrial settings, and outlines the existing differentiation protocols and industrial cell sources. We conclude by providing practical guidelines for laboratories that are considering adopting organ-on-a-chip technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polyxeni Nikolakopoulou
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rossana Rauti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dimitrios Voulgaris
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iftach Shlomy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ben M Maoz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anna Herland
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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Sridhar A, Simmini S, Ribeiro CMS, Tapparel C, Evers MM, Pajkrt D, Wolthers K. A Perspective on Organoids for Virology Research. Viruses 2020; 12:E1341. [PMID: 33238561 PMCID: PMC7700289 DOI: 10.3390/v12111341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models and cell lines are invaluable for virology research and host-pathogen interaction studies. However, it is increasingly evident that these models are not sufficient to fully understand human viral diseases. With the advent of three-dimensional organotypic cultures, it is now possible to study viral infections in the human context. This perspective explores the potential of these organotypic cultures, also known as organoids, for virology research, antiviral testing, and shaping the virology landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adithya Sridhar
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1100 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.); (D.P.)
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1100 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Salvatore Simmini
- Gastrointestinal Biology Group, STEMCELL Technologies UK Ltd., Cambridge CB28 9TL, UK;
| | - Carla M. S. Ribeiro
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1100 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Caroline Tapparel
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospital, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Melvin M. Evers
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., 1105 BE Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Dasja Pajkrt
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1100 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.); (D.P.)
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1100 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katja Wolthers
- OrganoVIR Labs, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1100 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.); (D.P.)
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de Campos VS, Calaza KC, Adesse D. Implications of TORCH Diseases in Retinal Development-Special Focus on Congenital Toxoplasmosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:585727. [PMID: 33194824 PMCID: PMC7649341 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.585727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There are certain critical periods during pregnancy when the fetus is at high risk for exposure to teratogens. Some microorganisms, including Toxoplasma gondii, are known to exhibit teratogenic effects, interfering with fetal development and causing irreversible disturbances. T. gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite and the etiological agent of Toxoplasmosis, a zoonosis that affects one third of the world's population. Although congenital infection can cause severe fetal damage, the injury extension depends on the gestational period of infection, among other factors, like parasite genotype and host immunity. This parasite invades the Central Nervous System (CNS), forming tissue cysts, and can interfere with neurodevelopment, leading to frequent neurological abnormalities associated with T. gondii infection. Therefore, T. gondii is included in the TORCH complex of infectious diseases that may lead to neurological malformations (Toxoplasmosis, Others, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes). The retina is part of CNS, as it is derived from the diencephalon. Except for astrocytes and microglia, retinal cells originate from multipotent neural progenitors. After cell cycle exit, cells migrate to specific layers, undergo morphological and neurochemical differentiation, form synapses and establish their circuits. The retina is organized in nuclear layers intercalated by plexus, responsible for translating and preprocessing light stimuli and for sending this information to the brain visual nuclei for image perception. Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is a very debilitating condition and may present high severity in areas in which virulent strains are found. However, little is known about the effect of congenital infection on the biology of retinal progenitors/ immature cells and how this infection may affect the development of this tissue. In this context, this study reviews the effects that congenital infections may cause to the developing retina and the cellular and molecular aspects of these diseases, with special focus on congenital OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Souza de Campos
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Retina, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karin C. Calaza
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Retina, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Daniel Adesse
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Modeling Human Cytomegalovirus-Induced Microcephaly in Human iPSC-Derived Brain Organoids. CELL REPORTS MEDICINE 2020; 1:100002. [PMID: 33205055 PMCID: PMC7659592 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2020.100002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although congenital infection by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is well recognized as a leading cause of neurodevelopmental defects, HCMV neuropathogenesis remains poorly understood. A major challenge for investigating HCMV-induced abnormal brain development is the strict CMV species specificity, which prevents the use of animal models to directly study brain defects caused by HCMV. We show that infection of human-induced pluripotent-stem-cell-derived brain organoids by a “clinical-like” HCMV strain results in reduced brain organoid growth, impaired formation of cortical layers, and abnormal calcium signaling and neural network activity. Moreover, we show that the impeded brain organoid development caused by HCMV can be prevented by neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) that recognize the HCMV pentamer complex. These results demonstrate in a three-dimensional cellular biosystem that HCMV can impair the development and function of the human brain and provide insights into the potential capacity of NAbs to mitigate brain defects resulted from HCMV infection. Human iPSC-derived brain organoids to model HCMV-induced brain malformation “Clinical-like” HCMV strain impairs human brain organoid growth and structure HCMV-infected brain organoids exhibit abnormal calcium signaling and neural network HCMV-induced brain organoid abnormality can be prevented by neutralizing antibodies
