Rescue of Hantaan virus minigenomes

Hantavirus infections are a major public health concern worldwide. Their widespread geographical distribution and their ability to produce serious, often fatal, human disease underline the need for a system that allows manipulation of these viruses. We describe here the first successful establishment of a reverse genetics technology for Hantaan virus, the prototype of the genus Hantavirus. The system offers a unique opportunity to study the biology of hantaviruses, the pathogenesis of the diseases, and the efficacy of antiviral and prophylactic measures against hantavirus infections. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.