Nordic Life Science 1
NASAL ORGANOIDS // PRECLINICAL SYSTEMS “Transform
ed cell lines and animal models often poorly represent human biology. Nasal organoids, along with other human organoid models, can therefore serve as powerful preclinical systems to improve the relevance and reliability of research findings.” Marie Hagbom, Docent, Linköping University, Karolinska InstitutetDanderyd's Hospital “Our current focus is on understanding how secretory IgA (sIgA), an important antibody in mucous membranes, protects against infections, particularly influenza. The goal of this work within the Thålin group is to support development of preventive treatments, such as a nasal spray that could reduce or block viral infections before they take hold,” Hagbom explains. The group is also establishing lung organoids from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and investigating how the transport of IgA to the airway mucosa differs between healthy individuals and those with COPD. Advancing the systems A central focus of Marie Hagbom’s research has been the study of enteric virus infections and the mechanisms underlying disease, work she previously conducted at Linköping University in the research group led by Professor Lennart Svensson. In particular, this research has explored how infections in the gut communicate with the brain to trigger symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. “While much of this earlier work relied on animal models and transformed cell lines, I have now transitioned to an independent research program centered on human organoid models. My current work aims to advance these systems by incorporating sensory nerve cells into intestinal organoids, enabling the study of viral interactions with both epithelial and neural components,” Hagbom says. “Looking ahead, similar approaches could be extended to nasal organoid models to improve our understanding of smell disorders and other sensory conditions,” she adds. G lobal research is now underway to develop more advanced systems that combine multiple cell types, such as immune cells, and even connect tissues from different organs, like the gut, lungs, and brain. Efforts are also underway to include blood vessels, making the models even more lifelike with the capacity to generate larger tissues. “Ultimately, human organoid models can benefit patients in several important ways. They enable more personalized treatment strategies, improve the relevance and accuracy of research, and help bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. This can accelerate the development of new therapies and contribute to better outcomes for patients,” she says. NLS NORDICLIFESCIENCE.ORG | 89