Organoids for HIV Research: A Breakthrough in HIV Treatment and Prevention

On the 1st of December 2024, people around the world united to reflect on the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Among the many researchers dedicated to this cause is our coordinator, Dasja Pajkrt, who has spent the last 10 years pioneering research on HIV infections in children using human organoids.

The Global Impact of HIV/AIDS

Today, 38 million people worldwide are living with HIV. Since the epidemic began, over 35 millioin people have died from AIDS-related illnesses, making AIDS one of the deadliest pandemics in history. World AIDS Day, celebrated annually on December 1st, is a global initiative that unites people in the fight against the virus. It is a day to honor lives lost, reflect on progress in research, and propel the ongoing efforts to end HIV transmission and reduce stigma.

For decades, research on HIV primarily relied on laboratory animals to test potential treatments. However, this approach has significant limitations. Studies show that over 90% of antiviral drugs tested on animals or animal models fail to produce the desired results in humans. This is because animal organs differ significantly from human organs in terms of structure and function – leading to poor predictability in human trials.

The Role of Human Organoids in HIV Research
Human organoids cultured in OrganoVIR Labs

Advancements in biotechnology have led to the development of human organoids – tiny, 3D structures created from human tissue and stem cells that replicate the functions of actual human organs. Human organoids are genetically identical to the donor, thus offering a more accurate platform to study human diseases like HIV.

Human organoids can provide a significant advantage over animal models in understanding how HIV infects human cells. Since organoids carry the DNA of their human donors, they closely mimic the way viruses spread in the human body, allowing researchers to observe viral mechanisms in a more similar, realistic environment.

How Organoids Are Revolutionizing HIV Research

For the past decade, Dasja Pajkrt and her team at the Amsterdam UMC have been using human organoids to study HIV infection. By infecting these mini human organs with HIV, researchers can observe how the virus enters cells, spreads, and how the immune system response – all in real-time.

This approach not only provides a better understanding of HIV’s mechanisms but also allows researchers to test antiviral drugs that may not be viable in traditional animal studies. Organoids offer an efficient and cost-effective alternative, accelerating the development of new HIV treatments and potential cures.

Advancing HIV Research with Human Organoids

By utilizing human organoids in HIV research, scientists can test a wide range of drug candidates that may not be viable through traditional animal models. This has the potential to speed up drug discovery and bring us closer to a world where HIV transmission is no longer a threat.

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