Recent advances in preclinical model systems for papillomaviruses

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) research is limited by species and tissue specificity.
• Cell culture systems assess viral proteins, but preclinical models are needed for host responses like innate immunity.
• Papillomavirus (PV) research relies on animal models to study complex host-virus interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing and novel animal models for studying papillomavirus infections.
• To evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various preclinical models for HPV research.
• To identify opportunities for advancing HPV research through improved preclinical models.

Main Methods:

• Review of established and emerging animal models for papillomavirus infections.
• Analysis of canine, bovine, rabbit, and rodent PV models.
• Assessment of model utility in predicting HPV disease progression, vaccine efficacy, and therapeutic outcomes.

Main Results:

• Several well-characterized and new animal models are available for PV research.
• Older models (canine, bovine, rabbit) and newer rodent models offer distinct advantages.
• Models vary in their ability to accurately predict HPV disease and treatment responses.

Conclusions:

• Preclinical animal models are essential for understanding HPV biology, host responses, and disease.
• Selecting the appropriate model is critical for accurately assessing HPV pathogenesis, vaccine efficacy, and therapeutic strategies.
• Continued development and critical evaluation of PV models are needed to address remaining knowledge gaps in HPV research.