OrganoVIR lab to advance virology research through coordination of EU-funded MERIT project
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20 May 2026
Which strategies viruses employ to alter host metabolism to their advantage will be a central focus of the MERIT (MEtabolic Reprogramming in viral pathogenesis: from Infection to Therapeutic innovations) project. This EU-funded MSCA training programme will bring together 7 academic institutions and 12 associated partners from across Europe, coordinated by Amsterdam-based OrganoVIR lab that is specialized in virus culture using human organoids.
In order to supply ATP, metabolic intermediates and building blocks necessary for its replication, viruses reprogram host metabolism upon entry, by shifting energy production toward high glycolytic flux, boosting biosynthetic fatty acid synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and pentose phosphate pathways, altering mitochondrial function, enhancing lipid metabolism, and disrupting metabolite‑dependent immune signaling.
Understanding the complex host-virus interactions and processes responsible for virus-induced metabolic reprogramming is important for advancing therapeutic strategies that address the impact of infections. Crucially, substantial inter-species differences in viral tropism, host metabolic pathways, and immune system highlight the need for human‑based methods that faithfully capture the alterations triggered in the human host. To unravel the role of host metabolism in viral infections, the MERIT project will therefore leverage three advanced technologies: human organoids, integrative and spatial omics, and advanced microscopy.
“By incorporating these techniques, the consortium will not only advance fundamental virology research but also contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that address both immediate and long-term impacts of infections.” said Dr. Adithya Sridhar, Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator at OrganoVIR labs.
MERIT brings together a network of leading academic and industry partners across Europe. In addition to Amsterdam UMC, the consortium includes institutions such as Karolinska Institute, University of Oslo, Jagiellonian University, Leiden University Medical Center, Medical University Innsbruck, Justus Liebig University Giessen.
The collaboration is further strengthened by associated partners, including VectorY, Stichting Saxion, STEMCELL Technologies, BEonChip, Isogen Life Science, Chip NanoImaging, International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, Arctic University of Norway, Stichting Proefdiervrij, The Parfum Agency (Sylvalia), Stiftelsen for industriell og teknisk forskning, and University of Amsterdam.
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