Diverse bat organoids provide pathophysiological models for zoonotic viruses

Science. 2025 May 15;388(6748):756-762. doi: 10.1126/science.adt1438. Epub 2025 May 15.

Abstract

Bats are important reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens, but suitable model systems for comprehensively exploring host-pathogen interactions and assessing spillover risks remain limited. To address this gap, we developed a collection of bat organoid models spanning five species and four organ types. This multispecies, multiorgan organoid panel showed species- and tissue-specific replication patterns for several viruses, offering robust pathophysiological models for studying respiratory, renal, and enteric zoonotic viruses. Using this platform, we successfully isolated and characterized bat-borne mammalian orthoreoviruses and paramyxoviruses, demonstrating the utility of these organoid panels for virome surveillance. Furthermore, we successfully tested known antiviral drugs for their efficacy against bat virus isolates.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Chiroptera* / virology
  • Disease Reservoirs / virology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Organoids* / virology
  • Orthoreovirus, Mammalian* / drug effects
  • Orthoreovirus, Mammalian* / isolation & purification
  • Orthoreovirus, Mammalian* / physiology
  • Viral Zoonoses* / virology
  • Virome
  • Virus Replication
  • Zoonoses / virology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents