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Updated: Feb 27, 2026
Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
Evaluation of the replication and pathogenicity of a variant avian paramyxovirus serotype 6 in mice
Vuong Nghia Bui1,2, Dai Quang Trinh1,2, Lary N B Abao1,3
1Diagnostic Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, 2-11 Inada, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
Abstract:
Avian paramyxoviruses (APMVs) have been evaluated for their potential use as vaccine vectors, sparking research efforts leading to a better understanding of APMVs' replication and pathogenicity. However, within APMV serotypes, significant genetic diversity exists, and the infectivity of variant strains in mammals has not been studied. We utilized a mouse model to evaluate the pathogenicity of a variant strain of APMV-6 (APMV-6/red-necked stint/Japan/8KS0813/2008) in comparison with the prototype APMV-6 strain (APMV-6/duck/Hong Kong/18/199/1977). Although the two viruses differ substantially, both genetically and antigenically, we found that the variant and prototype strains could similarly replicate in respiratory tissues of infected mice and induce respiratory disease, sometimes resulting in death of the mice. Both viruses induced a humoral immune response that could be clearly detected by ELISA but which was poorly recognized by the hemagglutination inhibition test.
Insights
Avian paramyxoviruses (APMVs) can cause respiratory disease in mice. Genetic variants of APMV-6 replicated similarly to prototype strains, highlighting the need for further research into APMV infectivity.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Avian paramyxoviruses (APMVs) are researched as vaccine vectors.
- Significant genetic diversity exists within APMV serotypes.
- Mammalian infectivity of APMV variant strains remains largely unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pathogenicity of a variant APMV-6 strain in a mouse model.
- To compare the variant strain's pathogenicity with a prototype APMV-6 strain.
- To assess the immune response elicited by both strains.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model to assess pathogenicity.
- Compared a variant APMV-6 strain (APMV-6/red-necked stint/Japan/8KS0813/2008) with a prototype strain (APMV-6/duck/Hong Kong/18/199/1977).
- Analyzed viral replication in respiratory tissues and immune responses (ELISA, hemagglutination inhibition test).
Main Results:
- Both variant and prototype APMV-6 strains replicated effectively in mouse respiratory tissues.
- Both strains induced comparable respiratory disease, with some cases resulting in mortality.
- A humoral immune response was detectable by ELISA, but poorly recognized by hemagglutination inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Variant and prototype APMV-6 strains exhibit similar pathogenicity and replication in mice.
- APMV-6 variant strains can cause respiratory illness in mammals.
- ELISA is more effective than hemagglutination inhibition for detecting APMV-induced humoral immunity in this model.
