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Exposure modality influences viral kinetics but not respiratory outcome of COVID-19 in multiple nonhuman primate species

  • 0Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana, United States of America.
Plos Pathogens +

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July 5, 2022

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July 5, 2022

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection in nonhuman primates causes similar lung damage regardless of how the virus is administered. This finding validates nonhuman primates as a model for studying COVID-19 and evaluating anti-fibrotic therapies.

Area Of Science

  • Virology
  • Comparative Pathology
  • Primate Models

Background

  • The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has led to a global pandemic.
  • Existing animal models often fail to replicate severe COVID-19 disease.
  • This limits research into disease pathogenesis and medical countermeasures.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate if the route of SARS-CoV-2 experimental infection influences COVID-19 disease characteristics in nonhuman primates.
  • To evaluate two species of nonhuman primates for their suitability as models for severe COVID-19.

Main Methods

  • Two species of nonhuman primates (rhesus macaques and African green monkeys) were infected with SARS-CoV-2.
  • Infection was administered via direct mucosal instillation or small particle aerosol.
  • Viral loads, clinical signs, and pulmonary pathologies were assessed.

Main Results

  • Both rhesus macaques and African green monkeys exhibited comparable viral loads across all compartments, irrespective of exposure route.
  • Mucosal infection led to immediate clinical onset (1 day post-infection), while aerosol exposure resulted in later onset (7 days post-infection).
  • Conserved pathologies included pulmonary myeloid cell influx, pleuritis, and impaired lung regeneration.

Conclusions

  • Pulmonary pathologies in nonhuman primates are conserved across species and infection routes, offering insights into ARDS and lung damage.
  • Nonhuman primate models closely mimic clinical responses, making them valuable for evaluating anti-fibrotic therapies for COVID-19 related lung injury.