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Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) and organoid technologies are at the forefront of developing sophisticated in vitro systems that replicate complex host–microbiome interactions, including those associated with vaginal health and lung infection. We explore how these technologies provide insights into host–microbiome and host–pathogen interactions and the associated immune responses. Integrating omics data and high-resolution imaging in analyzing these models enhances our understanding of host–microbiome interactions' temporal and spatial aspects, paving the way for new diagnostic and treatment strategies. This review underscores the potential of OOC and organoid technologies in elucidating the complexities of vaginal health and lung disease, which have received less attention than other organ systems in recent organoid and OCC studies. Yet, each system presents notable characteristics, rendering them ideal candidates for these designs. Additionally, this review describes the key factors associated with each organ system and how to choose the technology setup to replicate human physiology.
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Fighting microbial pathogens by integrating host ecosystem interactions and evolution
Abstract Successful therapies to combat microbial diseases and cancers require incorporating ecological and evolutionary principles. Drawing upon the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology, we present a systems‐based approach in which host and disease‐causing factors are considered as part of a complex network of interactions, analogous to studies of “classical” ecosystems. Centering this approach around empirical examples of disease treatment, we present evidence that successful therapies invariably engage multiple interactions with other components of the host ecosystem. Many of these factors interact nonlinearly to yield synergistic benefits and curative outcomes. We argue that these synergies and nonlinear feedbacks must be leveraged to improve the study of pathogenesis in situ and to develop more effective therapies. An eco‐evolutionary systems perspective has surprising and important consequences, and we use it to articulate areas of high research priority for improving treatment strategies.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1806606
- PAR ID:
- 10451003
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- BioEssays
- Volume:
- 43
- Issue:
- 3
- ISSN:
- 0265-9247
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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