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Updated: Aug 28, 2025
Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
Potential mouse models of coronavirus-related immune injury
Fu-Yao Nan1, Cai-Jun Wu2,3, Jia-Hui Su1
1Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Basic research for prevention and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues worldwide. In particular, multiple newly reported cases of autoimmune-related diseases after COVID-19 require further research on coronavirus-related immune injury. However, owing to the strong infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and the high mortality rate, it is difficult to perform relevant research in humans. Here, we reviewed animal models, specifically mice with coronavirus-related immune disorders and immune damage, considering aspects of coronavirus replacement, viral modification, spike protein, and gene fragments. The evaluation of mouse models of coronavirus-related immune injury may help establish a standardised animal model that could be employed in various areas of research, such as disease occurrence and development processes, vaccine effectiveness assessment, and treatments for coronavirus-related immune disorders. COVID-19 is a complex disease and animal models cannot comprehensively summarise the disease process. The application of genetic technology may change this status.
Insights
Research on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) immune injury is ongoing. This review examines mouse models for studying COVID-19-related immune disorders and potential treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Ongoing global research addresses COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
- Post-COVID-19 autoimmune diseases highlight the need for understanding coronavirus-induced immune injury.
- Human studies are limited by SARS-CoV-2's infectivity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review animal models, particularly mice, for studying coronavirus-related immune disorders.
- To evaluate existing models for their utility in understanding immune damage.
- To explore the potential for standardized animal models in COVID-19 research.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on mouse models of coronavirus-related immune disorders.
- Analysis of models considering coronavirus replacement, viral modification, spike protein, and gene fragments.
- Assessment of the applicability of genetic technology in enhancing animal models.
Main Results:
- Mouse models offer insights into coronavirus-related immune disorders and damage.
- These models can aid in studying disease progression, vaccine efficacy, and treatment strategies.
- Current models have limitations in fully representing the complexity of COVID-19.
Conclusions:
- Standardized mouse models are valuable for researching coronavirus-induced immune injury.
- Further development, potentially using genetic technology, is needed for comprehensive disease modeling.
- Animal models are crucial but cannot entirely replicate the human COVID-19 disease process.
