Abstract
Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infect only chimpanzees and humans. Analysis of both viruses has long been hampered by the absence of a small animal model. The recent development of human hepatocyte chimeric mice has enabled us to carry out studies on viral replication and cellular changes induced by replication of human hepatitis viruses. Various therapeutic agents have also been tested using this model. In the present review, we summarize published studies using chimeric mice and discuss the merits and shortcomings of this model.
© 2010 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Albumins / genetics
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Animals
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Chimera
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Disease Models, Animal*
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Hepacivirus / pathogenicity*
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Hepatitis B / genetics
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Hepatitis B / metabolism
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Hepatitis B / pathology
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Hepatitis B / virology*
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Hepatitis B virus / pathogenicity*
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Hepatitis C / genetics
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Hepatitis C / metabolism
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Hepatitis C / pathology
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Hepatitis C / virology*
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Hepatocytes / pathology
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Hepatocytes / transplantation
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Hepatocytes / virology*
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Humans
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Mice
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Mice, SCID
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Mice, Transgenic
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Promoter Regions, Genetic
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Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / genetics
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Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / metabolism
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Virus Replication
Substances
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Albumins
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Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator