An animal model for studying Varicella-Zoster Virus infection and reactivation

Michael D. Gershon, M.D.

Closely mimics VZV latency and reactivationDirectly uses human VZV instead of related virus from different speciesGFP labeling allows tracking of virus expression during latency and infectionAbility to induce VZV reactivation at desired times using drugs to mimic stress and suppress immunityAbility to visualize latency or activation on a cellular level using cytoplasm expressionNatural stress is sufficient to trigger VZV reactivation in guinea pigsPatent information:Patent PendingTech Ventures Reference: IR CU14292

In vitro cell model to study VZV infection in T lymphoblastsIn vivo animal model to further investigate how VZV infects patient, stays latent, and reactivates Model organism to identify and test new drugs or vaccines against VZV

Michael D. Gershon, M.D.

USA