Mice will provide new model for hepatitis C research

While hepatitis C has been studied in humans and primates, researchers have not been able to create a humanized mouse model of the virus that some believe will enhance scientists' ability to develop new treatments. Now, a study published in the journal Nature has indicated that investigators at Rockefeller University and The Scripps Research Institute have discovered how to use laboratory rodents for evaluating mechanisms behind hepatitis C.

The researchers found that introducing human CD81 and occludin genes in mice made the rodents susceptible to hepatitis C infection. They believe that studying these creatures will help scientists develop improve treatments for the disease.

"This robust small animal model also has the potential to serve a critical role in testing and prioritizing drug and vaccine candidates. Results from these tests can potentially guide more expansive pre-clinical and clinical studies in higher order organisms, including humans," said lead researcher Alexander Ploss.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that hepatitis C affects more than 3.2 million Americans. If left untreated, the virus may lead to permanent liver damage.