In Vivo Bioluminescent Imaging of Marburg Virus in a Rodent Model.

Abstract

Pseudoviruses are useful tools because of their safety and versatility compared to wild type viruses. Optical imaging of reporter gene labeled pseudoviruses in small animal models can allow for real-time analysis of the infection process without sacrificing the host, which has proven invaluable in the longitudinal study of disease events and testing the antiviral efficiencies of vaccine candidates, monoclonal antibodies and small molecule compounds. Here, we describe the generation of Marburg pseudovirus (pMARV) and establishment of imaging mouse model by using a deep-cooled CCD camera imager. We also describe the widespread organ distribution of pMARV during infection by ex vivo imaging of necropsied tissues. This system can significantly facilitate Marburg virus studies and enable the evaluation of treatments against MARV in BSL-2 containments.