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Published on: February 23, 2014
Susceptibility and resistance to pneumococcal disease in mice
Aras Kadioglu1, Peter W Andrew
1Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK. ak13@le.ac.uk
Abstract:
Although pneumococcus is a major pathogen of humans and, every year, the bacterium causes illness and death in millions of individuals, the genetic basis of susceptibility to the bacterium is unknown. Previous attempts to identify the gene explaining differing susceptibility to pneumococcal disease in humans have been without significant success. In order to develop new hypotheses that can be tested in humans, significant efforts have been made using mouse models of infection and disease. Indeed, the majority of the information so far obtained on pneumococcal disease in vivo has come from mouse studies. Mice differ in their response to pneumococcal disease, however, and the genetic basis of susceptibility to infection is unknown. This review summarises the current knowledge of mouse susceptibility and resistance to pneumococcal infection.
Insights
The genetic factors influencing pneumococcal disease susceptibility in humans remain unknown. This review summarizes current knowledge on mouse models to develop new hypotheses for human studies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Pneumococcus causes millions of human illnesses and deaths annually.
- The genetic basis for differing susceptibility to pneumococcal disease is largely unknown in humans.
- Mouse models are crucial for studying pneumococcal infection and disease in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on mouse susceptibility and resistance to pneumococcal infection.
- To identify gaps in understanding the genetic basis of pneumococcal disease.
- To inform the development of new hypotheses for human studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on mouse models of pneumococcal infection.
- Analysis of genetic factors influencing host response to Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Synthesis of current findings on pneumococcal disease pathogenesis in mice.
Main Results:
- Mice exhibit varying responses to pneumococcal disease.
- The genetic underpinnings of pneumococcal susceptibility in mice are not fully elucidated.
- Existing research highlights the utility of mouse models for investigating pneumococcal pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to understand the genetic basis of pneumococcal susceptibility in mice.
- Mouse models provide valuable insights into host-pathogen interactions relevant to human pneumococcal disease.
- Identifying genetic factors in mice may lead to novel strategies for preventing or treating pneumococcal infections in humans.
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