Use of the Invertebrate Galleria mellonella as an Infection Model to Study the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex

作者： Masanori Asai*1, Yanwen Li*1, Jasmeet Singh Khara1,2, Camilla A. Gladstone1, Brian D. Robertson3, Paul R. Langford*1, Sandra M. Newton*1 1Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Allergy, Department of Medicine,Imperial College London, 2Department of Pharmacy,National University of Singapore, 3MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Department of Medicine,Imperial College London

简介：

Overview

This protocol describes the use of Galleria mellonella as an alternative infection model to study tuberculosis, reducing the number of mammalian models used in research. Galleria mellonella is a cheaper, ethically acceptable, and more accessible model to study tuberculosis.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Infection models
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis research
• Ethical alternatives in research

Background

• Galleria mellonella has a complex innate immune system comparable to mammals.
• It has been widely used for other bacterial and fungal pathogens.
• This model allows for the study of host-pathogen interactions.
• Further optimization can aid in drug efficacy and toxicity screening.

Purpose of Study

• To establish Galleria mellonella as a model for tuberculosis research.
• To reduce reliance on traditional mammalian models.
• To contribute to the development of novel therapeutics for tuberculosis.

Methods Used

• Establishment of infection protocols for Galleria mellonella.
• Use of bioluminescent Mycobacterium bovis BCG lux.
• Comparative analysis with conventional mammalian models.
• Screening for candidate antimycobacterial drugs.

Main Results

• Successful infection of Galleria mellonella with Mycobacterium bovis BCG lux.
• Demonstrated potential for drug efficacy screening.
• Highlighted the ethical advantages of using Galleria mellonella.
• Revealed insights into innate immunity's role in tuberculosis.

Conclusions

• Galleria mellonella is a viable alternative for tuberculosis research.
• Further studies can enhance its application in drug development.
• This model can lead to a reduction in mammalian testing.

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