Human intestinal organoid response to infection
Enteroviruses are widespread viruses that can cause a broad spectrum of disease, particularly in pediatric populations. Innate immune sensing in the intestinal epithelium likely plays a critical role in determining the outcome of enterovirus infections. Deficiencies in TLR3 signaling, IFNL responses, or crypt-villus architecture may contribute to severe disease presentations. Our findings highlight the importance of TLR3-mediated sensing in mature enterocytes, which may also have broader implications for other intestinal viruses, as well as for inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. A deeper understanding of how TLR3 sensing and IFNL production are regulated in the intestine could inform new therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating mucosal sensitivity to viral nucleic acids and enhancing antiviral defense