Human models for COVID-19 research

J Physiol. 2021 Sep;599(18):4255-4267. doi: 10.1113/JP281499. Epub 2021 Aug 17.

Abstract

Currently, therapeutics for COVID-19 are limited. To overcome this, it is important that we use physiologically relevant models to reproduce the pathology of infection and evaluate the efficacy of antiviral drugs. Models of airway infection, including the use of a human infection challenge model or well-defined, disease relevant in vitro systems can help determine the key components that perpetuate the severity of the disease. Here, we briefly review the human models that are currently being used in COVID-19 research and drug development.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; cilia; differentitated; infection; respiratory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents