Adaptation of Influenza A Virus Strains A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) and A/Shanghai/1/2013 (H7N9) for Development of Effective Mouse Models

Author

Spencer T. Mullen, Utah State University

Date of Award

5-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

Biology

Abstract

The emergence of avian Influenza A (H7N9) virus strains in humans poses a significant threat to human health globally due to their pandemic potential, limited human immunity, and lack of virus-specific interventions. This capstone aims to address some of the limitations in antiviral research regarding Influenza A H7N9 virus by adapting two low-pathogenic virus strains A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) and A/Shanghai/1/2013 (H7N9) to BALB/c mice through sequential passaging through lung tissue. Following 12 serial passages, increased virulence was observed as evidenced by increased virus replication, increased weight loss, and increased mortality in infected mice. Titration of the initial non-adapted virus isolates were not lethal to mice while later infections with the mouse-adapted virus resulted in increased weight loss and mortality. The mouse models established through the adaptation of A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) and A/Shanghai/1/2013 (H7N9) virus strains may serve as a valuable tool for future antiviral research and development of candidate drugs and vaccines.

Recommended Citation

Mullen, Spencer T., "Adaptation of Influenza A Virus Strains A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) and A/Shanghai/1/2013 (H7N9) for Development of Effective Mouse Models" (2025). Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects. 1020.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/honors/1020