Mice, hamsters, ferrets & NHPs have been used as animal models to study SARS-CoV-2.
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Pathology, transmission & medical countermeasures can be studied in Syrian hamsters.
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Omicron is more transmissible, less lethal in animals than other SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
Abstract
Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first identified during late 2019, the sustained spread of this pathogen within the human population has caused worldwide disruption with staggering infection rates and death tolls. Due to the accumulation of mutations in SARS-CoV-2, the virus has evolved into many variants, five of which have been listed as variants of concern VOCs by the World Health Organization (WHO). Multiple animal models of SARS-CoV-2 have been developed to evaluate vaccines and drugs and to assess the pathogenicity, transmissibility and antiviral measures of these VOCs. Here, we review the cutting-edge research based on mouse, hamster, ferret and non-human primate models for evaluating SARS-CoV-2 with a focus on the Omicron variant, and highlight the importance of updating vaccines in a timely manner in order to mitigate the negative effects of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the human population.
Given his role as Editorial Board Member, Gary Wong had no involvement in the peer-review of this article and had no access to information regarding its peer-review. Full responsibility for the editorial process for this article was delegated to the Editor William J. Liu.
