Review
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World J Gastroenterol. Jun 21, 2012; 18(23): 2909-2913
Published online Jun 21, 2012. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i23.2909
Animal models for the study of hepatitis C virus infection and replication
Kristin L MacArthur, Catherine H Wu, George Y Wu
Kristin L MacArthur, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, United States
Catherine H Wu, George Y Wu, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030-1845, United States
Author contributions: MacArthur KL contributed to the literature search, manuscript writing and final revision of the article; Wu CH revised and edited the manuscript; Wu GY conceived of the idea, wrote some sections and edited the final version.
Correspondence to: George Y Wu, MD, PhD, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-1845, United States. wu@nso.uchc.edu
Telephone: +1-860-6792509  Fax: +1-860-6793159
Received: November 18, 2011
Revised: March 1, 2012
Accepted: April 9, 2012
Published online: June 21, 2012
Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) hepatitis, initially termed non-A, non-B hepatitis, has become one of the leading causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. With the help of animal models, our understanding of the virus has grown substantially from the time of initial discovery. There is a paucity of available animal models for the study of HCV, mainly because of the selective susceptibility limited to humans and primates. Recent work has focused modification of animals to permit HCV entry, replication and transmission. In this review, we highlight the currently available models for the study of HCV including chimpanzees, tupaia, mouse and rat models. Discussion will include methods of model design as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each model. Particular focus is dedicated to knowledge of pathophysiologic mechanisms of HCV infection that have been elucidated through animal studies. Research within animal models is critically important to establish a complete understanding of HCV infection, which will ultimately form the basis for future treatments and prevention of disease.

Keywords: Hepatitis C virus; Infection; Replication; Vaccine; Hepatitis A virus