HTS-LENTI – organoid models and reporter systems

PhD Mariana Guedes

The use and acceptance of New Approach Methodologies and Non-Animal Models, both abbreviated to NAMs, to address acute and chronic lung functions is still lacking. Our work group intends to close the gaps in human relevant research in inflammatory airway conditions, by implementing high throughput drug screening in donor-derived samples, using airway organoids combined with lentiviral gene delivery of markers of interest for inflammation, immune activation, viability/cell death, etc. We collaborate closely to the clinic and other institutes around Germany to advance NAM research beyond the lung and are implementing models for cancer research. By developing and validating organoid models and other 3D models, we envision its implementation following OECD guidelines for novel animal-free methodologies for pre-clinical drug discovery. Furthermore, we integrate them with other ex vivo models (such as air-liquid interface cultures and organ-on-chip) as well as in silico models, leading the way on the implementation of 3R strategies in human relevant research, as proposed by the European Commission.