Human intestinal organoids as models to study enteric bacteria and viruses

Laboratory studies of host–microbe interactions have historically been carried out using transformed cell lines and animal models. Although much has been learned from these models, recent advances in the development of multicellular, physiologically active, human intestinal organoid (HIO) cultures are allowing unprecedented discoveries of host–microbe interactions. Here, we review recent literature using HIOs to investigate the pathogenesis of clinically important enteric bacteria and viruses, as well as models to study commensal intestinal microbes. We also discuss limitations of the HIO model system and how technical advances and innovative engineering are providing new directions to improve the HIO model system. The studies discussed here highlight the potential of HIOs for studying microbial pathogenesis, host–microbe interactions, and for preclinical development of therapeutics and vaccines.