In vitro and in vivo models for monkeypox

Abstract

The emergence and rapid spread outside of monkeypox virus (MPXV) to non-endemic areas has led to another global health emergency in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The scientific community has sought to rapidly develop in vitro and in vivo models that could be applied in research with MPXV. In vitro models include two-dimensional (2D) cultures of immortalized cell lines or primary cells and three-dimensional (3D) cultures. In vitro models are considered cost-effective and can be done in highly controlled conditions; however, they do not always resemble physiological conditions. In this way, several in vivo models are being characterized to meet the growing demand for new studies related to MPXV. In this review, we summarize the main MPXV models that have already been developed and discuss how they can contribute to advance the understanding of its pathogenesis, replication, and transmission, as well as identifying antivirals to treat infected patients.

Keywords: Virology.

Graphical abstract

Figure 1

Cellular and animal models for monkeypox studies In vitro models (PEK, HEP-2, LLC, MK2, Vero, MA-104, HeLa, BALB3T3, Clone A31, BSC-40, BSC-1, A549, and RK13 cells) and in vivo models (mice, rabbits, prairie dogs, non-human primates, and squirrels) are the basis for the elucidation the biology of new viral strains and for the discovery of new drugs, treatments, and vaccines. Created with Mindthegraph.com.