Translational research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine
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Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa are known to infect and induce diseases in the human central nervous system (CNS). Modeling the mechanisms of interaction between pathogens and the CNS microenvironment is essential to understand their pathophysiology and develop new treatments. ⋯ Here in this review, we highlight several infectious diseases which have been tested in human brain organoids and compare similarities in response to these pathogens across different investigations. We also provide a brief overview of some recent advancements which can further enrich this model to develop new and better therapies to treat brain infections.
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The kidney is a vital organ that regulates the bodily fluid and electrolyte homeostasis via tailored urinary excretion. Kidney injuries that cause severe or progressive chronic kidney disease have driven the growing population of patients with end-stage kidney disease, leading to substantial patient morbidity and mortality. This irreversible kidney damage has also created a huge socioeconomical burden on the healthcare system, highlighting the need for novel translational research models for progressive kidney diseases. ⋯ By applying gene editing technology, organoid building blocks may be modified to minimize the process of immune rejection in kidney transplant recipients. In the foreseeable future, the universal kidney organoids derived from HLA-edited/deleted induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines may enable the supply of bioengineered organotypic kidney structures that are immune-compatible for the majority of the world population. Here, we summarize recent advances in kidney organoid research coupled with novel technologies such as organoids-on-chip and biofabrication of 3D kidney tissues providing convenient platforms for high-throughput drug screening, disease modelling, and therapeutic applications.