Immunophenotyping Studies in Nonhuman Primate Models

Nonhuman primate (NHP) models are important in biomedical research due to their close evolutionary relationship with humans, which provides a high degree of anatomical, genetic, and physiological similarity. This close resemblance is particularly valuable for studying complex biological processes and diseases that are difficult to model in other animals. NHPs have hematopoietic and immune systems that closely mirror those of humans, making them crucial for researching hematopoietic stem cell biology, immunology, infectious diseases, and vaccine development, offering insights that are more likely to translate to human health. With the rapid development of immunotherapy, the NHP model serves as an invaluable tool for preclinical studies of immunotherapy. Immunophenotyping, the process of characterizing and quantifying hematopoietic cell populations and their functional states, is critical in studies related to the hematopoietic and immune system. While the NHP model is the most relevant animal model for human biology, the immunophenotyping methods used may not always align with those employed for human samples. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of key considerations for conducting immunophenotyping studies using NHP models, particularly in the rhesus macaque model. It covers methodological aspects, including sample preparation, the selection and validation of appropriate antibody clones, the application of flow cytometry techniques, and the data analysis to ensure high-quality and reproducible results. By providing a comprehensive overview of these considerations, this chapter aims to equip researchers with the knowledge needed to effectively utilize rhesus macaque NHP models in immunophenotyping studies, ultimately enhancing the translational impact of their findings on human health.