Organ cultures in evaluation of antiviral drugs

Abstract

Human embryonic trachea explants were the only organized tissue in which virus strains, causing colds in man, could be grown and in which the effect of antiviral drugs against cold virus strains can perhaps be assessed. Dog trachea explants could be readily infected with influenza viruses and parainfluenza 1 (Sendai) virus both by conventional methods or by virus aerosols. They can provide a suitable organ culture system for evaluation of antiviral drugs, especially against recent influenza A2 strains. Ferret trachea explants can be employed for antiviral drug evaluation against some influenza A and B or Sendai virus strains but variation in sensitivity between trachea explants from different ferrets is to be expected. Respiratory tissue explants from vervet monkeys, pigs, hamsters, rats and mice can provide tools for studies on the specific virus-cell interaction in organized tissue but did not meet the requirements presented as essential for antiviral drug testing in organ cultures.