{"title":"Ex vivo culture models to study viral infections of the liver","authors":"Esther Föderl-Höbenreich, Katrin Panzitt","doi":"10.1016/j.coviro.2025.101462","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coviro.2025.101462","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Ex vivo</em> liver culture models, particularly three-dimensional (3D) models, are vital for studying viral infections of the liver, as they replicate the complex microenvironment more accurately than traditional two-dimensional cultures. These models are essential for understanding viral pathogenesis, replication, and host responses, which are crucial for developing antiviral therapies. Here, we review various <em>ex vivo</em> liver culture models, including primary human hepatocytes (PHHs), liver-on-a-chip, organoids, and precision-cut liver slices. Each model has unique advantages and limitations. For instance, PHHs maintain physiological characteristics but have a limited lifespan, while liver-on-a-chip systems enable dynamic studies but require advanced engineering. Despite challenges in translating findings to human disease, these 3D models hold promise for advancing liver disease research and drug development. Future research should focus on expanding the scope of these models to include a wider range of viruses and improving their physiological relevance to better mimic <em>in vivo</em> conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11082,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in virology","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 101462"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143928597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The liver as a potential gate to the brain for encephalitic viruses","authors":"Alexandre Lalande , Lola Canus , Amélie Bourgeais, Cyrille Mathieu, Eva Ogire","doi":"10.1016/j.coviro.2025.101463","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coviro.2025.101463","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To model infection of viruses targeting the liver and the central nervous system, two-dimensional <em>in vitro</em> cultures rapidly show their limitations. Conversely, <em>in vivo</em> models do not easily allow the investigation of early events of the infection process. In between, <em>ex vivo</em> models, comprising mainly organoids and organotypic cultures, mimic or retain the cytoarchitecture of the organ while being relatively simple to handle and analyze. Here, we summarize the main features of brain and liver <em>ex vivo</em> models and pinpoint examples of their utilization for studying encephalitogenic and hepatotropic viruses. We highlight a gap of development and application of liver compared to <em>ex vivo</em> models in virology. Many hepatotropic viruses can also infect and/or have impacts on the central nervous system. In this sense, we sought to present these <em>ex vivo</em> models while providing a conceptual framework for the modeling of the hepatocerebral axis in the context of viral infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11082,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in virology","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 101463"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143924605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent advances in animal models of lymphomagenesis caused by human γ-herpesviruses","authors":"Christian Münz","doi":"10.1016/j.coviro.2025.101461","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coviro.2025.101461","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The two human γ-herpesviruses Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) cause around 2–3% of all cancers in man. Their exclusive tropism for humans and associated lack of small animal models has impeded the dissection of individual viral gene contributions to tumor formation and of protection by distinct immune responses that are observed in virus carriers. Mice with reconstituted human immune systems (humanized mice) now offer the possibility to study these questions and to develop adoptive antibody and T cell transfers against EBV- and KSHV-associated pathologies. Based on such protective immune responses, vaccine candidates can then be developed to prophylactically and therapeutically induce immune control, similar to the one that avoids virus-associated pathologies in the vast majority of infected individuals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11082,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in virology","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 101461"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143704098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charlène Martin , Mathilde Bergamelli , Hélène Martin , Mélinda Bénard , Charlotte Tscherning , Cécile E Malnou
{"title":"Human placental models for studying viral infections","authors":"Charlène Martin , Mathilde Bergamelli , Hélène Martin , Mélinda Bénard , Charlotte Tscherning , Cécile E Malnou","doi":"10.1016/j.coviro.2025.101454","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coviro.2025.101454","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Viral infections during pregnancy represent a major threat to maternal, fetal, and neonatal health outcome, with a high risk of vertical transmission. It is therefore crucial to understand the mechanisms underlying the interaction between viruses and placenta, which ensures communication between maternal and fetal compartments throughout pregnancy. Human placental models, both <em>in vitro</em> and <em>ex vivo,</em> enable to dissect in detail these interactions. By studying in detail viral entry, replication, and immune responses within the placenta, they represent ideal tools for analyzing the effects of various viruses on pregnancy outcomes. In addition, these models serve as platforms for evaluating diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to protect pregnant women and their babies from viral infections. This review examines recent advances, the main advantages and limitations of different human placental models and discusses their potential to improve our understanding of virus-placenta interactions, thereby contributing to improved maternal and fetal health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11082,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in virology","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 101454"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143611455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jil A Haase , Sarah Schlienkamp , Julian J Ring , Eike Steinmann
