Models and cellular monolayers to study the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on kidney

The basis for kidney damage due to SARS-CoV-2 is not completely clear; however, there is a high mortality rate with kidney involvement during a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Monolayer cell culture and organoid models have been crucial in understanding the virus's underlying mechanism and effects. Here, we provide an up-to-date view of cell culture and organoid models for studying the effects of SARS-CoV-2 induced kidney injury as well as the advantages and limitations of these models. The major new insights from the recent studies identified multiple receptors for SARS-CoV-2 viral entry into the cells using both kidney organoid and human iPSC-derived monolayer cell culture systems. As a result, promising new therapies are being developed to reduce kidney injury during a SARS-CoV-2 infection, reduce mortality during a COVID-19 pandemic, and reduce long COVID complications.