Table 4 Most commonly used animal models in PASC research and their general characteristics7,11,32,33,34,35,36,114,154
From: Post Pandemic Problem, is there an animal model suitable to investigate PASC
Mouse | Syrian golden hamster | NHP | |
|---|---|---|---|
ACE2 compatible and SARS-CoV-2 susceptible | - Via transgenic mice or mouse-adapted virus | + | + |
Similarities human disease symptoms | −/+ | + During acute phase: weight lose and lung pathology | ++ Heterogenous |
Disease severity | − to ++ | −/+ to + Influenced by inoculated dose | −/+ to + |
Resemblance human immune response | −/+ | −/+ | + |
Mortality in acute phase | ↓ to ↑↑ | ↓ | ↓↓ |
Experimental costs | ↓ | ↓ | ↑↑ |
PASC-related findings | Motor dysfunction | Anxiety, depression, memory impairment | Functional whole body imaging, hyperglycemia |
Advantages | - Multiparity - Wide availability of research tools - Multiple backgrounds | - Multiparity - Relatively easy to handle - Susceptible to most human pathogens | - Translational relevance - Longitudinal (imaging) measurements - Physiology, anatomy and genetic identity |
Disadvantages | - Monogenic models - Organ distinct from humans - Size constraints | - Monogenic models - Organ distinct from humans - Lack of research tools | - Behavioral studies limited - Low number of offspring and long breeding time |
