Animal models for studying dengue pathogenesis and therapy

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Dengue virus disease poses a significant global health challenge.
• Understanding dengue pathogenesis and developing effective antivirals and vaccines require suitable animal models.
• Existing laboratory models often fail to fully recapitulate the complex human disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of existing animal models for dengue virus disease.
• To highlight recent advancements in mouse models for studying severe dengue.
• To support flavivirus drug discovery efforts.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of various animal models used in dengue research.
• Focus on mechanistic studies of severe dengue in humanized or modified mouse models.
• Analysis of model suitability for preclinical testing of therapeutics.

Main Results:

• A wide range of animal models have been explored, with varying success in mimicking dengue.
• Recent mouse models show promise in recapitulating key aspects of severe dengue pathogenesis.
• These advanced models facilitate the investigation of viral mechanisms and host responses.

Conclusions:

• No single animal model perfectly replicates human dengue virus disease.
• Advanced mouse models are increasingly valuable for understanding severe dengue and for preclinical drug and vaccine development.
• Continued refinement of animal models is essential for combating dengue.