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Modelling immune–microbe interaction in 3D intestinal culture

Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology volume 14, page 197 (2017)Cite this article

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As appreciation of the importance of host–microorganism crosstalk has grown, so has the demand for informative model systems that recapitulate these interactions. However, existing models are imperfect. Organoid culture systems, for instance, enable modelling of the epithelium and tight experimental control, yet lack features of whole tissue. “One missing component of some organoid systems is a functional nervous system,” explains author Isaac Chiu. Conversely, animal models provide physiologically relevant intestinal tissue, but control of experimental conditions is limited.

To address the deficits of these models, the researchers devised a system to culture mouse intestine ex vivo. The ends of excised intestinal segments were connected to input and output ports, enabling the controlled delivery of molecules and microorganisms to the lumen. Intestinal segments were semi-submerged in media, which was replenished by another pump system.

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References

  1. Yissachar, N. et al. An intestinal organ culture system uncovers a role for the nervous system in microbe-immune crosstalk. Cell http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2017.02.009 (2017)

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  1. Hugh Thomas
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Thomas, H. Modelling immune–microbe interaction in 3D intestinal culture. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 14, 197 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2017.35

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