Many viruses can infect both humans and animals, including hepatitis E virus. This virus is often transmitted to humans via contaminated meat products, such as by ingesting raw or undercooked pork or wild game. However, mouse liver cells are not a suitable host for hepatitis E viruses. Researchers have now discovered why.
A team from the Ruhr University Bochum Department of Molecular and Medical Virology in Germany have investigated the viral replication cycle in detail and discovered that the species barrier in mice is defined at the point of viral entry into the cell. First author Dr. Nicola Frericks and her team reported their findings in the journal Emerging Microbes & Infections on July 27, 2026.
Genetic material is not unpacked
It has long been known that the hepatitis E virus cannot establish an infection in mice, but the reasons were unknown. The virology research team in Bochum therefore systematically examined the replication cycle of the virus in mouse liver cell cultures. "We observed that most processes of viral infection also function in mouse cells," Frericks reports.
Viral particles attached to murine hepatocytes, and new virus particles could also be formed and released from the host cell if viral entry was bypassed. "But functional cell entry is blocked," she continues. "Even though our findings indicate that the virus particles are imported, the viral genetic material is likely not unpacked in the mouse cells."
This is important for a variety of reasons: It improves understanding of the host range of this zoonotic virus and helps assess the risk of transmission to other animal species. Second, it could pave the way for establishing a mouse model to study the disease. "This would be immensely helpful in testing therapeutic approaches," Frericks says. "There is still no specific, effective treatment for hepatitis E."
About hepatitis E
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the main causes of acute viral hepatitis. Up to 70,000 people die every year from the disease. After the first documented epidemic outbreak from 1955 to 1956, it took approximately 50 years before researchers began to intensively study the topic.
Acute infections normally resolve on their own in patients with intact immune systems, but HEV can become chronic in individuals with reduced or suppressed immune systems, including organ transplant recipients and people infected with HIV. The virus is also particularly dangerous to pregnant women. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available in Europe.
More information
Nicola Frericks et al, Viral entry defines the hepatitis E virus species barrier in murine hepatocytes, Emerging Microbes & Infections (2026). DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2026.2706321
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Citation: Why the hepatitis E virus cannot infect mice (2026, July 29) retrieved 30 July 2026 from https://phys.org/news/2026-07-hepatitis-virus-infect-mice.html
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