Humanized mouse models of infectious diseases

Many pathogens that infect humans are highly adapted to their host and are unable to infect other organisms. Similarly, the interaction between the human immune system and pathogens frequently differs from animal models. Hence, novel in vivo models are required to characterize these pathogens and evaluate novel drugs and vaccines. Genetic modification of mice as well as transplantation of human cells and tissues in immunodeficient mice has allowed the generation of models that enable in vivo studies with pathogens such as HIV, HCV and Salmonella typhi. In this review, we will highlight recent developments in the field and discuss their utility for drug development and vaccine development.