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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Lethal murine infection model for human respiratory disease-associated Pteropine orthoreovirus
Yuta Kanai1, Takahiro Kawagishi1, Minoru Okamoto2
1Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) is an emerging bat-borne human pathogen causing severe respiratory illness. To date, however, the evaluation of PRV virulence has largely depended on the limited numbers of clinical cases owing to the lack of animal models. To develop an in vivo model of PRV infection, an inbred C3H mouse strain was infected intranasally with pathogenic PRV strain Miyazaki-Bali/2007. C3H mice suffered severe lung infection with significant body weight reduction and died within 7 days after intranasal infection. Infectious viruses were isolated mainly from the lungs and trachea. Histopathological examination revealed interstitial pneumonia with monocytes infiltration. Following repeated intranasal infection, mice developed antibodies to particular structural and non-structural proteins of PRV. The results of these immunological assays will help to develop laboratory protocols for sero-epidemiological studies. Our small rodent model of lethal respiratory infection will further allow investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the high pathogenicity of PRV.
Insights
A new mouse model for Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) infection shows lethal respiratory illness. This model aids research into PRV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pathogen Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) is an emerging bat-borne virus causing severe respiratory illness in humans.
- Evaluating PRV virulence is challenging due to limited clinical cases and the absence of suitable animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an effective in vivo animal model for studying Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) infection and pathogenicity.
- To establish a small rodent model for investigating the molecular mechanisms of PRV-induced respiratory disease.
Main Methods:
- An inbred C3H mouse strain was intranasally infected with the pathogenic PRV strain Miyazaki-Bali/2007.
- Mice were monitored for clinical signs, mortality, viral isolation from tissues, and histopathological changes.
- Immunological assays were performed following repeated intranasal infections to detect antibody development.
Main Results:
- Intranasal PRV infection in C3H mice resulted in severe lung infection, significant body weight loss, and mortality within 7 days.
- Infectious PRV was primarily isolated from the lungs and trachea of infected mice.
- Histopathology confirmed interstitial pneumonia with monocyte infiltration, and infected mice developed antibodies against PRV proteins.
Conclusions:
- A C3H mouse model of lethal respiratory infection has been successfully established for Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV).
- This model facilitates the investigation of PRV pathogenicity and the development of sero-epidemiological study protocols.
