Animal models for HIV AIDS: a comparative review

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Comparative Pathology

Background:

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), was identified over 25 years ago.
• Significant progress has been made in understanding HIV's pathogenesis, transmission, and disease, yet fundamental questions persist.
• An effective prophylactic vaccine against HIV remains elusive despite extensive research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review related viruses used in experimental animal models to enhance knowledge of lentiviral disease.
• To provide a comparative overview of different lentiviral model types.
• To identify conserved elements of lentiviral disease across mammalian species.

Main Methods:

• Categorization of viruses into four groups: nonlentiviral immunodeficiency-inducing, naturally occurring pathogenic, experimentally induced lentiviral, and nonpathogenic lentiviral infections.
• Review of scientific literature on these viral models and their contributions to understanding lentiviral diseases.
• Comparative analysis of the strengths and unique attributes of each model type.

Main Results:

• Each category of lentiviral animal model offers unique insights into HIV pathogenesis and lentiviral disease.
• Nonlentiviral models illuminate immunodeficiency mechanisms.
• Naturally occurring and experimentally induced pathogenic lentiviral infections provide models for disease progression, while nonpathogenic lentiviruses offer insights into viral latency and host interactions.

Conclusions:

• Lentiviral animal models are crucial for advancing our understanding of HIV/AIDS and lentiviral diseases.
• A comparative approach highlights the distinct contributions of each model system.
• These models collectively enhance our comprehension of conserved lentiviral disease characteristics across species, informing future research and therapeutic strategies.