{"title":"Transmission patterns of hepatitis E virus","authors":"Jil A Haase , Sarah Schlienkamp , Julian J Ring , Eike Steinmann","doi":"10.1016/j.coviro.2025.101451","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coviro.2025.101451","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes sporadic cases in industrialized countries and endemic outbreaks in areas with lower sanitation standards. The wide host reservoir of HEV makes it a potential source of new zoonotic transmission and dissemination in humans. Thus, the perception of HEV as a confined ailment has shifted to one of global concern. Considering HEV’s environmental stability and heterogeneity in the host range of HEV’s genotypes, various transmission pathways and sources for HEV infections are plausible. Here, we provide an overview on HEV’s transmission routes and discuss the role of HEV as a foodborne zoonosis, as well as preventive measures and open research questions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11082,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in virology","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 101451"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143074194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Epstein–Barr virus lytic replication and cancer","authors":"Hao Li , Chih-Ying Lee , Henri-Jacques Delecluse","doi":"10.1016/j.coviro.2024.101438","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coviro.2024.101438","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Epidemiological studies have provided strong evidence that Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) lytic replication is linked to cancer development. Evidence of abortive lytic replication in some tumors and infections with recombinant viruses incapable of lytic replication in animal models have reinforced this view. Furthermore, multiple lytic proteins have been shown to induce genetic instability, a well-characterized precancerous state. In particular, lytic proteins dysregulated the DNA damage response, interfered with cell cycle progression, and induced the development of structural genetic abnormalities. However, there is so far no direct evidence from <em>in vivo</em> or <em>in vitro</em> studies that lytic replication alone can induce cancer. Here, we critically review the currently available evidence that EBV lytic replication contributes to cancer development and suggest future research directions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11082,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in virology","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 101438"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142863540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"In vitro modeling of influenza infection in the respiratory epithelium: advanced cellular models to better understand complex host–virus interactions","authors":"Aurélien Gibeaud, Andrés Pizzorno, Olivier Terrier","doi":"10.1016/j.coviro.2025.101452","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coviro.2025.101452","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Influenza viruses pose significant global health threats, causing widespread morbidity and mortality due to their genetic variability and rapid evolution. Traditional experimental models, such as immortalized cell lines and animal models, often fall short of accurately replicating the complex interactions between influenza viruses and the human immune system. Recent advancements, including reconstituted human airway epithelia, lung-on-a-chip models, and human airway organoids, provide more accurate representations of human respiratory physiology and immune responses. These alternatives enable in-depth investigations into viral propagation, host immune responses, and tissue damage. While each model has its unique advantages and limitations, integrating them could offer a more comprehensive understanding of influenza pathogenesis. This knowledge can drive the development and evaluation of more effective vaccines and therapeutic interventions, enhancing preparedness for future influenza outbreaks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11082,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in virology","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 101452"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143403138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Glaucia M Almeida , Bruna M Silva , Eurico Arruda , Adriano Sebollela
{"title":"Human brain tissue cultures: a unique ex vivo model to unravel the pathogenesis of neurotropic arboviruses","authors":"Glaucia M Almeida , Bruna M Silva , Eurico Arruda , Adriano Sebollela","doi":"10.1016/j.coviro.2025.101453","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coviro.2025.101453","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Arboviruses are transmitted by arthropods, and their spread from endemic to nonendemic regions has been accelerated by deforestation, climate change, and global mobility. Arbovirus infection in human results in symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening, with the impairment of central nervous system functions being reported in severe cases. Despite its clinical relevance, the mechanisms by which arboviruses led to neural dysfunction are still poorly understood. The lack of a widespread human central nervous system model to study the virus–host interaction challenges the advance of our knowledge on these mechanisms. In this context, human brain-derived <em>ex vivo</em> models have the advantage of preserving cellular diversity, cell connections, and tissue cytoarchitecture found in human brain, raising them as a powerful strategy to elucidate the cellular-molecular alterations underlying brain diseases. Here, we review recent advances in the field of neurotropic arboviruses obtained using <em>ex vivo</em> human brain tissue as the experimental model.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11082,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in virology","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 101453"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143421239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Host–pathogen interactions of emerging zoonotic viruses: bats, humans and filoviruses","authors":"Grace Hood, Miles Carroll","doi":"10.1016/j.coviro.2024.101436","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coviro.2024.101436","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper provides an overview of the phenomena of cross-species transmission of viruses (known as spillover), focusing on the highly pathogenic filovirus family and their natural reservoir: bats. It also describes the host–pathogen relationship of viruses and their reservoirs, in addition to humans, and discusses current theories of persistent infection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11082,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in virology","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101436"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142615365","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Blood virome research in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: challenges and opportunities","authors":"Dominic Obraitis , Dawei Li","doi":"10.1016/j.coviro.2024.101437","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coviro.2024.101437","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating disease with a complex clinical presentation and an unknown etiology. Various viral infections have been proposed as potential triggers of ME/CFS onset, but no specific pathogen has been identified in all cases of postinfectious ME/CFS. The symptomatology of the postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, or long COVID, mirrors that of ME/CFS, with nearly half of long COVID patients meeting ME/CFS diagnostic criteria. The influx of newly diagnosed patients has reinvigorated interest in ME/CFS pathogenesis research, with an emphasis on viral triggers. This review summarizes the current understanding of ME/CFS research on viral triggers, including blood virome screening studies. To further elucidate the molecular basis of ME/CFS, there is a need to develop innovative bioinformatics tools capable of analyzing complex virome data and integrating multiomics information.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11082,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in virology","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101437"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142615435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}