Applications of Animal Models in Researching Hepatitis A

Abstract

Hepatitis diseases are remaining in the list of significant threats to human health. Human hepatitis viruses are basically classified into six major hepatotropic pathogens-hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), and hepatitis G virus (HGV). Among these different forms of hepatotropic viruses, HAV as the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis is characterized as a kind of tiny ribonucleic acid virus that is linked to atopic disease. As we know, animal models have been instrumental in promoting understanding of complex host-virus interactions and boosting the advancement of immune therapies. So far, animal models such as nonhuman primates (NHPs) have enabled scientists to mimic and study the pathogenicities and host immune responses for hepatitis A infection. With the exception of chimpanzees and marmosets, animals like mice, pigs, guinea pigs, and tree shrews can also be selected as alternative animal models infected with HAV under laboratory conditions. In order to gain a better insight into hepatitis A pathogenesis and relevant contents, this chapter is mainly focused on the research progress in animal models of hepatitis A, and discusses the merits and demerits of these alternative models.