“Armed in-vitro retina”-generating microglial retinal organoids, where are we now?

The objective of organoid research is to develop in vitro models that accurately replicate the microenvironment of tissues and organs in vivo. Although techniques for culturing retinal organoids (ROs) have advanced significantly, they still fall short of incorporating all cell types necessary for ma...

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Main Authors: Yaohong Liu, Lixiong Gao, Wenqian Chen, Yuhan Yan, Zi Ye, Zhaohui Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2025.1574283/full
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author Yaohong Liu
Yaohong Liu
Lixiong Gao
Wenqian Chen
Wenqian Chen
Yuhan Yan
Yuhan Yan
Zi Ye
Zi Ye
Zi Ye
Zhaohui Li
Zhaohui Li
Zhaohui Li
author_facet Yaohong Liu
Yaohong Liu
Lixiong Gao
Wenqian Chen
Wenqian Chen
Yuhan Yan
Yuhan Yan
Zi Ye
Zi Ye
Zi Ye
Zhaohui Li
Zhaohui Li
Zhaohui Li
author_sort Yaohong Liu
collection DOAJ
description The objective of organoid research is to develop in vitro models that accurately replicate the microenvironment of tissues and organs in vivo. Although techniques for culturing retinal organoids (ROs) have advanced significantly, they still fall short of incorporating all cell types necessary for maintaining retinal homeostasis, particularly immune cells like microglia. Standardizing the inclusion of immune cells in RO cultures would greatly enhance research into the mechanisms underlying retinal diseases and the discovery of therapeutic targets. This review examines recent advancements in co-culturing ROs with immune cells to mimic the physiological and pathological microenvironments of the retina, focusing on tissue structure and function. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of cutting-edge organoid technologies, such as microfluidics and organ-on-chip systems, in propelling research in this field. The goal is to equip researchers with a more profound understanding of microglial ROs and their potential applications in scientific investigations.
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institution DOAJ
issn 2296-634X
language English
publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
record_format Article
series Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
spelling doaj-art-6281af181e4e46008d0ede40fcf9c38b2025-08-20T03:21:46ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology2296-634X2025-05-011310.3389/fcell.2025.15742831574283“Armed in-vitro retina”-generating microglial retinal organoids, where are we now?Yaohong Liu0Yaohong Liu1Lixiong Gao2Wenqian Chen3Wenqian Chen4Yuhan Yan5Yuhan Yan6Zi Ye7Zi Ye8Zi Ye9Zhaohui Li10Zhaohui Li11Zhaohui Li12Department of Ophthalmology, Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, ChinaSchool of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, ChinaDepartment of Ophthalmology, Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, ChinaDepartment of Ophthalmology, Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, ChinaChinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, Beijing, ChinaDepartment of Ophthalmology, Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, ChinaChinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, Beijing, ChinaDepartment of Ophthalmology, Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, ChinaSchool of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, ChinaChinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, Beijing, ChinaDepartment of Ophthalmology, Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, ChinaSchool of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, ChinaChinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, Beijing, ChinaThe objective of organoid research is to develop in vitro models that accurately replicate the microenvironment of tissues and organs in vivo. Although techniques for culturing retinal organoids (ROs) have advanced significantly, they still fall short of incorporating all cell types necessary for maintaining retinal homeostasis, particularly immune cells like microglia. Standardizing the inclusion of immune cells in RO cultures would greatly enhance research into the mechanisms underlying retinal diseases and the discovery of therapeutic targets. This review examines recent advancements in co-culturing ROs with immune cells to mimic the physiological and pathological microenvironments of the retina, focusing on tissue structure and function. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of cutting-edge organoid technologies, such as microfluidics and organ-on-chip systems, in propelling research in this field. The goal is to equip researchers with a more profound understanding of microglial ROs and their potential applications in scientific investigations.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2025.1574283/fullretinal organoidsimmune privilegeco-culture with immune cellsmicrogliapersonalized treatment
spellingShingle Yaohong Liu
Yaohong Liu
Lixiong Gao
Wenqian Chen
Wenqian Chen
Yuhan Yan
Yuhan Yan
Zi Ye
Zi Ye
Zi Ye
Zhaohui Li
Zhaohui Li
Zhaohui Li
“Armed in-vitro retina”-generating microglial retinal organoids, where are we now?
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
retinal organoids
immune privilege
co-culture with immune cells
microglia
personalized treatment
title “Armed in-vitro retina”-generating microglial retinal organoids, where are we now?
title_full “Armed in-vitro retina”-generating microglial retinal organoids, where are we now?
title_fullStr “Armed in-vitro retina”-generating microglial retinal organoids, where are we now?
title_full_unstemmed “Armed in-vitro retina”-generating microglial retinal organoids, where are we now?
title_short “Armed in-vitro retina”-generating microglial retinal organoids, where are we now?
title_sort armed in vitro retina generating microglial retinal organoids where are we now
topic retinal organoids
immune privilege
co-culture with immune cells
microglia
personalized treatment
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2025.1574283/full
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