Optimization and applications of an in vivo bioluminescence imaging model of influenza A virus infections

• The in vivo BLI model of IAV infections can simplify the determination of viral load in living animals. • The in vivo BLI model of IAV infections allow longitudinal measurements of virus infection/spread in living animals. • The in vivo BLI model of IAV infections improved the throughput of animal models. • The advanced BLI models can facilitate studies in both basic and applied virology.