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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
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Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
The mouse model for influenza.
Yumiko Matsuoka1, Elaine W Lamirande, Kanta Subbarao
1NIAID, NIH, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Current Protocols in Microbiology
|May 5, 2009
Summary
Selecting the right animal model is crucial for influenza research. Ferrets are highly susceptible to human influenza viruses, while mice offer cost-effectiveness and genetic diversity for vaccine studies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Comparative Medicine
Background:
- Accurate animal models are essential for understanding influenza pathogenesis and immune responses.
- Ferrets are considered ideal for influenza research due to their susceptibility to human influenza viruses.
- Mice are widely used for influenza vaccine research despite requiring adaptation for human influenza viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the suitability of different animal models for influenza research.
- To highlight the advantages and disadvantages of ferrets and mice as influenza models.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of animal models used in influenza research.
- Comparison of ferret and mouse models based on susceptibility, cost, and genetic manipulability.
Main Results:
- Ferrets exhibit high susceptibility to human influenza viruses, mimicking human disease.
- Mice, while requiring adaptation, are cost-effective and offer genetic diversity for influenza studies.
- Other models like hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats have also been utilized.
Conclusions:
- Both ferrets and mice serve valuable roles in influenza research, each with unique strengths.
- The choice of animal model depends on the specific research question in influenza studies.
