Abstract: Described herein are particular infection model systems, methods of studying infection, and method of screening compounds in various model systems. Particularly, SARS-CoV-2 is studied in these organ and infection models.

Abstract: The in vitro organoid model is a major technological breakthrough and an essential tool to study the basic biology of an organ system and for the development of various clinical applications for disease intervention. Organoids can self-renew and exhibit similarities in function as of their tissue of origin. Here, a step-by-step protocol is described to isolate region-specific progenitors from the human lung and generate 3D organoid cultures as an experimental and validation tool.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for regulation of the p53 pathway, providing intrinsic “sternness” allowing for their efficient in vitro expansion following isolation. Pharmacologic approaches to modulate p53 signaling supports expansion of stem cells, including greater clonal expansion of lung stem cells when compared to use of other small molecules such as ROCK inhibitor Y27632 alone. Effects of combined treatment with Pifithrin-? and Y27632 are additive. The current invention involves use of drugs that target the p53 pathway to reversibly regulate stem cell expansion in vitro for banking of stem cells and for pre-conditioning of stem cells prior to orthotopic transplantation.