Why Animal Research?
News
April 29, 2016
Several recent publications have demonstrated the value of A129 and AG129 mice for evaluating Zika virus and potential vaccines and treatments. Zika virus has been associated with Gillian-Barré Syndrome as well as the birth defect microcephaly, and the recent spread of the virus in the Americas has caused public health concern. Several groups have characterized Zika virus in A129 and AG129 mice. These mice lack interferon receptors and are therefore unable to mount a full immune response to the infection. Both A129 and AG129 mice do succumb to disease when infected with the virus. Therefore, these mice may be valuable in evaluating new vaccines and antiviral treatments.