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

Abstract

Shu-Ping Jiang,1,* Bing-Qi Lin,1,* Xing-Qiang Zhou,2,* Min-Hua Li,1,* Zhen-Cheng Feng,1 Yue-Ying Qin,1 Shi-Qi Lin,1 Zi-Qing Zhou,1 Yang Peng,1 Lian Li1 1State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Huizhou, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Lian Li, Email [email protected] Yang Peng, Email [email protected]: 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, respiratory diseases, precision treatment, technological progress

Keywords

• Airway organoids
• Respiratory diseases
• Precision treatment
• Technological Progress