Generation of a SARS-CoV-2-susceptible mouse model using adenovirus vector expressing human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 driven by an elongation factor 1α promoter with leftward orientation.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

To analyze the molecular pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a small animal model such as mice is needed: human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2), the receptor of SARS-CoV-2, needs to be expressed in the respiratory tract of mice.

Methods

We conferred SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility in mice by using an adenoviral vector expressing hACE2 driven by an elongation factor 1α (EF1α) promoter with a leftward orientation.

Results

In this model, severe pneumonia like human COVID-19 was observed in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice, which was confirmed by dramatic infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung with efficient viral replication. An early circulating strain of SARS-CoV-2 caused the most severe weight loss when compared

SUBMITTER: Matsumoto Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11663739 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature