What is this collection about?
Organoid models recapitulate many characteristics of in vivo disease and provide valuable insights into human host-microbe interactions. Derived from pluripotent or tissue stem cells, organoids offer physiologically relevant models with self-organizing capabilities that can overcome limitations of conventional two-dimensional cultures. In this cross-journal Collection, Communications Biology and Nature Communications welcome primary research Articles focused on advances in stem cell-based organoid models for infectious disease research and on novel insights into disease mechanisms supported by organoid systems.
Why is this collection important?
Organoid technologies are rapidly transforming infectious disease research by providing experimental systems that more closely resemble human physiology. These models create opportunities to better understand host-pathogen interactions, uncover mechanisms of infection, and support the development of novel diagnostic approaches and targeted therapies. By bringing together advances from across the field, this Collection aims to highlight the growing impact of organoid systems on infectious disease research.
Why submit to a collection?
Collections like this one help attract and promote high-quality science. They are led by internal In-House Editors and external Guest Editors, and supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores, and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest.
Who is involved?
Communications Biology is edited by both in-house professional editors and Editorial Board Members.
Guest Editor for Communications Biology
Stephanie Pfaender, PhD, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Germany
Stephanie Pfaender is professor at the Leibniz Institute of Virology in Germany, where she heads the Emerging Viruses group. Trained in biomedicine and virology in Hannover and at TWINCORE, she conducted postdoctoral research in Switzerland and the United States before establishing her own laboratory in Bochum; since 2024, she has led emerging virus research at the Leibniz Institute of Virology.
Nature Communications is edited by in-house professional editors.
Our editors work closely together to ensure the quality of our published papers and consistency in author experience.
How can I submit my paper?
Visit the Collection page to find out more about this collection and submit your article.