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Claus C, Jung M, Hübschen JM. Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models: A Peephole into Virus Infections during Early Pregnancy. Cells 2020; 9:E542. [PMID: 32110999 PMCID: PMC7140399 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The rubella virus (RV) was the first virus shown to be teratogenic in humans. The wealth of data on the clinical symptoms associated with congenital rubella syndrome is in stark contrast to an incomplete understanding of the forces leading to the teratogenic alterations in humans. This applies not only to RV, but also to congenital viral infections in general and includes (1) the mode of vertical transmission, even at early gestation, (2) the possible involvement of inflammation as a consequence of an activated innate immune response, and (3) the underlying molecular and cellular alterations. With the progress made in the development of pluripotent stem cell-based models including organoids and embryoids, it is now possible to assess congenital virus infections on a mechanistic level. Moreover, antiviral treatment options can be validated, and newly emerging viruses with a potential impact on human embryonal development, such as that recently reflected by the Zika virus (ZIKV), can be characterized. Here, we discuss human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and ZIKV in comparison to RV as viruses with well-known congenital pathologies and highlight their analysis on current models for the early phase of human development. This includes the implications of their genetic variability and, as such, virus strain-specific properties for their use as archetype models for congenital virus infections. In this review, we will discuss the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and derived organoid systems for the study of congenital virus infections with a focus on their prominent aetiologies, HCMV, ZIKV, and RV. Their assessment on these models will provide valuable information on how human development is impaired by virus infections; it will also add new insights into the normal progression of human development through the analysis of developmental pathways in the context of virus-induced alterations. These are exciting perspectives for both developmental biology and congenital virology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Claus
- Institute of Virology, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Jung
- University Clinic and Outpatient Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatic Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Judith M Hübschen
- Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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Duque-Correa MA, Maizels RM, Grencis RK, Berriman M. Organoids - New Models for Host-Helminth Interactions. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:170-181. [PMID: 31791691 PMCID: PMC7106373 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Organoids are multicellular culture systems that replicate tissue architecture and function, and are increasingly used as models of viral, bacterial, and protozoan infections. Organoids have great potential to improve our current understanding of helminth interactions with their hosts and to replace or reduce the dependence on using animal models. In this review, we discuss the applicability of this technology to helminth infection research, including strategies of co-culture of helminths or their products with organoids and the challenges, advantages, and drawbacks of the use of organoids for these studies. We also explore how complementing organoid systems with other cell types and components may allow more complex models to be generated in the future to further investigate helminth-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rick M. Maizels
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Richard K. Grencis
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research and Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Costamagna G, Andreoli L, Corti S, Faravelli I. iPSCs-Based Neural 3D Systems: A Multidimensional Approach for Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery. Cells 2019; 8:E1438. [PMID: 31739555 PMCID: PMC6912470 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-based two-dimensional (2D) protocols have offered invaluable insights into the pathophysiology of neurological diseases. However, these systems are unable to reproduce complex cytoarchitectural features, cell-cell and tissue-tissue interactions like their in vivo counterpart. Three-dimensional (3D)-based culture protocols, though in their infancy, have offered new insights into modeling human diseases. Human neural organoids try to recapitulate the cellular diversity of complex tissues and can be generated from iPSCs to model the pathophysiology of a wide spectrum of pathologies. The engraftment of iPSCs into mice models and the improvement of differentiation protocols towards 3D cultures has enabled the generation of more complex multicellular systems. Consequently, models of neuropsychiatric disorders, infectious diseases, brain cancer and cerebral hypoxic injury can now be investigated from new perspectives. In this review, we consider the advancements made in modeling neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases with iPSC-derived organoids and their potential use to develop new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Irene Faravelli
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (L.A.); (S.C.)
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Poole E, Huang CJZ, Forbester J, Shnayder M, Nachshon A, Kweider B, Basaj A, Smith D, Jackson SE, Liu B, Shih J, Kiskin FN, Roche K, Murphy E, Wills MR, Morrell NW, Dougan G, Stern-Ginossar N, Rana AA, Sinclair J. An iPSC-Derived Myeloid Lineage Model of Herpes Virus Latency and Reactivation. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2233. [PMID: 31649625 PMCID: PMC6795026 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpesviruses undergo life-long latent infection which can be life-threatening in the immunocompromised. Models of latency and reactivation of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) include primary myeloid cells, cells known to be important for HCMV latent carriage and reactivation in vivo. However, primary cells are limited in availability, and difficult to culture and to genetically modify; all of which have hampered our ability to fully understand virus/host interactions of this persistent human pathogen. We have now used iPSCs to develop a model cell system to study HCMV latency and reactivation in different cell types after their differentiation down the myeloid lineage. Our results show that iPSCs can effectively mimic HCMV latency/reactivation in primary myeloid cells, allowing molecular interrogations of the viral latent/lytic switch. This model may also be suitable for analysis of other viruses, such as HIV and Zika, which also infect cells of the myeloid lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Poole
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jessica Forbester
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Miri Shnayder
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aharon Nachshon
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Baraa Kweider
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Basaj
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Smith
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bin Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Joy Shih
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fedir N. Kiskin
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - K. Roche
- Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - E. Murphy
- Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Mark R. Wills
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gordon Dougan
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Noam Stern-Ginossar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Amer A. Rana
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John Sinclair
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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