Airway Organoid Models as Pivotal Tools for Unraveling Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets in Respiratory Diseases: A Literature Review

Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2025 Jun 24:21:975-986. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S526727. eCollection 2025.

Abstract

Respiratory inflammatory and infectious diseases continue to impose a substantial global health burden, compounded by persistent gaps in understanding their pathogenic mechanisms and limited therapeutic advancements. To address these challenges, this review systematically analyzed literature from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases (2005-2025) to evaluate the evolution and applications of airway organoid models in respiratory disease research. Key findings include: (1) the convergence of traditional culture techniques with advanced methodologies - including 3D matrix embedding, bioprinting and organoids-on-chips technologies - has enabled unprecedented recapitulation of human airway architecture and multicellular interactions; (2) these novel models provide unique insights into disease pathogenesis, host-microbe dynamics, and drug response variability; (3) the inherent capacity to maintain native cellular diversity and disease-associated phenotypes positions airway organoids as crucial platforms for personalized medicine approaches. Collectively, these advances establish airway organoids as transformative tools that bridge conventional in vitro models and clinical reality. Looking ahead, coupling organs-on-chips platforms with microgravity culture and single-cell lineage tracing will catalyze fundamental breakthroughs in respiratory disease research.

Keywords: airway organoids; precision treatment; respiratory diseases; technological progress.

Publication types

  • Review