Establishment and Application of a Model for SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Human Nasal Mucosa Organoid

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for effective models to study SARS-CoV-2 infection and evaluate antiviral therapies. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a human nasal organoid model to assess susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and its variants and to evaluate the antiviral effects of compounds such as camostat, remdesivir, and bergamottin. Methods: Nasal organoids were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 pseudoviruses, followed by wild-type and variant strains in a BSL-3 laboratory. Viral content was measured at 2, 24, and 48 hours post-infection using qPCR, and infected cells were identified via immunofluorescence. Results: The organoids demonstrated susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 pseudoviruses (P < 0.001) and were effectively infected with SARS-CoV-2 variants. Remdesivir, hesperidin, and bergamottin exhibited dose-dependent antiviral effects (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Human nasal organoids represent a valuable model for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection and evaluating antiviral drugs, particularly for nasal applications in vitro.