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Biology subjects

Loewa, A.

Publications and source records attributed to Loewa, A..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

An autologous human iPSC-derived 3D organoid infection model for preclinical testing of antiviral T cells

Immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplantation, are highly susceptible to viral complications. Given the limitations and side effects of available antiviral therapies, adoptive transfer of antiviral T cells offers a promising alternative by restoring immune defense. However, existing models for evaluating antiviral T cell therapies lack physiological relevance, limiting accurate predictions of efficacy and safety. There is a critical need for in vitro human infection platforms that support personalized assessment of therapeutic responses. To address this, we developed antiviral T cell products (TCPs) targeting Influenza A virus (IAV)-infected cells, alongside an autologous human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived 3D lung organoid infection platform. This model recapitulates key immunological responses and is compatible with a new 3D high-throughput, high-content imaging pipeline. Our study provides the first proof-of-concept for assessing T cell-mediated cytotoxicity in a 3D in vitro lung infection model, advancing personalized antiviral immunotherapy development.

immunology↗

Neurodegeneration in human brain organoids infected with herpes simplex virus type 1

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection of the nervous system may lead to brain damage, including neurodegeneration. However, lack of suitable experimental models hinders understanding molecular mechanisms and cell-type-specific responses triggered by HSV-1. Here, we infected human brain organoids with HSV-1. Known features of HSV-1 infection such as alteration of neuronal electrophysiology and induction of antisense transcription were confirmed. Full-length mRNA-sequencing revealed aberrant 3 end formation and poly(A)-tail lengthening. Single-cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics uncovered changes in the cellular composition of the infected organoids caused by viral replication and dysregulation of molecular pathways in cell-type specific manner. Furthermore, hallmarks of early neurodegeneration were observed, namely extracellular matrix disruption, STMN2 and TARDBP/TDP43 downregulation, and upregulation of the AD-related non-coding RNA BC200/BCYRN1. These hallmarks were weaker/absent when infecting with a mutant HSV-1 control. Together, our data indicate that brain organoids serve as a powerful model to study mechanisms of HSV-1-driven neurodegeneration.

neuroscience↗