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Reproduction of epstein-barr virus infection and pathogenesis in humanized mice
1Department of Infectious Diseases, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan.
Abstract:
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is etiologically associated with a variety of diseases including lymphoproliferative diseases, lymphomas, carcinomas, and autoimmune diseases. Humans are the only natural host of EBV and limited species of new-world monkeys can be infected with the virus in experimental conditions. Small animal models of EBV infection, required for evaluation of novel therapies and vaccines for EBV-associated diseases, have not been available. Recently the development of severely immunodeficient mouse strains enabled production of humanized mice in which human immune system components are reconstituted and express their normal functions. Humanized mice can serve as infection models for human-specific viruses such as EBV that target cells of the immune system. This review summarizes recent studies by the author's group addressing reproduction of EBV infection and pathogenesis in humanized mice.
Insights
Humanized mice offer a new model for studying Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and diseases. This research explores EBV replication and pathogenesis in these advanced mouse models.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes various diseases, including lymphomas and autoimmune conditions.
- A lack of suitable animal models has hindered the development of EBV therapies and vaccines.
- EBV primarily infects humans, with limited susceptibility in non-human primates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and application of humanized mice for studying EBV infection.
- To evaluate the utility of humanized mice in modeling EBV pathogenesis.
- To summarize recent findings on EBV reproduction in humanized mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing severely immunodeficient mouse strains engrafted with human immune system components.
- Reconstituting functional human immune systems in mice to mimic human responses.
- Infecting humanized mice with EBV to study viral replication and disease progression.
Main Results:
- Humanized mice successfully support EBV infection, mirroring aspects of human infection.
- The model allows for the study of EBV's impact on human immune cells.
- Pathogenesis of EBV-associated conditions can be investigated in this model.
Conclusions:
- Humanized mice represent a significant advancement for EBV research.
- This model is crucial for evaluating novel EBV therapies and vaccines.
- Further studies in humanized mice will enhance understanding of EBV-associated diseases.
