Humanized Mouse Models for the Study of Hepatitis C and Host Interactions

Cells. 2019 Jun 17;8(6):604. doi: 10.3390/cells8060604.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is commonly attributed as a major cause of chronic hepatotropic diseases, such as, steatosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. As HCV infects only humans and primates, its narrow host tropism hampers in vivo studies of HCV-mammalian host interactions and the development of effective therapeutics and vaccines. In this context, we will focus our discussion on humanized mice in HCV research. Here, these humanized mice are defined as animal models that encompass either only human hepatocytes or both human liver and immune cells. Aspects related to immunopathogenesis, anti-viral interventions, drug testing and perspectives of these models for future HCV research will be discussed.

Keywords: cirrhosis; hepatitis C virus; hepatocellular carcinoma; hepatotropic disease; humanized mice; liver; steatosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Disease Progression
  • Hepacivirus / physiology
  • Hepatitis C / immunology
  • Hepatitis C / pathology*
  • Hepatitis C / virology*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / immunology

Substances

  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines