Protocol for infecting and monitoring susceptible k18-hACE2 mice with SARS-CoV-2

Joana Couto; Rute Gonçalves; Sofia Lamas; Margarida Saraiva

doi:10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102303

Protocol for infecting and monitoring susceptible k18-hACE2 mice with SARS-CoV-2

STAR Protoc. 2023 Apr 27;4(2):102303. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102303. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Joana Couto¹, Rute Gonçalves¹, Sofia Lamas², Margarida Saraiva³

Affiliations

¹ i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
² i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal. Electronic address: sofia.lamas@i3s.up.pt.
³ i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal. Electronic address: margarida.saraiva@ibmc.up.pt.

Abstract

Intranasal infection of k18-hACE2 mice with SARS-CoV-2 recapitulates the clinical characteristics present in severe COVID-19. Here, we present a protocol for intranasal administration of SARS-CoV-2 to k18-hACE2 mice and their subsequent daily monitoring. We describe steps for intranasal inoculation of SARS-CoV-2 and the collection of clinical scores on weight, body condition, hydration, appearance, neurological symptoms, behavior, and respiratory movements. This protocol contributes to the establishment of a model of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection that minimizes animal suffering. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Gonçalves et al. (2023).¹.

Keywords: Health Sciences; Immunology; Model Organisms.