Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic pathogen responsible for the human disease Q fever. While an inactivated whole cell vaccine exists for this disease, its widespread use is precluded by a post vaccination hypersensitivity response. Efforts for the development of an improved Q fever vaccine are intricately connected to the availability of appropriate animal models of human disease. Accordingly, small mammals and non-human primates have been utilized for vaccine-challenge and post vaccination hypersensitivity modeling. Here, we review the animal models historically utilized in Q fever vaccine development, describe recent advances in this area, discuss the limitations and strengths of these models, and summarize the needs and criteria for future modeling efforts. In summary, while many useful models for Q fever vaccine development exist, there remains room for growth and expansion of these models which will in turn increase our understanding of C. burnetii host interactions.
Highlights
Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic pathogen responsible for the human disease Q fever
Because data from rabbit models suggested that the post vaccination hypersensitivity (PVH) reaction could be a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, prior to skin testing, Ascher et al treated a group of guinea pigs sensitized with whole cell vaccine (WCV) with cyclophosphamide, which had previously been shown to enhance DTH responses (Ascher et al, 1977)
The quality of a preclinical animal model can be assessed based on its physiologic relevance to human disease
Summary
Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic pathogen responsible for the human disease Q fever. Q-vax®, a whole cell preparation of formalin-inactivated phase I C. burnetii, is the only existing vaccine approved for use against Q fever. For Q fever vaccine development, preclinical animal testing is important, given ethical considerations precluding human C. burnetii challenge trials. Several preclinical surrogate animal models have been employed for Q fever vaccine development including mice, guinea pigs, and non-human primates (Bewley, 2013).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
