Overview

• Researchers at Korea's Institute for Basic Science have developed the world's most comprehensive bat organoid platform, featuring 3D models of four organs from five bat species.
• The platform allows testing of zoonotic viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, uncovering species- and tissue-specific infection patterns.
• Scientists isolated two previously unknown bat viruses, including one that could not grow in standard cell cultures but thrived in the organoid system.
• By adapting organoids into 2D cultures, the system facilitates high-throughput antiviral drug testing, providing reliable results for treatments like Remdesivir.
• Plans are underway to expand the platform into a global biobank to support international efforts in virus surveillance and pandemic prevention.