ADVANCED LUNG FUNCTION MEASUREMENT IN A NOVEL HIV/TUBERCULOSIS CO-INFECTION MOUSE MODEL
Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are major global health threats. Their interaction worsens disease severity, as HIV reduces CD4+ T cells, making individuals more vulnerable to TB. Despite progress, an effective animal model that mimics human immune response during HIV/TB co-infection has been lacking, hindering treatment and vaccine development.
Bohorguez et al. (2024) developed a humanized NSG-SGM3 mouse model to advance HIV/TB co-infection studies. These mice are transplanted with human CD34+ stem cells, enabling the development of various human immune cells. This model allows researchers to study CD4+ T cell depletion and HIV viral load, closely replicating human infection.
Key lung function parameters like elastance, compliance, and resistance were measured using the flexiVent system. CT scans assessed lung volume, providing a comprehensive view of lung function and structural changes due to co-infection.
The results were promising: the mice successfully engrafted human stem cells, differentiated into immune cells, and, upon co-infection, showed decreased CD4+ T cells and increased HIV viral load, mimicking human disease progression. TB infection also caused granulomatous lesions, validating the model’s relevance.
The flexiVent system was crucial in measuring lung mechanics and understanding the impact of HIV/TB co-infection. Combining this with CT scans offered insights into lung volume changes.
This humanized mouse model and advanced tools like flexiVent represent a significant advancement in HIV/TB research. The NSG-SGM3 mice’s ability to differentiate into human immune cells allows for accurate immune response representation, providing a valuable platform for studying co-infection and testing therapies and vaccines. This model holds great promise for developing effective treatments for these devastating diseases.
Reference:
A novel humanized mouse model for HIV and tuberculosis co-infection studies. Bohorquez, J.A., et al (2024). Front. Immunol. 15, https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1395018
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