Porcine nasal organoids to model interactions between the swine nasal microbiota and the host

Abstract Background Interactions between the nasal epithelium, commensal nasal microbiota, and respiratory pathogens play a key role in respiratory infections. Currently, there is a lack of experimental models to study such interactions under defined in vitro conditions. Here, we developed a porcine nasal organoid (PNO) system from nasal tissue of pigs as well as from cytological brushes. Results PNOs exhibited similar structure and cell types to the nasal mucosa, as evaluated by immunostaining. PNOs were inoculated with porcine commensal strains of Moraxella pluranimalium, Rothia nasimurium, and the pathobiont Glaesserella parasuis for examining host-commensal-pathogen interactions. All strains adhered to the PNOs, although at different levels. M. pluranimalium and G. parasuis strains stimulated the production of proinflammatory cytokines, whereas R. nasimurium induced the production of IFNγ and diminished the proinflammatory effect of the other strains. Conclusions Overall, PNOs mimic the in vivo nasal mucosa and can be useful to perform host-microbe interaction studies. Video Abstract