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Updated: Apr 26, 2026
Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
Molecular determinants of influenza virus pathogenesis in mice
Ram P Kamal1, Jaqueline M Katz, Ian A York
1Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA, RKamal@cdc.gov.
Abstract:
Mice are widely used for studying influenza virus pathogenesis and immunology because of their low cost, the wide availability of mouse-specific reagents, and the large number of mouse strains available, including knockout and transgenic strains. However, mice do not fully recapitulate the signs of influenza infection of humans: transmission of influenza between mice is much less efficient than in humans, and influenza viruses often require adaptation before they are able to efficiently replicate in mice. In the process of mouse adaptation, influenza viruses acquire mutations that enhance their ability to attach to mouse cells, replicate within the cells, and suppress immunity, among other functions. Many such mouse-adaptive mutations have been identified, covering all 8 genomic segments of the virus. Identification and analysis of these mutations have provided insight into the molecular determinants of influenza virulence and pathogenesis, not only in mice but also in humans and other species. In particular, several mouse-adaptive mutations of avian influenza viruses have proved to be general mammalian-adaptive changes that are potential markers of pre-pandemic viruses. As well as evaluating influenza pathogenesis, mice have also been used as models for evaluation of novel vaccines and anti-viral therapies. Mice can be a useful animal model for studying influenza biology as long as differences between human and mice infections are taken into account.
Insights
Mice are valuable models for influenza research, but viral adaptation is needed for accurate human disease modeling. Studying these viral mutations offers insights into influenza pathogenesis and pandemic potential.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Mice are common models for influenza virus pathogenesis and immunology due to cost and reagent availability.
- However, mouse models do not fully replicate human influenza infection, particularly in transmission efficiency.
- Influenza viruses require adaptation, acquiring mutations for efficient replication and immune evasion in mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze mouse-adaptive mutations in influenza viruses.
- To understand the molecular determinants of influenza virulence and pathogenesis.
- To identify potential markers for pre-pandemic viruses.
Main Methods:
- Identification and analysis of mutations across all 8 genomic segments of mouse-adapted influenza viruses.
- Comparative analysis of viral adaptations in mice versus human infections.
- Evaluation of mouse models for vaccine and antiviral therapy testing.
Main Results:
- Numerous mouse-adaptive mutations have been identified, impacting viral attachment, replication, and immune suppression.
- These mutations provide insights into influenza virulence in mice, humans, and other species.
- Several avian influenza mouse-adaptive mutations act as general mammalian-adaptive changes, signaling pre-pandemic potential.
Conclusions:
- Mice are useful for influenza research when human-mouse infection differences are considered.
- Mouse-adaptive mutations are key to understanding influenza pathogenesis and evolution.
- Studying these adaptations can aid in identifying and tracking potential pandemic influenza strains.
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