Open AccessModeling Zika Virus-Associated Birth Defects in Nonhuman Primates
Author(s) -
Emma L. Mohr
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of the pediatric infectious diseases society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 2048-7207
pISSN - 2048-7193
DOI - 10.1093/jpids/piy120
Subject(s) - zika virus , medicine , in utero , nonhuman primate , pathogenesis , pregnancy , immunology , fetus , virus , bioinformatics , virology , biology , evolutionary biology , genetics
In utero infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) during pregnancy can lead to the development of birth defects and postnatal deficits. A nonhuman primate (NHP) model of congenital ZIKV infection can help fill the gaps in knowledge where tissue studies are required to define viral pathogenesis and identify targets for therapeutic intervention. This model system has already identified critical features of ZIKV pathogenesis in congenital infection. Before translating these NHP studies to human clinical trials, we must understand the similarities and differences between human and NHP fetal immune system development, neural development, and infant assessment tools. Because of the overall similarity between fetal and infant development in humans and NHPs, this NHP model can complement human clinical trials by defining immune correlates of protection and evaluating therapeutic interventions.