Mouse and hamster models for the study of therapy against flavivirus infections

Small animal models that are reminiscent of flaviviral disease in human will be instrumental in identifying therapeutic strategies against flavivirus infections. Here we review models in mice and hamsters for the most clinically important flaviviruses: dengue virus, yellow fever virus, West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus and tick-borne encephalitis virus. In addition, models are discussed that employ no known vector viruses such as the Modoc virus. These viruses can be manipulated in BSL-2 laboratories and in infected mice and hamsters they mimic flaviviral disease in human.