Abstract | BACKGROUND: The study of Onchocerca volvulus has been limited by its host range, with only humans and non-human primates shown to be susceptible to the full life cycle infection. Small animal models that support the development of adult parasites have not been identified. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We hypothesized that highly immunodeficient NSG mice would support the survival and maturation of O. volvulus and alteration of the host microenvironment through the addition of various human cells and tissues would further enhance the level of parasite maturation. NSG mice were humanized with: (1) umbilical cord derived CD34+ stem cells, (2) fetal derived liver, thymus and CD34+ stem cells or (3) primary human skeletal muscle cells. NSG and humanized NSG mice were infected with 100 O. volvulus infective larvae (L3) for 4 to 12 weeks. When necropsies of infected animals were performed, it was observed that parasites survived and developed throughout the infection time course. In each of the different humanized mouse models, worms matured from L3 to advanced fourth stage larvae, with both male and female organ development. In addition, worms increased in length by up to 4-fold. Serum and urine, collected from humanized mice for identification of potential biomarkers of infection, allowed for the identification of 10 O. volvulus-derived proteins found specifically in either the urine or the serum of the humanized O. volvulus-infected NSG mice. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:
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Authors | John B Patton, Sasisekhar Bennuru, Mark L Eberhard, Jessica A Hess, April Torigian, Sara Lustigman, Thomas B Nutman, David Abraham |
Journal | PLoS neglected tropical diseases
(PLoS Negl Trop Dis)
Vol. 12
Issue 12
Pg. e0006977
(12 2018)
ISSN: 1935-2735 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 30540742
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Biomarkers
- Helminth Proteins
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Topics |
- Animals
- Biomarkers
(blood, urine)
- Disease Models, Animal
- Helminth Proteins
(blood, urine)
- Humans
- Life Cycle Stages
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Onchocerca volvulus
(growth & development, isolation & purification, physiology)
- Onchocerciasis
(blood, diagnosis, parasitology, urine)
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