Browne, Niall and Kavanagh, Kevin
(2013)
Developing the potential of using
Galleria
mellonella
larvae as models for studying brain
infection by
Listeria monocytogenes.
Virulence, 4 (4).
pp. 271-272.
ISSN 2150-5594
Abstract
The use of mammals for studying micro
bial pathogens or for assessing the efficacy
of a variety of pharmaceutical agents has
contributed enormously to our knowledge
of microbial virulence and in the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
However, despite these advances, there is
a recognition that the number of mammals used in such tests must be reduced
to the minimum and that alternative,
but ethically acceptable, systems must be
developed. This has led to the adoption
of the 3R policy by many government
and international funding agencies in an
effort to encourage the development of
more acceptable but scientifically valid
screening systems. A variety of models
have been developed as alternative systems in recent years including cell culture,
tissue explants and nematodes. Insects
such as
Drosophilia melanogaster
(fruit
fly),
Galleria mellonella
(wax worm), and
Bombyx mori
(silk worm) have become
attractive alternative models for studying host pathogen interactions and for
assessing the efficacy of novel antimicrobials.
The immune system of insects is
very similar structurally and functionally
to the innate immune response of mammals hence results obtained using insects
can readily be translated to mammals.
Insects offer a number of advantages as
models including high throughput (24–
48 h), ease of inoculation, a lack of ethical
restrictions and most can be cultured easily or purchased relatively inexpensively.
| Item Type: |
Article
|
| Keywords: |
brain; Galleria; Listeria; immunity; in vivo model; virulence; |
| Academic Unit: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering > Biology |
| Item ID: |
4814 |
| Identification Number: |
https://doi.org/10.4161/viru.24174 |
| Depositing User: |
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh
|
| Date Deposited: |
11 Mar 2014 16:23 |
| Journal or Publication Title: |
Virulence |
| Publisher: |
Landes Bioscience |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| URI: |
|
| Use Licence: |
This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available
here |
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