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Seroconversion to HCoV-NL63 in Rhesus Macaques
Ronald Dijkman1, H Lie Mulder, Lynne Rumping
1Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infection and Immunity (CINIMA), Academic Medical Centre (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; E-Mails: r.dijkman@amc.uva.nl (R.D.); h.l.mulder.1@student.rug.nl (H.L.M.); lynne.rumping@student.uva.nl (L.R.); ilse.kraaijvanger@student.uva.nl (I. K.); m.deijs@amc.uva.nl (M.D.); m.f.jebbink@amc.uva.nl (M.F.J.).
Abstract:
HCoV-NL63 is a recently identified respiratory virus. Its pathogenesis has not been fully unraveled because an animal model is currently lacking. Here we examined whether rhesus macaques encounter HCoV-NL63 infections during life, by examining the levels of antibodies to HCoV-NL63 in time. The animals were followed for 7 up till 19 years, and in three animals we observed a steep rise in antibodies during follow up, indicative of a natural infection with HCoV-NL63.
Insights
Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) infections were studied in rhesus macaques. Antibody analysis revealed evidence of natural HCoV-NL63 infection in three long-term study animals.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Primate Models
Background:
- Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) is a respiratory virus.
- The pathogenesis of HCoV-NL63 remains unclear due to the absence of a suitable animal model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of HCoV-NL63 infections in rhesus macaques.
- To establish if rhesus macaques can serve as a model for studying HCoV-NL63 infection.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal monitoring of antibody levels against HCoV-NL63 in rhesus macaques.
- Study duration ranged from 7 to 19 years.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in HCoV-NL63 antibodies was observed in three macaques during the follow-up period.
- This rise in antibody titers suggests natural HCoV-NL63 infection occurred in these animals.
Conclusions:
- Rhesus macaques exhibit natural infections with HCoV-NL63.
- These findings support the potential use of rhesus macaques as an animal model for HCoV-NL63 pathogenesis research.
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