After the virus has cleared-Can preclinical models be employed for Long COVID research?

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology
• Pathology

Background:

• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19 and can lead to Long COVID (Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 or PASC).
• Long COVID presents with diverse symptoms like fatigue, dyspnea, and cognitive issues, affecting a significant portion of survivors.
• Mechanisms and effective treatments for Long COVID remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review animal models used to study SARS-CoV-2 infection and its long-term effects.
• To explore how these models can elucidate Long COVID mechanisms and aid in therapeutic development.

Main Methods:

• Review of studies on animal models including mice, hamsters, ferrets, and nonhuman primates (NHPs) infected with SARS-CoV-2.
• Analysis of virology, pathology, immune responses, and multiorgan involvement in these models.
• Highlighting studies examining disease characteristics beyond 14 days post-infection.

Main Results:

• Animal models offer insights into the multifaceted pathology of acute and persistent COVID-19.
• Specific models demonstrate potential for studying long-term sequelae, including multiorgan dysfunction.
• These preclinical systems can mimic aspects of human Long COVID, facilitating research.

Conclusions:

• Animal models are essential for understanding the underlying mechanisms of Long COVID.
• Preclinical models provide a platform for evaluating the efficacy of potential Long COVID therapeutics.
• Establishing validated Long COVID models is critical for advancing treatment strategies.