Macaque monkeys in Zika virus research: 1947-present

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Primate Models
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Zika virus, first isolated in 1947, gained prominence due to its emergence in the Americas and association with congenital abnormalities.
• The need for effective preclinical models to study Zika virus pathogenesis and evaluate interventions, especially for pregnant populations, has become critical.

Observation:

• Captive macaque monkey models have been developed to study human Zika virus infection.
• This review compares Zika virus pathogenesis in macaques and humans, analyzing the suitability of macaques as a model organism.

Findings:

• Macaques exhibit similarities to humans in Zika virus pathogenesis.
• They offer distinct advantages over other laboratory animals for studying Zika virus, particularly in the context of pregnancy.

Implications:

• Macaque models are crucial for advancing the understanding of in utero Zika virus infections.
• These models are essential for evaluating the efficacy and safety of potential preclinical interventions aimed at preventing congenital Zika syndrome.