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Animal models for SARS and MERS coronaviruses
Lisa M Gretebeck1, Kanta Subbarao1
1Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
Current Opinion in Virology
|July 18, 2015
Summary
Coronaviruses like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV pose global threats. This review discusses factors for establishing ideal animal models to study novel coronaviruses and compares existing models for SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Emerging infectious diseases caused by novel coronaviruses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), represent a significant global health concern.
- These zoonotic viruses have demonstrated the ability to cross species barriers and cause severe respiratory illness in humans, highlighting the need for preparedness against future coronavirus outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline key considerations for developing an effective animal model for novel coronavirus research.
- To critically evaluate and compare existing animal models utilized in the study of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of factors critical for establishing relevant animal models.
- Comparative analysis of animal models used for SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV research, focusing on clinical signs, viral replication, and pathology.
Main Results:
- Identification of essential criteria for an ideal animal model, including mirroring human clinical manifestations, viral kinetics, and pathological outcomes.
- Evaluation of the strengths and limitations of various animal models in preclinical studies of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.
Conclusions:
- Establishing appropriate animal models is crucial for understanding coronavirus pathogenesis and developing effective countermeasures.
- Continued research and refinement of animal models are necessary to effectively combat current and future coronavirus threats.
