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Published on: January 20, 2017
Macaque models of human infectious disease
Murray B Gardner1, Paul A Luciw
1Center for Comparative Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. mbgardner@ucdavis.edu
ILAR Journal
|March 8, 2008
Summary
Macaque models are crucial for studying over 70 human infectious diseases, aiding in understanding disease mechanisms and developing treatments and vaccines for conditions like AIDS.
Area of Science:
- Primate models in infectious disease research
- Nonhuman primate translational research
- Zoonotic disease modeling
Background:
- Macaques serve as vital models for over 70 diverse human infectious diseases.
- These diseases span global, childhood, tropical, emergent, and bioterrorism categories.
- Historically significant, macaques aided in understanding yellow fever, polio, and prion diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the extensive use of macaque models in human infectious disease research.
- To highlight insights gained into pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.
- To emphasize the role of macaques in vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and current experimental studies using macaque models.
- Analysis of disease etiologies and transmission dynamics (zoonotic and reverse zoonotic).
- Identification of key pathogens and diseases modeled in macaques.
Main Results:
- Macaques model a wide array of human infectious diseases, including many tropical, emergent, and bioterrorism agents.
- Research in macaques has significantly advanced understanding of diseases like Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
- Macaque models have been instrumental in developing vaccines and treatments for numerous viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections.
Conclusions:
- Macaque models are indispensable for biomedical research on human infectious diseases.
- Continued research using macaques is essential for addressing global health challenges.
- Understanding macaque-pathogen interactions informs both human and nonhuman primate health.
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