Animal models for SARS-CoV-2.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Preclinical Research

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in December 2019, causing a global pandemic with over 79.2 million cases in one year.
• The lack of pre-existing immunity necessitated rapid development of antiviral therapeutics and vaccines.
• Animal models are crucial for understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and host responses to accelerate drug and vaccine development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the key features, strengths, and weaknesses of various animal models used in SARS-CoV-2 research.
• To focus on the application of these animal models in the development of antiviral therapeutics and vaccines.

Main Methods:

• Review and analysis of existing literature on animal models for SARS-CoV-2.
• Evaluation of preclinical studies utilizing different animal models.
• Comparison of the suitability of mice, hamsters, ferrets, and non-human primates for SARS-CoV-2 research.

Main Results:

• Several animal models, including mice, hamsters, ferrets, and non-human primates, have been evaluated and applied in preclinical studies.
• Each animal model possesses unique features, necessitating careful consideration of their strengths and weaknesses based on study objectives.
• The choice of animal model significantly impacts the preclinical evaluation of antiviral therapeutics and vaccines.

Conclusions:

• Appropriate animal models are essential for advancing the development of SARS-CoV-2 countermeasures.
• A thorough understanding of the advantages and limitations of each model is critical for successful preclinical research.
• Selecting the right animal model is key to effectively developing and testing antiviral drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.