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A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
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Humanized Mice in Dengue Research: A Comparison with Other Mouse Models
Carolina Coronel-Ruiz1, Hernando Gutiérrez-Barbosa1, Sandra Medina-Moreno2
1Grupo de Virología, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá 110121, Colombia.
Vaccines
|January 26, 2020
Summary
Dengue virus (DENV) causes severe dengue fever, a widespread mosquito-borne illness. Current research focuses on improving animal models to better understand and combat this significant global health threat.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Dengue virus (DENV) is a significant arbovirus causing dengue fever (DF), a prevalent mosquito-borne disease affecting over 390 million people annually.
- DF presents with symptoms ranging from fever and fatigue to severe vascular leakage, bleeding, and multi-organ failure, with a notable mortality rate, especially in children.
- Current treatment options are limited, and the sole licensed vaccine has restricted use, highlighting the urgent need for advanced research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in developing better animal models for studying Dengue virus (DENV) infection.
- To address the limitations of existing models, including nonhuman primates (NHP) and early humanized mouse models, in fully recapitulating the spectrum of DF.
- To explore the potential of refined humanized mouse models in facilitating the testing of drugs and vaccine candidates for DENV.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on Dengue virus (DENV) research.
- Analysis of the utility and limitations of various animal models, including nonhuman primates (NHP) and humanized mice.
- Evaluation of the contribution of humoral and T-cell responses, as well as pro-inflammatory factors, in DENV pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Existing animal models, such as NHP, have not fully replicated the clinical manifestations of dengue fever (DF).
- Humanized mouse models have shown promise in mimicking specific aspects of DENV infection, aiding in the evaluation of therapeutic interventions.
- Despite progress, a comprehensive animal model that captures the full spectrum of DENV disease remains elusive.
Conclusions:
- Advances in humanized mouse models offer improved platforms for DENV research, drug screening, and vaccine development.
- Further refinement of animal models is crucial for a deeper understanding of DENV pathogenesis and for developing effective countermeasures.
- Addressing the limitations of current models is essential to combat the global burden of dengue fever.
