Lung Organoids: A New Pathway into Lung Regeneration and Repair

Abstract

Introduction: The lung is an important and complicated organ that has profound impacts on the entire body when impacted by disease or illness. Due to its complexity, the human lung is difficult to study; lung models that can mimic this organ are key to better understanding and treating lung diseases. Various lung models have been developed over the years, but one important and recent model is the lung organoid model. Here we review human lung organoid models, including the main characteristics and potentials and their current and future applications for modelling lung development and diseases. Method: For the selection of literature cited, we used MEDLINE/Pubmed database. The keywords used in the MEDLINE research were: human lung development, lung organoids, lung stem cells, lung disease and repair, bioengineering lung. Results: Lung organoids, in layman's terms referred to as “mini lungs in a dish”, are 3D tissues that recapitulate the endogenous functions of the lungs. Lung organoids currently represent the closest model to the human pulmonary system. Human-derived three-dimensional (3D) models have been generated, allowing for a deeper understanding of cell-to-cell communication. They have also allowed researchers to better understand how diseases affect the lungs and determine potential treatment methods. Conclusions: Although the area of research using lung organoids is still relatively new, much has been learned from this model, and much more will continue to be learned. There is an urgent need to develop more complex organoid models containing mesenchymal tissues and vasculature to better understand lung diseases.KeywordsLungOrganoidStem cellRepair and regenerationLung diseases