Animal Models for Influenza Virus Pathogenesis and Transmission

Abstract

Abstract:Influenza virus infection of humans results in a respiratory disease that ranges in severity from sub-clinical infection to primary viral pneumonia that can result in death. The clinical effects of infection vary with the exposure history, age and immune status of the host, and also the virulence of the influenza strain. In humans, the virus is transmitted through either aerosol or contact-based transfer of infectious respiratory secretions. As is evidenced by most zoonotic influenza virus infections, not all strains that can infect humans are able to transmit from person-to-person. Animal models of influenza are essential to research efforts aimed at understanding the viral and host factors that contribute to the disease and transmission outcomes of influenza virus infection in humans. These models furthermore allow the pre-clinical testing of antiviral drugs and vaccines aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality in the population through amelioration of the virulence or transmissibility of influenza viruses. Mice, ferrets, guinea pigs, cotton rats, hamsters and macaques have all been used to study influenza viruses and therapeutics targeting them. Each model presents unique advantages and disadvantages, which will be discussed herein.

A broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody is effective against H7N9

“…Notably, DBA mice are more susceptible to influenza infection than traditional mouse models, such as BALB/c, and thus replicate some aspects of severe disease in humans (12). In an attempt to account for the severity of this model, and to provide a reasonable comparison in cohorts receiving oseltamivir, the dose of VIS410 and oseltamivir was increased to 50 mg/kg.…”

CD11b activation suppresses TLR-dependent inflammation and autoimmunity in systemic lupus erythematosus

“…In addition to the known genes downstream of TLR engagement (MYD88, IL6, IL1A, CXCL1), pathway analysis showed that the genes in the TLR-associated canonical antiviral response (P < 1.3 × 10 -12 , overlap 13/52) and IFN-I pathways (P < 2.5 × 10 -9 , overlap 8/24) were highly enriched (Supplemental Figure 8). This includes CXCL9, ifestation of infection in these animals (41,43). While the vehicle-treated animals exhibited significant weight loss within 3 days after viral infection ( Figure 2H), reaching a maximum weight loss around day 6, before regaining it, LA1-treated animals did not show any loss of body weight after infection.…”

Influenza, Immune System, and Pregnancy

“…[120][121][122][123][124][125] Studies on animal models of influenza infection in pregnancy are limited. Here, we focus on studies in mice and nonhuman primate (cynomolgus macaque).…”