Intestinal Organoids Derived from Pluripotent Stem Cells for Modeling Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a complex disorder with poorly understood pathophysiology. Patient-derived intestinal organoids—miniature, self-organizing 3D structures grown from stem cells—have emerged as a revolutionary platform for modeling human disease in vitro. This review evaluates their use in recapitulating key features of IBD.

Methods: A search of MEDLINE and Embase was conducted for studies utilizing iPSC-derived or adult stem cell-derived intestinal organoids to model Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Studies were assessed for their ability to model disease-specific phenotypes, such as epithelial barrier dysfunction and altered immune responses.

Results: Twenty-eight studies were identified. Organoids derived from IBD patients successfully recapitulated genetic predispositions and key disease phenotypes, including increased epithelial permeability (leaky gut) and exaggerated inflammatory cytokine production in response to stimuli. They have also been used effectively to screen for drug efficacy and toxicity.

Discussion: Intestinal organoids provide an unprecedented window into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of IBD, bridging the gap between animal models and human patients. They allow for the investigation of patient-specific disease processes and offer a platform for developing personalized medicine.

Conclusion: Stem cell-derived intestinal organoids are a powerful and validated tool for modeling IBD, enabling new insights into its pathogenesis and providing a robust platform for preclinical drug development.