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Updated: Sep 3, 2025

Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
Published on: November 5, 2021
Cell and Animal Models for SARS-CoV-2 Research.
Eloïne Bestion1,2,3, Philippe Halfon1,2,3, Soraya Mezouar1,2,3
1Microbe Evolution Phylogeny Infection, Institut pour la Recherche et le Developpement, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France.
Developing effective preclinical models for SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for advancing antiviral drug and vaccine development. This review examines cell-based and animal models, discussing their utility in evaluating drug effectiveness against the virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pharmacology
- Preclinical Research
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid development of antiviral drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
- Understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology and identifying therapeutic targets are key to effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available preclinical models for SARS-CoV-2 research.
- To evaluate the advantages, drawbacks, and relevance of these models for drug effectiveness testing.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on SARS-CoV-2 preclinical models.
- Analysis of cell-based and animal model systems.
Main Results:
- Various cell-based and animal models have been developed to mimic SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Each model possesses unique strengths and limitations for studying viral disease and testing therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- Appropriate selection of preclinical models is essential for accurate assessment of antiviral drug efficacy.
- Continued refinement of experimental models will accelerate the development of effective COVID-19 treatments.
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