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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
A lethal juvenile mouse model for the evaluation of antiviral reagents against coxsackievirus A4
Qin Su1, Xiao Chen2, Zhihui Zheng1,3
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
Abstract:
Coxsackievirus A4 (CVA4) as a pathogen causing severe herpangina has become global outbreak epidemics during the past 5 years. However, there is currently no effective vaccines and drugs available. Here, one mouse-adapted CVA4 virus (YZ08) was cultivated by repeatedly cross-passaging between human RD cells and 11-day-old juvenile mice. Our results revealed the YZ08 virus was highly lethal to 13-day-old juvenile mice. Virus titer assay indicated that the YZ08 virus effectively replicated in juvenile mice. This model was successfully used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of herb medicine, anti-CVA4 rabbit sera, and antiviral drugs. Our results indicated that all tested reagents effectively provided protection for CVA4 virus infection by prolonging survival time, promoting survival, and preventing weight loss. Collectively, we successfully established a juvenile mouse model of CVA4 virus, which was a powerful tool for investigating the pathogenesis of CVA4 or evaluating the efficacy of antiviral reagents or vaccines.
Insights
A new mouse model for Coxsackievirus A4 (CVA4) infection was developed. This model effectively evaluates antiviral treatments and aids in understanding CVA4 pathogenesis for future vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Coxsackievirus A4 (CVA4) causes severe herpangina and has led to global epidemics in recent years.
- Current therapeutic options and vaccines for CVA4 infection are limited, necessitating new research tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a juvenile mouse model for Coxsackievirus A4 (CVA4) infection.
- To utilize the established model for evaluating the efficacy of potential antiviral treatments and vaccines.
Main Methods:
- A mouse-adapted CVA4 strain (YZ08) was generated through serial passaging in RD cells and juvenile mice.
- The pathogenicity and replication of the YZ08 strain in juvenile mice were assessed.
- The established mouse model was employed to test the therapeutic effects of herbal medicine, rabbit antisera, and antiviral drugs.
Main Results:
- The YZ08 strain proved highly lethal and effectively replicated in 13-day-old juvenile mice.
- All tested therapeutic interventions, including herbal medicine, rabbit sera, and antiviral drugs, demonstrated protective effects.
- These protective effects were evidenced by prolonged survival, increased survival rates, and prevention of weight loss in infected mice.
Conclusions:
- A robust juvenile mouse model for CVA4 infection has been successfully established.
- This model serves as a valuable platform for studying CVA4 pathogenesis.
- The model is effective for the preclinical evaluation of antiviral agents and vaccine candidates against CVA4.
