An Accessible 3D HepG2/C3A Liver Spheroid Model Supporting the Complete Intrahepatocytic Lifecycle of Plasmodium falciparum

Abstract

Current liver-stage Plasmodium falciparum models are complex, expensive, and largely inaccessible, hindering research progress. Here, we show that a 3D liver spheroid model grown from immortalized HepG2/C3A cells supports the complete intrahepatocytic lifecycle of P. falciparum. Our results demonstrate sporozoite infection, development of exoerythrocytic forms, and breakthrough infection into erythrocytes. The 3D-grown spheroid hepatocytes are structurally and functionally polarised, displaying enhanced albumin and urea production and increased expression of key metabolic enzymes, mimicking in vivo conditions - relative to 2D cultures. This accessible, reproducible model lowers barriers to malaria research, promoting advancements in fundamental biology and translational research.