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David Esteban1, Scott Parker, Jill Schriewer
1Biology Department, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|June 13, 2012
Summary
The ectromelia virus in mice provides a model for studying orthopoxvirus infections, aiding in understanding disease progression and developing antiviral treatments. Protocols are detailed for safe handling and analysis of host immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Disease Modeling
Background:
- Ectromelia virus (ECTV) infections in laboratory mice serve as a crucial model for human orthopoxvirus (OPXV) infections.
- Understanding OPXV pathogenesis and immune responses is vital for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide protocols for the safe study of ECTV in laboratory mice.
- To detail methods for investigating host-pathogen interactions, disease progression, and antiviral efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Safe handling and preparation of ECTV stocks.
- Various inoculation routes and sample collection techniques (blood, tissue).
- Assessment of host immune response, including CD8 T cell measurement and antibody titer determination (ELISA, neutralization assays).
Main Results:
- Established safe laboratory protocols for ECTV research.
- Detailed methods for evaluating viral load and host immune parameters post-infection.
- Demonstrated utility of the mouse model for antiviral discovery and immune response studies.
Conclusions:
- The ECTV mouse model is a valuable tool for advancing orthopoxvirus research.
- Standardized protocols facilitate reproducible studies on pathogenesis, immunity, and therapeutics.
