Identification of Factors Contributing to Pathogenic Variability Among Lassa Virus Strains Using the Guinea Pig Model and Reverse Genetics

Lassa virus (LASV) is the causative agent of Lassa fever (LF), a severe hemorrhagic disease with potential for lethal outcomes. Classified as a risk group 4 pathogen, it represents a significant public health threat in endemic regions. Our laboratory previously developed a novel lethal guinea pig model of Lassa fever using the clinical isolate LASV strain LF2384. However, the specific pathogenic factors underlying LF2384 infection in guinea pigs remained unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the immunological differences elicited by LF2384 and LF2350, another LASV strain isolated from a nonlethal case within the same outbreak. We compared the expression kinetics of key immune-related genes in guinea pigs infected with either LF2384 or LF2350. Using reverse genetics, we identified the L protein as a critical viral factor responsible for the observed pathogenic differences between the strains.