Mouse models as a tool to study asymptomatic DENV infections.
Paulo Henriques1, Alexandra Rosa1, Helena Caldeira-Araújo1,2
1Projecto Medicina, Faculdade de Ciências da Vida, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|April 10, 2025
Summary
Asymptomatic dengue virus infections are crucial for disease spread. This review explores mouse models to study these inapparent infections, highlighting methods to induce both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases in mice.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Asymptomatic dengue virus infections are common and vital for virus circulation.
- Research has historically focused on severe dengue, neglecting inapparent infections.
- Mouse models are essential for studying dengue pathogenesis and immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing mouse models for studying asymptomatic dengue virus infections.
- To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various mouse models.
- To propose experimental conditions for generating both symptomatic and asymptomatic viremic mice.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on mouse models for dengue.
- Analysis of experimental variations (viral load, entry routes, interferon response).
- Focus on models capable of producing both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections.
Main Results:
- Existing mouse models have limitations in studying asymptomatic dengue.
- Specific experimental modifications can induce both symptomatic and asymptomatic viremic states in mice.
- Partial or transient blockade of type I interferon response is a key factor.
Conclusions:
- Mouse models can be adapted to study asymptomatic dengue virus infections.
- Understanding asymptomatic infections is critical for dengue control.
- Further research using these models will elucidate factors driving inapparent dengue infections.
