Development of the Crab eating macaque model of COVID-19

National Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The IRF-Frederick has established three crab-eating macaque models of COVID-19 using intrabronchial inoculation and small- and large-particle aerosol exposures. Mild disease with mild-to-moderate pulmonary imaging abnormalities, neutralizing antibody responses, and specific histopathologic changes were observed in these models. In general, most pronounced disease as noted by PET/CT imaging abnormality, histopathologic score, and lung tissue virus titers were noted in small-particle exposed macaques. In all models, lung abnormalities were objectively quantified using a novel imaging-based readout (PCLH), which is currently being improved using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. Efforts are ongoing to develop more severe macaque models of COVID-19, including pre-existing/co-morbid conditions and immunosuppression.