MODELS
Because of their close evolutionary relationship to humans, macaques are of vital importance in biomedical research and are often the best or only animal models for controlled experiments relevant to a range of human diseases and disorders. We are currently collaborating with a number of investigators to use these animals to better understand the pathogenesis of, and host response to, influenza virus, HIV, and SARS-associated coronavirus.
By incorporating genomic and proteomic analyses into studies using macaque infection models, we are able to provide a nearly comprehensive view of the host response to infection and the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression to virus-mediated disease, immunopathology, or the development of protective immunity. We use a variety of data integration strategies to better understand gene and protein function and how gene expression and protein abundance changes correlate with cellular function, innate and adaptive immune responses, and clinical outcome. Macaque infection models provide unique opportunities for generating discoveries that may lead to new therapeutic options, improved vaccine strategies, and increased preparedness for future disease outbreaks. Please follow the links on this page for more information on these studies.
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