zika animal models

Services

 

We are ready to answer your questions and provide guidance.

zika animal models

Services

 

We are ready to answer your questions and provide guidance.

zika Studies

 

IITRI offers three specialized Zika virus models for research and testing purposes: rhesus macaque (NHP) model, AG129 mouse model, and mouse pregnancy model.

NHP Model

RHESUS MACAQUE MODEL

The Rhesus macaque Zika infection model for the preclinical testing of vaccines and antiviral therapeutics was developed due to their close evolutionary proximity to humans and the similarity of their physiology and immunology.

  • Rhesus macaques are infected with 1×106 PFU of Zika virus via the subcutaneous route.
  • Animals were monitored for clinical signs including weight loss, rash, body temperature, and survival, as well as viral load in blood samples, oral swabs and semen samples.
  • The Zika Rhesus model partly recapitulates some clinical features and viral kinetics in ZIKV-infected patients, and is expected to be useful in the evaluation of vaccines and antivirals against ZIKV.

MOUSE ModelS

AG129 MOUSE MODEL

This AG 129 mouse model utilizes the PRV ABC59 Zika virus strain responsible for outbreaks in South and Central America. Key features include:

  • Uses IFNr-KO AG129 mice, which are fully competent in humoral immune response
  • Demonstrates symptoms of acute viral disease and lethal infection
  • Experimental design involves subcutaneous inoculation with varying viral loads
  • Readouts include survival, viremia, weight change, and clinical observations

A wild-type mouse model using an IFN-receptor blocking antibody is also available for evaluating immune responses to vaccinations or prophylactic treatments.

 

MOUSE PREGNANCY MODEL

The Zika Mouse Pregnancy Model provides a crucial tool for researchers and pharmaceutical companies working on developing interventions to prevent the devastating effects of Zika virus infection during pregnancy

  • Wildtype female mice are vaccinated followed by serum analysis for neutralizing antibodies.
  • The mice are then mated with unvaccinated males, and challenged with ZIKV.
  • An Ifnar1 antibody to block the interferon response is utilized to facilitate ZIKV infection.
  • Maternal and fetal organs are analyzed for the presence of ZIKV infection and damage.

The IITRI Advantage

  • Scientific team and PhD study directors from a broad range of disciplines including virology, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology and toxicology
  • BSL-2/3 labs and vivarium
  • Personalized study design
  • Efficacy and vaccine challenge studies through GLP toxicology studies for regulatory submission