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Using in vivo animal models for studying SARS-CoV-2
Camila B P Da Costa1,2, Ana Claudia De Menezes Cruz2, Julio Cesar Q Penha2
1Technological Development and Innovation Laboratory of the Industrial Board, Instituto Vital Brazil, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery
|November 3, 2021
Summary
Finding an ideal animal model for COVID-19 research remains challenging. Various animal models are used for SARS-CoV-2 studies, but none perfectly replicate human disease, necessitating further research for effective treatments.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Developing effective COVID-19 treatments requires reliable animal models to study SARS-CoV-2.
- Current research faces challenges in finding animal models that accurately mimic human COVID-19 physiopathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing animal models for in vivo SARS-CoV-2 studies.
- To discuss challenges in evaluating drug efficacy and safety using animal models.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on animal models used for SARS-CoV-2 research.
- Analysis of studies involving nonhuman primates, ferrets, rodents, lagomorphs, mink, and zebrafish.
Main Results:
- Multiple animal species (nonhuman primates, ferrets, mice, hamsters, lagomorphs, mink, zebrafish) have been utilized for SARS-CoV-2 research.
- No single animal model perfectly replicates all aspects of human COVID-19, with some requiring genetic modification (e.g., mice expressing human ACE2).
Conclusions:
- The selection of an appropriate animal model for COVID-19 research is complex.
- The use of multiple animal models may offer a more comprehensive approach.
- Further research is needed to establish an ideal animal model for developing non-vaccine treatment strategies.
