Animal Models of Norovirus Infection

Noroviruses are highly prevalent, positive-sense RNA viruses that are transmitted by the fecal-oral route and infect the gastrointestinal tract of their host. Human noroviruses cause the majority of acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis infections worldwide, resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and economic losses. The study of human viruses in their native host has inherent limitations. Thus, studies in animal models are critical for gaining a greater understanding of viral pathogenesis as well as the development of vaccines and therapeutics. Here, we describe multiple models that exist to study human noroviruses in nonhuman hosts and related viruses in their native hosts. The strengths and limitations of each of these models will also be discussed. Together, knowledge gained from these different models has significantly increased our understanding of these important human pathogens.