Animal models for influenza virus pathogenesis, transmission, and immunology.
In humans, infection with an influenza A or B virus manifests typically as an acute and self-limited upper respiratory tract illness characterized by fever, cough, sore throat, and malaise. However, influenza can present along a broad spectrum of disease, ranging from sub-clinical or even asymptomatic infection to a severe primary viral pneumonia requiring advanced medical supportive care. Disease severity depends upon the virulence of the influenza virus strain and the immune competence and previous influenza exposures of the patient. Animal models are used in influenza research not only to elucidate the viral and host factors that affect influenza disease outcomes in and spread among susceptible hosts, but also to evaluate interventions designed to prevent or reduce influenza morbidity and mortality in man. This review will focus on the three animal models currently used most frequently in influenza virus research - mice, ferrets, and guinea pigs - and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Rajagowthamee R
RR
Thangavel
Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA. Electronic address: nicole.bouvier@mssm.edu.
Nicole M
NM
Bouvier
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005289:Ferrets; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000635:transmission; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
Animal model; Ferret; Guinea pig; Immunology; Influenza; Mouse