The development of in vitro and ex vivo models that replicate the host-pathogen interface has significantly advanced the study of pathogenesis for different pathogens. Several approaches have been employed to recreate the infection site, simulate infection processes, and investigate immune cell interactions. These methods include 3D cell culture, Transwell insert technology, microfluidic systems, decellularized scaffolds, organoid cultures, and explant cultures derived from different infection sites.

These models help bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies by allowing researchers to reconstruct the physiological environment of the host-pathogen interface in a controlled and reproducible laboratory setting. They enable sampling at multiple time points, evaluation of novel compounds, and co-infection studies involving various pathogens. Additionally, these models offer several advantages, such as ease of manipulation, compatibility with various imaging techniques, and the ability to transfer findings across different pathogens.

Such models are especially crucial for studying human obligate pathogens, for which suitable animal models are lacking. This collection aims to showcase recent advances in established in vitro and ex vivo models used to investigate host-pathogen interactions.