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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
Handling of the Cotton Rat in Studies for the Pre-clinical Evaluation of Oncolytic Viruses
Published on: November 24, 2014
Current animal models: cotton rat animal model
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, 1925 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. niewiesk.1@osu.edu
Abstract:
The cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) model has proven to be a suitable small animal model for measles virus pathogenesis to fill the niche between tissue culture and studies in macaques. Similar to mice, inbred cotton rats are available in a microbiologically defined quality with an ever-increasing arsenal of reagents and methods available for the study of infectious diseases. Cotton rats replicate measles virus in the respiratory tract and (depending on virus strain) in lymphoid organs. They can be infected with vaccine, wild-type, and recombinant measles viruses and have been used to study viruses with genetic modifications. Other areas of study include efficacy testing of antivirals and vaccines. The cotton rat also has been an informative animal model to investigate measles virus-induced immune suppression and suppression of vaccination by maternal antibodies. In addition, the cotton rat promises to be a useful model for the study of polymicrobial disease (interaction between measles virus and secondary pathogens).
Insights
The cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) is an effective animal model for studying measles virus, replicating the virus and aiding vaccine and antiviral research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Measles virus pathogenesis research requires suitable animal models.
- Cotton rats offer advantages similar to mice, with available reagents and methods.
- They bridge the gap between in vitro studies and non-human primate models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) as a model for measles virus (MeV).
- To assess its utility in studying MeV replication, immune effects, and therapeutic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Infection of cotton rats with various measles virus strains (vaccine, wild-type, recombinant).
- Analysis of viral replication in respiratory and lymphoid tissues.
- Investigation of immune suppression and antiviral/vaccine efficacy.
Main Results:
- Cotton rats replicate measles virus in the respiratory tract and lymphoid organs.
- The model supports studies on virus-induced immune suppression and maternal antibody interference.
- It is suitable for testing antiviral drugs and vaccine efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The cotton rat is a valuable small animal model for measles virus research.
- It facilitates studies on viral pathogenesis, immune modulation, and therapeutic development.
- This model shows promise for investigating polymicrobial diseases involving measles virus.
