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Updated: Oct 10, 2025
Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
Immune responses to human respiratory coronaviruses infection in mouse models
Zhen Zhuang1, Donglan Liu1, Jing Sun1
1State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510182, China.
Abstract:
Human respiratory coronaviruses (HCoVs), including the recently emerged SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, potentially cause severe lung infections and multiple organ damages, emphasizing the urgent need for antiviral therapeutics and vaccines against HCoVs. Small animal models, especially mice, are ideal tools for deciphering the pathogenesis of HCoV infections as well as virus-induced immune responses, which is critical for antiviral drug development and vaccine design. In this review, we focus on the antiviral innate immune response, antibody response and T cell response in HCoV infected mouse models, and discuss the potential implications for understanding the anti-HCoV immunity and fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Insights
Mouse models are crucial for studying human respiratory coronaviruses (HCoVs) like SARS-CoV-2. This review explores immune responses in mice to aid in developing COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human respiratory coronaviruses (HCoVs), including SARS-CoV-2, cause severe respiratory and multi-organ diseases, necessitating effective antiviral therapies and vaccines.
- Small animal models, particularly mice, are essential for understanding HCoV pathogenesis and virus-induced immune responses, crucial for developing countermeasures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the antiviral immune responses in HCoV-infected mouse models.
- To discuss the implications of these findings for combating HCoV infections and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on HCoV infections in mouse models.
- Focus on innate immune responses, antibody-mediated immunity, and T cell responses.
- Analysis of the utility of mouse models in antiviral drug development and vaccine design.
Main Results:
- Mouse models provide valuable insights into the complex immune mechanisms underlying HCoV pathogenesis.
- Specific immune responses, including innate, antibody, and T cell responses, can be effectively studied in these models.
- Data from mouse models are critical for evaluating the efficacy of potential antiviral drugs and vaccine candidates.
Conclusions:
- Mouse models are indispensable tools for advancing our understanding of anti-HCoV immunity.
- Insights gained from studying HCoV-infected mouse models are vital for the development of effective strategies against current and future coronavirus threats, including COVID-19.
