Publication date: Dec 08, 2024

The CAST/EiJ mouse, part of a research panel including eight genetically diverse mouse strains, stands out for its severe response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, including beta, omicron, and delta variants. While other strains either recovered or showed mild symptoms, the CAST mice displayed acute illness, highlighting their unique susceptibility to the virus. This unique strain offers researchers a model that closely parallels the human response to the virus without brain infection — an issue in previous models of COVID-19. The CAST mouse is invaluable, as its genetic background avoids artificial receptor modifications, making it a more natural model for studying severe COVID-19. As new variants continue to emerge, the CAST mouse model stands ready to accelerate a response, providing insights that could ultimately save lives. By crossing genetically engineered mice with diverse strains, Rosenthal’s team replicated a range of human-like responses. Initial trials using antiviral treatments have shown promising results, boosting survival rates in CAST mice and sparking hope for their role in developing therapies for future coronavirus outbreaks.

Semantics