Single-cell RNA-sequencing of human bronchial epithelial organoids infected by four different betacoronaviruses; HCoV-OC43, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 and mock control.

We investigated the interactions of four distinct betacoronaviruses; HCoV-OC43, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 within human bronchial epithelial (HBE) organoids using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to comprehensively understand betacoronaviruses cellular tropism and the intricate interplay between these cells and the host's immune defense mechanisms. We establish a comprehensive ALI model of the human respiratory system. To compare the infection dynamics of four betacoronaviruses, we investigate cellular tropism, analyze host factor, and identify the shared or virus-specific host responses, using single-cell RNA sequencing and Immunofluorescence.