Henipavirus infections: lessons from animal models

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Pathogenesis
• Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

• The Henipavirus genus includes highly lethal Hendra and Nipah viruses and the nonpathogenic Cedar virus.
• These RNA viruses, hosted by fruit bats, cause severe zoonotic diseases in humans and animals.
• Effective animal models are crucial for understanding henipavirus pathogenesis and developing countermeasures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing animal models for studying henipavirus infection.
• To summarize pathogenesis and immune responses in various animal models.
• To highlight the utility of a new murine model for henipavirus research.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on natural and experimental henipavirus infections in animals.
• Analysis of data from diverse animal models including bats, equines, porcines, felines, rodents, ferrets, and nonhuman primates.
• Description of a newly characterized murine model for henipavirus research.

Main Results:

• Multiple animal species, including bats, horses, pigs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, and nonhuman primates, have been used to study henipaviruses.
• Key features of henipavirus pathogenesis and anti-viral immune responses are recapitulated across these models.
• A murine model offers advanced tools for investigating henipavirus immunopathogenesis, prophylaxis, and treatment.

Conclusions:

• Various animal models provide insights into henipavirus disease, transmission, and therapeutic strategies.
• The newly developed murine model enhances the study of henipavirus immunopathogenesis and treatment options.
• Continued research using diverse animal models is essential for controlling henipavirus threats.