Researchers have developed a method to grow miniature human and animal airways in the lab, allowing them to test which species are susceptible to influenza without the need for live animal experiments. This approach, reported in a recent study, uses organoids—tiny, three-dimensional tissue cultures that mimic the structure and function of real airways.
By exposing these organoids to different flu viruses, scientists can observe which cells become infected and how the virus replicates. This technique has already identified several wild species, including red pandas and dama gazelles, as potential hosts for influenza, information that was previously difficult to obtain ethically.
The study, published in a peer-reviewed journal, highlights the versatility of organoids for studying zoonotic diseases. The method could help predict future flu outbreaks by identifying animal reservoirs that might transmit the virus to humans.
