CHIMERIC ANIMAL MODEL SUSCEPTIBLE TO HUMAN HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION

摘要

The present invention features a non-human animal model that is susceptible to infection by human hepatotrophic pathogens, particularly human hepatitis C virus (HCV). The model is based on a non-human, immunicompromised xenogeneic transgenic animal having a human-mouse chimeric liver, where the transgene provides for expression of a urokinase-tape plasminogen activator in the liver. The invention also features methods for identifying candidate therapeutic agents, e.g., agents having antiviral activity against HCV infection.