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Experimental Methods to Study the Pathogenesis of Human Enteric RNA Viruses
Somya Aggarwal1, Ebrahim Hassan1, Megan T Baldridge1,2
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Insights
Millions of children suffer from viral gastroenteritis annually. This study reviews in vitro and in vivo tools for studying enteric RNA viruses, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses for future research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute gastroenteritis and diarrheal illness affect millions of children globally each year.
- RNA viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, and astrovirus are primary causes of pediatric diarrhea.
- Understanding enteric viral pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare in vitro and in vivo methodologies for studying human enteric RNA viruses.
- To highlight the advantages and limitations of current tools in exploring viral pathogenesis.
- To identify areas for future methodological development in the field.
Main Methods:
- Review of established in vitro systems, including enteroid cultures.
- Discussion of various in vivo models, such as murine models of infection.
- Analysis of the applicability of these tools to specific research questions.
Main Results:
- Enteroid cultures and animal models offer valuable insights into viral pathogenesis.
- Each method has unique strengths and limitations depending on the research focus.
- Current tools provide a foundation but cannot fully elucidate all aspects of enteric viral infections.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of enteric viral infections requires a diverse toolkit.
- Further methodological advancements are needed to address remaining knowledge gaps.
- Optimizing the use of existing and novel tools will accelerate progress in combating pediatric diarrheal diseases.
Abstract:
Every year, millions of children are infected with viruses that target the gastrointestinal tract, causing acute gastroenteritis and diarrheal illness. Indeed, approximately 700 million episodes of diarrhea occur in children under five annually, with RNA viruses norovirus, rotavirus, and astrovirus serving as major causative pathogens. Numerous methodological advancements in recent years, including the establishment of novel cultivation systems using enteroids as well as the development of murine and other animal models of infection, have helped provide insight into many features of viral pathogenesis. However, many aspects of enteric viral infections remain elusive, demanding further study. Here, we describe the different in vitro and in vivo tools available to explore different pathophysiological attributes of human enteric RNA viruses, highlighting their advantages and limitations depending upon the question being explored. In addition, we discuss key areas and opportunities that would benefit from further methodological progress.
