Elucidation of Pathogenesis and Development of Therapeutic Strategies for Severe Pneumonia Caused by MERS-CoV Using an Infected Animal Model

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K08945
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 54030:Infectious disease medicine-related
• Research Institution: National Institute of Infectious Diseases
• Principal Investigator: Naoko Iwata 国立感染症研究所, 感染病理部, 主任研究官 (10360695)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 動物モデル / コロナウイルス / 治療法

Outline of Final Research Achievements

MERS-CoV, a respiratory infection, causes pneumonia that is more likely to be severe in people with underlying medical conditions. The mechanism underlying its severe progression remains unknown, and the development of treatments and vaccines is still in progress. In this study, we established a severe pneumonia model using transgenic (Tg) mice expressing MERS-CoV receptors to investigate the differences between severe progression and recovery, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Since reports suggested that reduced type 1 and type 2 IFNs contributed to the severe disease, we administered anti-IFNAR1 and anti-IFNγ antibodies to Tg mice to reduce inflammation, and then attempted to infect them with MERS-CoV. The mice showed an effect on body weight change, but did not become severely ill. It was clear that other factors in addition to inflammation were necessary for severe disease.

Free Research Field

感染症の病理

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、MERS-CoVの重症化メカニズムを解明し、感染制御や治療法の開発に貢献する学術的な意義がある。また、type 1およびtype 2 IFNの低下が重症化の要因と示唆され、炎症以外の要素も関与していることが明らかとなった。MERS-CoV感染症への理解が深まり、将来的な予防策や治療法の開発につながる可能性がある。これにより、感染症対策や公衆衛生政策の向上に貢献することが期待される。