Neuroinfectious Disorder Organoid Modeling Service

Central nervous system (CNS) infections, caused by a range of viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens, pose a significant global health threat. Research into these devastating conditions has been persistently hampered by the limitations of conventional preclinical models. Animal models often fail to replicate human-specific host-pathogen interactions and immune responses, while traditional 2D cell cultures lack the three-dimensional architecture and cellular diversity essential for modeling complex neuropathology. Consequently, there is a critical need for advanced, human-relevant systems to dissect disease mechanisms and accelerate therapeutic development.

Creative Biolabs addresses this challenge head-on with our Neuroinfectious Disease Organoid Modeling Service. We engineer sophisticated 3D human brain organoid systems that recapitulate the intricate cellular environment of the CNS, providing an unparalleled platform to investigate the full spectrum of infectious neuropathology, from initial viral entry and replication to the complex neuro-inflammatory aftermath.

Reconstructing the Neuro-Immune and Neuro-Vascular Axis

Our core strength lies in creating multi-lineage organoid systems that model the critical interfaces targeted by pathogens. We recognize that CNS infection is not merely a neuronal event but a complex interplay between the pathogen and the entire neurovascular unit.

• Human-Specific Cellular Context: Our models are derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including patient-derived iPSCs, ensuring the genetic background is directly relevant to human disease. This is crucial for modeling pathogens with specific human tropism, such as the Zika virus (ZIKV).
• Neuro-Immune Organoids with Integrated Microglia: Since microglia are the resident immune cells of the CNS and are derived from a distinct developmental lineage, standard brain organoids lack this critical component. We have pioneered protocols to integrate iPSC-derived microglia-like cells into our organoids, creating functional neuro-immune systems. These models are essential for:
  • Studying pathogen-induced microglial activation and neuroinflammation.
  • Investigating innate immune signaling pathways, such as TLR3 activation in response to ZIKV infection.
  • Modeling microglia-mediated neuronal damage or pathogen clearance.
• Vascularized Brain Organoids (vOrganoids): The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a primary interface for pathogen entry into the CNS. Our vOrganoids are engineered by co-culturing neural organoids with endothelial cells and pericytes to form complex, capillary-like networks. This advanced platform allows for:
  • Modeling viral entry across the BBB.
  • Investigating pathogen-induced BBB disruption and increased permeability.
  • Studying the role of vascular cells, such as pericytes, as potential replication hubs for viruses like SARS-CoV-2.

A Versatile Platform for Neuroinfectious Disease Research & Discovery

Our advanced organoid models provide critical, actionable data across the entire therapeutic development pipeline.

• Modeling Viral Neuropathogenesis: We offer robust models for a range of neurotropic viruses, including Zika Virus (ZIKV), Herpesviruses (HSV), Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and SARS-CoV-2. Use our platforms to study viral tropism, replication kinetics, neuronal and glial cell death, and the disruption of neurogenesis.
• Investigating Developmental Consequences of Infection: Brain organoids uniquely recapitulate early neurodevelopment, making them the premier model for studying congenital infections. Our ZIKV models, for instance, faithfully reproduce the hallmarks of congenital Zika syndrome, including the depletion of neural progenitors and induction of microcephaly.
• Dissecting Neuroinflammatory Mechanisms: With our microglia-containing organoids, you can dissect the specific contribution of CNS immune cells to disease pathology, including cytokine production, astrocyte reactivity, and inflammasome activation.
• Screening and Validating Antiviral Therapeutics: Our human-centric models provide a high-fidelity platform for testing the efficacy of novel antiviral compounds, neutralizing antibodies, and other therapeutic modalities. This approach can significantly improve the predictive value of preclinical screens and reduce reliance on less translatable animal models.

Our Workflow

Move Beyond the Limitations of Conventional Models. Explore Neuroinfection in a Human Context.

Partner with Creative Biolabs to leverage the power of vascularized and neuro-immune brain organoids for your research.