Innovative Mini-Organ Models Uncover Hantavirus Mechanisms and Potential Treatments

Recent research from UCLA has advanced our understanding of hantaviruses by developing miniature organoid models derived from human stem cells. These 3D mini-organs, representing lungs, hearts, and brains, enable scientists to observe how these rare but deadly viruses infect human tissues. The study focused on three hantaviruses: Andes virus, Hantaan virus, and Sin Nombre virus, revealing distinct infection patterns and tissue tropisms.

The researchers discovered that Andes virus can infect a broad range of cell types across multiple organs, including lung epithelial and endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, and astrocytes. This versatile infection capability underscores the virus’s potential to cause severe systemic damage. In contrast, Hantaan virus shows more selective infection, predominantly affecting heart and brain tissues, while Sin Nombre virus largely remains confined to lung endothelial cells.

Further analysis indicated that Andes virus disrupts cellular metabolism, triggering inflammation and cell injury in lungs, and impairing rhythm in heart tissues. These metabolic reprogramming events could contribute to the extensive lung and cardiac damage observed in infected patients.

Importantly, the team screened potential antiviral compounds using these organoid models. They found that urolithin B, a natural compound present in certain fruits and nuts, significantly inhibited Andes virus infection and restored normal cellular functions. Another promising candidate was favipiravir, an existing antiviral medication approved for influenza treatment, which also effectively blocked the virus.

This groundbreaking research highlights the crucial need for versatile models to study virus-host interactions and develop effective treatments. With hantavirus infections presenting a rising threat due to climate-driven habitat changes and increased human contact, these findings offer hope for the development of targeted therapies to combat future outbreaks.

The study, published in PLOS Pathogens, was led by Dr. Vaithi Arumugaswami of UCLA’s Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research. By understanding how hantaviruses infect various tissues and identifying compounds that can inhibit their activity, scientists are moving closer to effective therapies for these dangerous viruses.