Safety Requirements for Maintenance and Distribution of Transgenic Mice Susceptible to Human Viruses: The Example of Poliovirus-Susceptible Transgenic Mice

During the last few years, considerable progress has been achieved in obtaining transgenic mice containing parts of the human genome and susceptible to human viruses. The establishment of such animal models has proven to be extremely useful. Research leading to the development of improved methods for the prevention and control of serious human viral diseases is often limited by the absence of readily available animal models capable of mimicking human interactions with the viral agent. Examples of viral diseases in which efforts have been restricted by the lack of such animal models include the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and all forms of viral hepatitis and poliomyelitis. In each case, only certain nonhuman primate species have been shown to be susceptible to infection. The nonhuman primates which are required for such experimental work are expensive to acquire and maintain, often limited in availability, or even an endangered species.