Organoids: a new research model for SARS-CoV-2infection and treatment

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is becoming a global pandemic. This deadly disease leads to multi-organ damage, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Organoids contain the cell types, and can partially retain the structure and function of the original tissues. Therefore, organoids have been widely applied into SARS-CoV-2 research as a new type of model. The organoid model can be used to faithfully mimic the infection process and clinical pathology of SARS-CoV-2, and should be a great platform for antiviral drug discovery.