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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
Age-dependent response of mice to a mouse hepatitis virus, MHV-S
Abstract:
To a mouse hepatitis virus strain MHV-S, 4 week-old ICR mice were shown to be fully resistant irrespective of route and dose of inoculation, and fatal infection was produced only with cortisone treatment. Two-week-old mice also showed high resistance to MHV-S except for after intracerebral inoculation, and 60% of infected mice died. Mice aged 1 week or less, however, died after intracerebral, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous and intranasal inoculation, while some of them survived after peroral inoculation. Between mice aged 4 weeks and those aged 1 week or less, there was a significant difference in viral growth in the liver after intranasal inoculation, whereas almost the same degree of viral multiplication was seen in the brain of both age groups. Such age-dependent difference in susceptibility to a low-virulent mouse hepatitis virus especially after nasal inoculation is discussed in relation to natural infection in mouse breeding colonies.
Insights
Younger mice (1 week or less) are highly susceptible to mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-S), while older mice (4 weeks) are resistant. Age significantly impacts MHV-S susceptibility, particularly after nasal inoculation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-S) is a common pathogen in laboratory mice.
- Susceptibility to viral infections can vary significantly with age.
- Understanding age-dependent resistance is crucial for controlling outbreaks in mouse colonies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the age-related susceptibility of ICR mice to mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-S).
- To determine the influence of inoculation route on MHV-S infection severity in different age groups.
- To elucidate the viral replication patterns in relation to age and inoculation site.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of ICR mice of varying ages (1 week or less, 2 weeks, 4 weeks) with MHV-S via different routes (intracerebral, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intranasal, peroral).
- Assessment of mortality rates and clinical signs post-inoculation.
- Quantification of viral growth in the liver and brain tissues.
Main Results:
- Four-week-old mice were fully resistant to MHV-S without cortisone treatment.
- Two-week-old mice showed resistance, except to intracerebral inoculation (60% mortality).
- Mice aged 1 week or less exhibited high mortality across most inoculation routes, except peroral.
- Significant differences in liver viral load were observed between 1-week-old and 4-week-old mice after intranasal inoculation.
Conclusions:
- Age is a critical factor determining susceptibility to MHV-S infection in mice.
- Intranasal inoculation highlights significant age-dependent differences in viral replication, particularly in the liver.
- Findings have implications for understanding and managing MHV-S in natural mouse populations and breeding colonies.
