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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
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Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
Published on: November 5, 2021
Persistent neurological and behavioral alterations after SARS-CoV-2 infection in an optimized K18-hACE2 mouse model
Carla Ruiz-Casas1,2, Ferran Tarrés-Freixas1,2,3, Núria Roca1,2
1Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|July 11, 2026
Summary
Mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed long-term neurological issues and immune system changes, even without brain viral presence. This study highlights a new animal model for post-COVID-19 Condition research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC) involves persistent neurological symptoms affecting millions globally.
- The underlying biological mechanisms of PCC remain largely unknown, necessitating effective animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurological and immunopathological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a translational animal model.
- To characterize long-term effects and identify potential sex-dependent differences in PCC.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study using K18-hACE2 mice was performed.
- Integrated virological, immunological, histopathological, and behavioral assessments were conducted up to 60 days post-inoculation.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 infected mice exhibited persistent neurobehavioral impairments without detectable brain viral replication.
- Sustained immune dysregulation in pulmonary and neural tissues, persistent lung pathology, and reduced vagus nerve area were observed.
- Significant sex-dependent differences in long-term outcomes were noted, mirroring human PCC observations.
Conclusions:
- K18-hACE2 mice effectively recapitulate key neurological and immunopathological features of PCC.
- This model serves as a valuable tool for studying PCC-associated neurological sequelae and evaluating therapeutic interventions.
