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Published on: January 20, 2017
A novel nonhuman primate model for influenza transmission
Louise H Moncla1, Ted M Ross, Jorge M Dinis
1Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America ; Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America ; University of Wisconsin Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America.
Common marmosets can be infected with human influenza viruses and transmit them to other marmosets. This finding suggests marmosets are a promising new model for studying influenza virus transmission and pandemic potential.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Primate Models
Background:
- Influenza transmission studies are crucial for predicting pandemic potential.
- Current animal models like ferrets and guinea pigs are distantly related to humans.
- Nonhuman primates (NHP) offer a closer phylogenetic relationship for modeling influenza.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) to human influenza virus.
- To assess the transmission of human influenza virus between marmosets.
- To evaluate marmosets as a potential model for influenza virus transmission studies.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of four marmosets with the 2009 pandemic H1N1pdm influenza virus.
- Cohabitation of inoculated marmosets with naïve cage mates to assess transmission.
- Collection of bronchoalveolar lavage and nasal wash samples for viral load and sequencing.
- Monitoring of clinical signs and serological responses.
Main Results:
- The H1N1pdm virus replicated to high titers in inoculated marmosets.
- Infected marmosets exhibited human-like symptoms, including respiratory distress and lung damage.
- Virus transmission occurred between one pair of cohabitating marmosets.
- Deep sequencing revealed minimal genetic adaptation of the virus in marmosets.
Conclusions:
- Human H1N1pdm influenza viruses can productively infect and transmit between common marmosets with little adaptation.
- Marmosets demonstrate susceptibility and develop disease mimicking human influenza.
- Common marmosets represent a viable and valuable model for studying influenza virus transmission and pathogenesis.
