A groundbreaking development in virology has emerged as researchers from the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) in Korea and international partners unveil a comprehensive bat organoid platform. This system allows scientists to reconstruct bat organ physiology, offering unprecedented insights into how zoonotic viruses function within their natural hosts. The platform includes "mini-organs" derived from five common bat species across Asia and Europe, representing four distinct organs—airways, lungs, kidneys, and small intestines. By simulating the natural environment of these viruses, this innovative tool enhances the accuracy and relevance of infectious disease research, potentially aiding in the prediction and prevention of future pandemics.
For decades, studying how viruses behave inside bats posed significant challenges due to the lack of suitable biological tools. Previous research relied on generalized cell samples or organoids from a single tropical fruit bat species and focused on only one organ. However, the newly developed platform overcomes these limitations by enabling direct testing of key viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, influenza A, and hantavirus in various bat species and organs. Each virus exhibits unique behavior, infecting specific organs or species differently. For instance, while one virus may thrive in a particular bat's lung, it might fail to grow in another's kidney. Such findings help elucidate why some viruses can cross into humans, whereas others remain confined to bats.
Moreover, the platform reveals intriguing aspects of bats' immune responses, which vary depending on the organ and species. This variation could explain why bats act as asymptomatic carriers of numerous viruses. Additionally, the team identified two previously unknown bat viruses—a mammalian orthoreovirus and a paramyxovirus—from wild bat feces. One of these viruses, incapable of growing in standard cell cultures, flourished in the new bat organoids, underscoring the technology's significance for future virus isolation.
The versatility of the organoids extends further with their conversion into a two-dimensional format, facilitating rapid testing of potential antiviral drugs like Remdesivir. These tests yield more reliable results compared to traditional laboratory methods. Looking ahead, the researchers aim to establish a global biobank using this platform, serving as a pivotal resource for national and international biosecurity initiatives. This endeavor will deepen understanding of viral characteristics driving cross-species transmission, support the creation of comprehensive genetic maps for key bat species, and enhance global readiness against potential pandemics.
This revolutionary bat organoid platform ushers in a new era for infectious disease research, providing scientists with the means to systematically identify novel bat-origin viruses and screen antiviral candidates targeting pathogens with pandemic potential. By closely mimicking real-life conditions, it offers unparalleled opportunities for health organizations worldwide, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to predict and prevent future outbreaks effectively.