Animal models of human respiratory syncytial virus disease

Abstract

Infection with the human pneumovirus pathogen, respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), causes a wide spectrum of respiratory disease, notably among infants and the elderly. Laboratory animal studies permit detailed experimental modeling of hRSV disease and are therefore indispensable in the search for novel therapies and preventative strategies. Present animal models include several target species for hRSV, including chimpanzees, cattle, sheep, cotton rats, and mice, as well as alternative animal pneumovirus models, such as bovine RSV and pneumonia virus of mice. These diverse animal models reproduce different features of hRSV disease, and their utilization should therefore be based on the scientific hypothesis under investigation. The purpose of this review is to summarize the strengths and limitations of each of these animal models. Our intent is to provide a resource for investigators and an impetus for future research.

Fig. 1.

A: hematoxylin and eosin-stained lung tissue from a BALB/c mouse on day 7 after inoculation with pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) strain J3666, showing extensive alveolar inflammation and areas with hemorrhage (magnification ×5). [From Gabryszewski, et al. (46).] B: immunohistochemical detection of PVM antigen in bronchiolar epithelial cells in lung tissue from a C57BL/6 mouse on day 6 after inoculation with PVM strain J3666 (magnification ×40). [From Bonville, et al. (14).]