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Published on: August 8, 2014
Model Systems: transgenic mouse models for measles pathogenesis
1Dept of Neuropharmacology (IMM6), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. marim@scripps.edu
Abstract:
Studies of the diseases caused by measles virus (MV) in humans have been restricted owing to the lack of suitable animal models. The discovery of cellular receptors for MV entry has facilitated the development of transgenic mice that are susceptible to MV infection, and that mimic certain aspects of the central nervous system diseases and immunosuppression that can occur in infected humans. Moreover, such mouse models have allowed a clearer understanding of the contributions of the innate and adaptive immune response following infection, and will no doubt be important tools in the future for the development of new antiviral and vaccine reagents.
Insights
Developing measles virus (MV) susceptible transgenic mice offers a vital animal model for studying human MV diseases. These models aid in understanding immune responses and developing new antiviral therapies and vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Transgenic animal models
Background:
- Studying measles virus (MV) in humans is challenging due to the absence of adequate animal models.
- Measles virus causes significant human diseases, including neurological complications and immunosuppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a transgenic mouse model susceptible to measles virus infection.
- To utilize this model for investigating MV pathogenesis and immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Leveraged the discovery of cellular receptors for MV entry.
- Created transgenic mice engineered for susceptibility to MV infection.
Main Results:
- Transgenic mice exhibit susceptibility to MV infection.
- These mice replicate key aspects of human MV central nervous system diseases and immunosuppression.
- The model facilitates studying innate and adaptive immune responses to MV.
Conclusions:
- Transgenic mice susceptible to MV provide a valuable preclinical model.
- This model is crucial for advancing the understanding of MV disease mechanisms.
- It will accelerate the development of novel antiviral drugs and vaccines against measles.
