Characterisation of liver pathogenesis, human immune responses and drug testing in a humanised mouse model of HCV infection

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Characterisation of liver pathogenesis, human immune responses and drug testing in a humanised mouse model of HCV infection
Title:
Characterisation of liver pathogenesis, human immune responses and drug testing in a humanised mouse model of HCV infection
Journal Title:
Gut
Keywords:
Publication Date:
06 July 2015
Citation:
Original article: Characterisation of liver pathogenesis, human immune responses and drug testing in a humanised mouse model of HCV infection Choong Tat Keng, Ching Wooen Sze, Dahai Zheng, Zhiqiang Zheng, Kylie Su Mei Yong, Shu Qi Tan, Jessica Jie Ying Ong, Sue Yee Tan, Eva Loh, Megha Haridas Upadya, Chik Hong Kuick, Hak Hotta, Seng Gee Lim, Thiam Chye Tan, Kenneth T E Chang, Wanjin Hong, Jianzhu Chen, Yee-Joo Tan, Qingfeng Chen Gut 2016;65:10 1744-1753 Published Online First: 6 July 2015 doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2014-307856
Abstract:
Objective: HCV infection affects millions of people worldwide, and many patients develop chronic infection leading to liver cancers. For decades, the lack of a small animal model that can recapitulate HCV infection, its immunopathogenesis and disease progression has impeded the development of an effective vaccine and therapeutics. We aim to provide a humanised mouse model for the understanding of HCV-specific human immune responses and HCV-associated disease pathologies. Design: Recently, we have established human liver cells with a matched human immune system in NOD-scid Il2rg−/− (NSG) mice (HIL mice). These mice are infected with HCV by intravenous injection, and the pathologies are investigated. Results: In this study, we demonstrate that HIL mouse is capable of supporting HCV infection and can present some of the clinical symptoms found in HCV-infected patients including hepatitis, robust virus-specific human immune cell and cytokine responses as well as liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Similar to results obtained from the analysis of patient samples, the human immune cells, particularly T cells and macrophages, play critical roles during the HCV-associated liver disease development in the HIL mice. Furthermore, our model is demonstrated to be able to reproduce the therapeutic effects of human interferon alpha 2a antiviral treatment. Conclusions: The HIL mouse provides a model for the understanding of HCV-specific human immune responses and HCV-associated disease pathologies. It could also serve as a platform for antifibrosis and immune-modulatory drug testing.
License type:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Funding Info:
Description:
ISSN:
0017-5749
1468-3288
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