Mouse Models of Viral Infection
Kerry M Empey1,2,3, R Stokes Peebles4,5, William J Janssen6,7
1Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Kme33@pitt.edu.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|July 11, 2018
Summary
Mouse models are crucial for studying viral respiratory infections like RSV and H1N1 influenza. These models aid in understanding host immunity and developing new vaccines and therapies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Viral respiratory tract infections are prevalent in humans.
- Mouse models are vital for studying host-pathogen interactions and therapeutic development.
- Understanding immune responses is key to combating viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe methods for establishing mouse models of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and H1N1 influenza A virus infections.
- To provide protocols for viral culture, quantification, and mouse infection.
- To discuss modifications and their impact on the models.
Main Methods:
- Viral culture and expansion techniques.
- Plaque-forming assays for accurate viral quantification.
- Standardized protocols for infecting mice with respiratory viruses.
Main Results:
- Established protocols for creating reproducible mouse models of RSV and H1N1 influenza.
- Demonstrated methods for quantifying viral load in infected mice.
- Outlined potential model modifications for diverse research applications.
Conclusions:
- Mouse models are essential tools for investigating viral respiratory infections.
- The described methods facilitate research into host immunity and therapeutic strategies.
- These models are critical for advancing vaccine development against respiratory viruses.
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