Human liver organoid derived intra-hepatic bile duct cells support SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication and its comparison with SARS-CoV

Lui, V. C.-H.; Hui, K. P.-Y.; Babu, R. O.; Yue, H.; Chung, P. H.-Y.; Tam, P. K.-H.; Chan, M. C.-W.; Wong, K. K.-Y.

BackgroundAlthough the main route of infection for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the respiratory tract, liver injury is also commonly seen in many patients, as evidenced by deranged parenchymal liver enzymes. Furthermore, patients with severe liver disease have been shown to have higher mortality. Overall, the mechanism behind the liver injury remains unclear. Approach and resultsWe showed that intra-hepatic bile duct cells could be grown using a human liver organoid platform. The cholangiocytes were not only susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, they also supported efficient viral replication. We also showed that SARS-CoV-2 replication was much higher than SARS-CoV. ConclusionOur findings suggested direct cytopathic viral damage being a mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 liver injury.