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Cynomolgus Macaque Model for COVID-19 Delta Variant
Seung Ho Baek1,2, Hanseul Oh1,3, Bon-Sang Koo1
1National Primate Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju 28116, Korea.
Immune Network
|January 11, 2023
Summary
A new non-human primate model effectively mimics severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta variant infection, showing viral presence and lung damage. This model aids in evaluating vaccines and therapeutics against evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Preclinical Models
Background:
- The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants necessitates robust preclinical models.
- Existing models may not accurately reflect the pathogenicity of new SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a non-human primate (NHP) model for SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant infection.
- To assess the utility of this NHP model for evaluating vaccines and therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Main Methods:
- Cynomolgus macaques were infected with SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant.
- Viral load, RNA presence, histopathological changes, and immune responses (cellular and humoral) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Infection led to the presence of infectious virus and viral RNA in respiratory tracts (nasal, throat, lung).
- Histopathology revealed diffuse alveolar damage in lungs by day 3 post-infection.
- Transient lymphopenia and neutrophilia were observed, followed by increased SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant spike protein-specific IgM, IgG, and IgA levels by day 14.
Conclusions:
- A reproducible NHP model for SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant infection has been established.
- This model can differentiate the severity of various SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- The NHP Delta variant model is valuable for assessing the efficacy of vaccines and broad-spectrum therapeutics.
