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Bioluminescence Imaging to Study Recombinant Orthopoxvirus Infection in Animal Models
Chantal Kling1, Todd G Smith2, Nicolle Baird2
1Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. ckling@cdc.gov.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|December 2, 2024
Summary
Bioluminescent imaging allows real-time tracking of orthopoxvirus replication in live animals. This technique aids in understanding disease progression and evaluating medical countermeasures, improving both scientific insights and animal welfare.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Biotechnology
- Animal Imaging
Background:
- In vivo bioluminescent imaging visualizes viral replication dynamics.
- Orthopoxvirus infections require effective monitoring tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the utility of bioluminescent imaging for studying orthopoxvirus in vivo.
- To highlight the benefits for disease dynamics and countermeasure evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a recombinant orthopoxvirus expressing firefly luciferase in an animal model.
- Administered D-luciferin substrate for imaging.
- Acquired in vivo and ex vivo bioluminescent images using an IVIS imager.
Main Results:
- Real-time imaging of viral kinetics within live animals was achieved.
- Quantitative data on viral spread and replication were obtained.
- The method allowed for temporal assessment of disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Bioluminescent imaging offers significant scientific advantages for in vivo orthopoxvirus studies.
- This technique provides valuable insights into viral kinetics and treatment efficacy.
- Consideration of bioluminescent imaging is recommended for orthopoxvirus research to enhance scientific outcomes and animal welfare.
