Core Viewpoint - The research highlights the significance of the cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) as a model for studying respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, demonstrating its evolutionary conserved responses that closely resemble human reactions to the virus [4][7]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study published in *Science Translational Medicine* reveals a complete genome of the cotton rat and a dynamic single-cell transcriptomic analysis during RSV infection, showcasing the high conservation of RSV-related genes and cell types between cotton rats and humans [4][8]. - Evolutionary analysis indicates that the cotton rat is on a different evolutionary branch compared to common mouse and rat models, with respiratory cell maps and alveolar cell differentiation trajectories showing high similarity to human tissues [7]. - The research identifies differential transcriptional regulatory factors, specific antiviral proteins, and cytokines that can be translated into human clinical markers, providing resources for studying host-RSV interactions and developing therapeutic targets [8]. Group 2: Implications for Future Research - The findings from the cotton rat model are expected to contribute significantly to understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of RSV, immune responses, and the development of antiviral drugs [4][8]. - The identification of potential host factors and antiviral responses in the cotton rat model may facilitate the discovery of new treatment strategies for RSV infections [8].