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Replication of clinical measles virus strains in hispid cotton rats
P R Wyde1, D K Moore-Poveda, N J Daley
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. pwyde@bcm.tmc.edu
Abstract:
An alternative model to nonhuman primates to study measles virus (MV) pathogenesis, to evaluate potential MV vaccines, or to screen for potential antivirals effective against this virus is highly desirable. The laboratory-adapted Edmonston strain of MV has been reported to replicate in the lungs of hispid cotton rats following intranasal inoculation, immunosuppress infected animals, and disseminate widely from the lungs, making these animals a candidate model. However, clinical MV strains have generally not been found to grow in these animals, limiting the utility and acceptance of this model. In the present studies we demonstrate reproducible replication of several clinical MV strains in hispid cotton rats. As with the Edmonston strain, leukocytes appear to be the primary target cells of these viruses following intranasal inoculation, and extrapulmonary dissemination is common. It is also demonstrated that prior MV infection or immunization of test animals with MV vaccine prevents pulmonary tract infection. These findings should make the MV-cotton rat model more acceptable.
Insights
Hispid cotton rats can now be used to study measles virus (MV) infection and test vaccines. This model successfully replicates clinical MV strains, offering a valuable alternative to nonhuman primates for research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Nonhuman primates are standard models for measles virus (MV) research, but alternatives are needed.
- Previous studies showed limited replication of clinical MV strains in hispid cotton rats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate reproducible replication of clinical MV strains in hispid cotton rats.
- To validate the hispid cotton rat as an alternative model for MV pathogenesis, vaccine evaluation, and antiviral screening.
Main Methods:
- Intranasal inoculation of hispid cotton rats with clinical MV strains.
- Monitoring viral replication, target cell identification, and dissemination.
- Assessing the efficacy of prior MV infection or vaccination in preventing infection.
Main Results:
- Reproducible replication of several clinical MV strains was achieved in hispid cotton rats.
- Leukocytes were identified as primary target cells, with common extrapulmonary dissemination.
- Prior MV infection or vaccination conferred protection against pulmonary tract infection.
Conclusions:
- The hispid cotton rat model supports replication of clinical MV strains, enhancing its utility.
- This model is suitable for studying MV pathogenesis, evaluating vaccines, and screening antivirals.
- The model's acceptance is improved by demonstrating reproducible results and protective immunity.