HCV实验动物模型研究进展

Progress in the development of experimental animal models of HCV infection

HCV是威胁人类健康的重要病原体之一,可在人体肝脏形成持续性感染,导致慢性肝炎、肝纤维化、肝硬化和肝癌。HCV的实验动物模型不仅是HCV免疫学、病理学和病毒学等基础科学的重要研究手段,还为HCV疫苗和药物的研发提供了关键的工具和平台。黑猩猩是除了人类以外唯一可以被HCV感染的灵长类动物,为HCV的研究做出了重要贡献,但其使用受到了成本及伦理上的限制。近年在利用树鼩和人源化小鼠建立HCV小动物模型的研究上取得良好的进展。本文将总结常用HCV实验动物模型的现状和挑战。

HCV is one of the major pathogens that pose threats to human public health. It can establish persistent infection in human liver, leading to chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The experimental animal models for HCV infection are not only important research means for investigating immunology, pathology and virology of HCV infection, but also serve as the means and platform for the development of HCV vaccines and novel agents. Chimpanzees, the sole primate except hu- man beings who can be infected by HCV, have made significant contributions to HCV research. However, their application has been hampered due to their cost and ethical issues. A big progress has been made in developing small animal models for HCV research using tupaia and humanized mice in recent years. This review summarizes the current status and challenges of the development of HCV animal models.