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Specific pathogen-free macaques: definition, history, and current production
William R Morton1, Michael B Agy, Saverio V Capuano
1Paris nhp, PO Box 1454, Edmonds, WA 98020, USA. wrm@parisnhp.com
Abstract:
Specific pathogen-free (SPF) macaque colonies are now requested frequently as a resource for research. Such colonies were originally conceived as a means to cull diseased animals from research-dedicated colonies, with the goal of eliminating debilitating or fatal infectious agents from the colony to improve the reproductive capacity of captive research animals. The initial pathogen of concern was Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb.), recognized for many years as a pathogen of nonhuman primates as well as a human health target. More recently attention has focused on four viral pathogens as the basis for an SPF colony: simian type D retrovirus (SRV), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), simian T cell lymphotropic/leukemia virus (STLV), and Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1). New technologies, breeding, and maintenance schemes have emerged to develop and provide SPF primates for research. In this review we focus on the nonhuman primates (NHPs) most common to North American NHP research facilities, Asian macaques, and the most common current research application of these animals, modeling of human AIDS.
Insights
Specific pathogen-free (SPF) macaque colonies are crucial for research, particularly for modeling human AIDS. These colonies minimize disease transmission, enhancing animal welfare and research reliability for critical studies.
Area of Science:
- Primate research
- Infectious disease control
- Animal models
Background:
- Specific pathogen-free (SPF) macaque colonies are increasingly vital for biomedical research.
- Historically, SPF colonies aimed to eliminate pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb.) to improve animal health and reproduction.
- Current SPF colony development focuses on controlling four key viral pathogens: simian type D retrovirus (SRV), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), simian T-cell lymphotropic/leukemia virus (STLV), and Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and application of SPF macaque colonies.
- To highlight the importance of SPF nonhuman primates (NHPs) in North American research.
- To discuss the role of these animals in modeling human Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and technologies for SPF primate development.
- Analysis of breeding and maintenance schemes for SPF colonies.
- Focus on Asian macaques commonly used in North American research facilities.
Main Results:
- Advancements in new technologies, breeding, and maintenance have enabled the development of SPF primates.
- Asian macaques are the primary NHPs utilized in North American research.
- Modeling human AIDS is a significant application for these SPF macaques.
Conclusions:
- SPF macaque colonies are essential resources for advancing biomedical research.
- Effective management of specific pathogens is key to maintaining SPF status.
- SPF Asian macaques provide a valuable model for studying human diseases like AIDS.
