A research team from the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), led by Professors Jane Zhou Jie and Yuen Kwok-Yung, has successfully cultured the human rhinovirus C (HRV-C) using self-developed human respiratory organoids. This achievement marks a significant advancement in virology research.
HRV-C is a primary cause of the common cold, associated with severe respiratory symptoms and exacerbation of asthma. Previously, HRV-C could not be cultured in conventional laboratory settings, hindering the development of vaccines and antiviral treatments. The new organoid technology provides a viable model for studying HRV-C.
The team collaborated with Professor Hans Clevers from the Hubrecht Institute, a leader in organoid technology, to create the world's first respiratory organoid culture system. This system allows for the reconstruction and expansion of human respiratory tissue in the lab, facilitating research on respiratory diseases.
The researchers demonstrated that both airway and nasal organoids can effectively isolate HRV-C from clinical samples. Notably, nasal organoids showed greater sensitivity to the virus. This innovative model can be used for drug screening and developing vaccines against HRV-C.
Professor Zhou emphasized the potential of respiratory organoids for studying uncultivable human viruses and evaluating drug efficacy. The findings, published in Nature Communications, represent a new approach in virology and public health.
Other key contributors to the research include Dr. Li Cun and Dr. Yu Yifei, both from HKUMed's Department of Microbiology. The study underscores the institution's commitment to scientific innovation in addressing public health challenges.