Gnotobiotic pig models: Illuminating the enigma of human norovirus infection and immunity

Gnotobiotic pig models: Illuminating the enigma of human norovirus infection and immunity Dr Lijuan Yuan and her team have studied human noroviruses (HuNoV) in gnotobiotic pigs for over 15 years. Here, she explains how such research is advancing our understanding of HuNoV pathogenesis, infectivity, and immunity. The intricate interplay between pathogens and their hosts has been a focal point of infectious disease research, especially for elusive viruses like human noroviruses (HuNoV). With their capacity to cause acute gastroenteritis and notorious ability to evade traditional cell culture methods, the study of HuNoV has been particularly challenging. However, gnotobiotic pig models have emerged as a potent tool in unveiling the complex dynamics of HuNoV pathogenesis, infectivity, and immunity. This review delves into the application of gnotobiotic pig models in deciphering the enigmatic world of HuNoV, shedding light on their elusive interactions with the host.