Use and research of pigtailed macaques in nonhuman primate HIV/AIDS models

Nonhuman primate animal models play an important role in studying HIV-1 pathogenesis, developing antiviral drugs and vaccines. Due to the lack of animals that can be directly infected with HIV-1, SIV/SHIV-infected macaques have been widely used in AIDS research. Although these models are somewhat similar to human AIDS, there are many limitations due to genetic differences between SIV/SHIV and HIV-1. Developing a suitable nonhuman primate animal model is still an important topic in HIV/AIDS research. The pigtailed macaque is the only primate in Old World monkeys that can be infected with HIV-1 and offer many benefits as HIV-1 intravenous and sexual transmission models. Here we reviewed the characteristics of pigtailed macaque models infected by SIV, HIV, SHIV, and HSIV via intravenous and mucosal routes. In addition, we briefly introduced the molecular mechanisms of viral replication in pigtailed macaque cells, and discussed the limitations and prospects of pigtailed macaque models in AIDS research