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Updated: Sep 30, 2025
Preparation and Gene Modification of Nonhuman Primate Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells
Published on: February 15, 2019
Translational Utility of the Nonhuman Primate Model
Alice F Tarantal1, Dennis J Hartigan-O'Connor2, Stephen C Noctor3
1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California; Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California; California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, California.
Nonhuman primates, like rhesus monkeys, are vital for studying human diseases and developmental processes. Their similarities to humans aid research into fetal development and the impact of inflammation on congenital disorders.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are critical models for human disease research due to shared physiological and immunological traits.
- The maternal-placental-fetal interface is crucial for embryonic and fetal development.
- Fetal exposure to inflammation, from infections or maternal conditions, can impact long-term health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of NHPs, specifically rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), in developmental studies.
- To highlight the importance of NHPs in understanding organ system ontogeny.
- To explore the impact of viral teratogens on development and congenital disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nonhuman primate models in developmental and disease research.
- Focus on studies investigating maternal-placental-fetal interactions and inflammation.
- Analysis of research concerning teratogens and congenital disorders in NHPs.
Main Results:
- NHPs offer unique insights into human embryonic/fetal development and organogenesis.
- Inflammation is increasingly recognized as a key mediator in fetal programming.
- NHP models are instrumental in studying the effects of viral teratogens on congenital development.
Conclusions:
- Rhesus monkeys are invaluable models for studying fetal development, organ system ontogeny, and congenital disorders.
- Understanding the maternal immune system's role in fetal programming is essential for preventing postnatal diseases.
- NHP research is crucial for advancing diagnostics and therapies for human use.
