Molecular biology of ferret HEV and development of animal model for hepatitis E

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26450419
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Veterinary medical science
• Research Institution: National Institute of Infectious Diseases
• Principal Investigator: Li Tiancheng 国立感染症研究所, ウイルス第二部, 主任研究官 (90370957)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 動物モデル / 人獣共通感染症 / フェレットHEV / E型肝炎

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study we using ferret HEV-LPs as antigen to examine ferret HEV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies and found that the wide distribution of ferret HEV infection in laboratory and pet ferrets and its likely introduction into Japan through importation. The complete genome of ferret HEV from laboratory ferrets imported from the United States was identified. A cell culture system for ferret HEV was established by using PLC/PRF/5 cells, and this system may be useful for understanding the mechanisms of replication, infection, immunization and virion morphogenesis of ferret HEV.
We also confirmed that that monkeys and rats are not susceptible to ferret HEV Infection, suggesting that the ferret HEV is not transmissible to humans. In addition, we confirmed that the ferret HEV infection induced acute hepatitis and persistent infection in ferrets, suggesting that the ferrets are a candidate animal model for immunological as well as pathological studies of hepatitis E.

Free Research Field

農学