Modeling HIV/AIDS in primates

Non-human primate (NHP) models have played an invaluable role in helping scientists and physicians understand the mechanisms of HIV infection and AIDS etiology. NHPs have also been crucial in developing antiretroviral therapies for humans suffering with HIV/AIDS, transforming what was once a death sentence into a manageable chronic disease. However, much work remains to be done to improve treatments around the world and to eliminate HIV passage from mother to offspring. In this Review article, Koen Van Rompay discusses the past, present, and future of preclinical HIV/AIDS research using primate models.

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Genetic drift

Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) continue to be the most popular model system for understanding human health and disease. But their popularity as models and power to demonstrate the roles specific genes may play in physiology belie the problems that can lurk below our scientific radars. In this Technology Feature, Lina Zeldovich digs in deep on the problems with genetic drift, how it can impact researchers' interpretation of results, and what industry is doing to help keep drift in check.

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The recent NIH workshop on primate use in research

Research using non-human primates involves considerable regulatory oversight to ensure appropriate use and care. Nevertheless, animal rights groups may argue otherwise. Following an anti-primate research ad campaign in the DC area and a congressional request for review, the National Institutes of Health held a workshop last September on non-human primate research sponsored by the agency. In this News piece, Ellen Neff speaks to several attendees, including organizer Carrie Wolinetz, and provides an update on the day's discussions.

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