Porcine nasal organoids: a new window into pig respiratory health
The nasal cavity of pigs is much more than an airway: it is a highly specialized environment that acts as a first line of defense against pathogens and plays an active role in immune regulation. This ecosystem is lined with epithelial tissue that constantly interacts with a diverse community of bacteria —the nasal microbiota— as well as with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Understanding how these interactions are regulated is key to preventing respiratory diseases, both in pigs and in humans.
With this goal in mind, a team of researchers at IRTA-CReSA has developed, for the first time, a three-dimensional model of porcine nasal organoids. This innovative tool allows researchers to recreate the histological and functional features of pig nasal tissue in vitro, opening the door to detailed studies of host–microbiota–pathogen dynamics under controlled conditions.
How are nasal organoids created?
Organoids are small cellular structures grown from stem cells that, under the right conditions, self-organize into “mini-organs” that mimic the properties of real tissues. In this case, basal cells from the nasal epithelium of healthy pigs were used, obtained either through post-mortem dissection or by cytological brushes —a non-invasive technique that avoids sacrificing animals.
When grown under suitable conditions, these cells form structures that resemble real nasal epithelium. They feature an internal cavity, actively beating cilia, and several specialized respiratory cell types, such as mucus-producing and barrier-forming cells. From this three-dimensional culture, flat monolayers can also be generated to study how bacteria adhere and how the tissue responds to their presence.
Which bacteria are involved? And what do they do?
To test the model’s functionality, the researchers studied interactions between nasal epithelial cells and common nasal bacteria found in pigs:
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Moraxella pluranimalium: a common and abundant commensal species in the pig microbiota.
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Rothia nasimurium: less abundant but consistently present; until now, relatively unexplored.
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Glaesserella parasuis: although a commensal, it is known for its pathogenic potential, especially in virulent strains that cause Glässer’s disease.
All species were able to adhere to and colonize the organoids, although with varying efficiencies. Most notably, R. nasimurium triggered a much milder inflammatory response and stimulated the production of interferon gamma (IFNγ), a key immune-regulating molecule. Even more interesting, its presence significantly reduced the proinflammatory responses caused by G. parasuis and M. pluranimalium.
These results suggest that R. nasimurium may play a protective role in the nasal epithelium by modulating inflammation and helping maintain microbial balance. This positions it as a potential probiotic candidate that could reduce reliance on antimicrobials.
A promising tool for research and prevention
Porcine nasal organoids can be preserved, expanded and differentiated, making them a highly versatile platform. In the short term, they allow researchers to study how bacteria colonize the epithelium, how they compete with each other, and what immune signals they trigger. In the longer term, they could be used to test alternatives to antibiotics, better understand antimicrobial resistance, or even predict zoonotic transmission potential.
Importantly, the fact that organoids can be obtained from nasal swabs avoids the need to euthanize animals, making this model more ethical and sustainable.
What’s next?
This study represents a significant step forward in the development of physiologically relevant models for respiratory disease research. In pig production, this is especially relevant, as respiratory infections are a major cause of economic loss and animal welfare concerns. But the implications go beyond veterinary science: pigs can serve as reservoirs or bridges for pathogens that affect humans, and understanding their nasal microbiome may help prevent future zoonoses.
With this new tool, the pig’s “nose” becomes more than an entry point for air —it becomes a living laboratory to study coexistence, competition, and defense between microbes and their host.
Study reference:
Bonillo‑Lopez, L., Carmona‑Vicente, N., Tarrés‑Freixas, F., Kochanowski, K., Martínez, J., Perez, M., Sibila, M., Correa‑Fiz, F., & Aragon, V. (2025). Porcine nasal organoids to model interactions between the swine nasal microbiota and the host. Microbiome, 13, 131. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-025-02088-9
