Cerebral organoids and their potential for studies of brain diseases in domestic animals

Bertrand Pain,Camille Baquerre,Muriel Coulpier

doi:10.1186/s13567-021-00931-z

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.

Highlights

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
Biological issues addressed by cerebral organoids Because of their organ-like features, human cerebral organoids are highly valuable in vitro models that are increasingly used for studies on neurodevelopment, disease modeling, toxicity and drug testing [54, 55]
1 (HSV1) infection in brain organoids, allowing studies of the virus trafficking through the complex neural tissue structure, the processes of latency and reactivation that can be established in organoids [78, 79] and the role of the virus as a facilitating agent of Alzheimer disease

Summary

Introduction

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. 1 (HSV1) infection in brain organoids, allowing studies of the virus trafficking through the complex neural tissue structure, the processes of latency and reactivation that can be established in organoids [78, 79] and the role of the virus as a facilitating agent of Alzheimer disease.

Results

Conclusion