An organoid-derived bronchioalveolar model for SARS-CoV-2 infection of human alveolar type II-like cells

Mart M Lamers, Jelte van der Vaart, Kèvin Knoops, Samra Riesebosch, Tim I Breugem, Anna Z Mykytyn, Joep Beumer, Debby Schipper, Karel Bezstarosti, Charlotte D Koopman, Nathalie Groen, Raimond B G Ravelli, Hans Q Duimel, Jeroen A A Demmers, Georges M G M Verjans, Marion P G Koopmans, Mauro J Muraro, Peter J Peters, Hans Clevers, Bart L Haagmans

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

7 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which may result in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiorgan failure, and death. The alveolar epithelium is a major target of the virus, but representative models to study virus host interactions in more detail are currently lacking. Here, we describe a human 2D air-liquid interface culture system which was characterized by confocal and electron microscopy and single-cell mRNA expression analysis. In this model, alveolar cells, but also basal cells and rare neuroendocrine cells, are grown from 3D self-renewing fetal lung bud tip organoids. These cultures were readily infected by SARS-CoV-2 with mainly surfactant protein C-positive alveolar type II-like cells being targeted. Consequently, significant viral titers were detected and mRNA expression analysis revealed induction of type I/III interferon response program. Treatment of these cultures with a low dose of interferon lambda 1 reduced viral replication. Hence, these cultures represent an experimental model for SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be applied for drug screens.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere105912
Number of pages19
JournalEMBO Journal
Volume40
Issue number5
Early online date6 Dec 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2021

Keywords

  • airway organoids
  • bronchioalveolar-like
  • COVID-19
  • pneumocytes
  • SARS-CoV-2

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An organoid-derived bronchioalveolar model for SARS-CoV-2 infection of human alveolar type II-like cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this