Frontiers in Immunology (Sep 2022)

Potential mouse models of coronavirus-related immune injury

  • Fu-Yao Nan,
  • Cai-Jun Wu,
  • Cai-Jun Wu,
  • Jia-Hui Su,
  • Lin-Qin Ma,
  • Lin-Qin Ma

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.943783
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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Basic research for prevention and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues worldwide. In particular, multiple newly reported cases of autoimmune-related diseases after COVID-19 require further research on coronavirus-related immune injury. However, owing to the strong infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and the high mortality rate, it is difficult to perform relevant research in humans. Here, we reviewed animal models, specifically mice with coronavirus-related immune disorders and immune damage, considering aspects of coronavirus replacement, viral modification, spike protein, and gene fragments. The evaluation of mouse models of coronavirus-related immune injury may help establish a standardised animal model that could be employed in various areas of research, such as disease occurrence and development processes, vaccine effectiveness assessment, and treatments for coronavirus-related immune disorders. COVID-19 is a complex disease and animal models cannot comprehensively summarise the disease process. The application of genetic technology may change this status.

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