Advances in nonhuman primate models of autism: Integrating neuroscience and behavior

Abstract

Given the prevalence and societal impact of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), there is an urgent need to develop innovative preventative strategies and treatments to reduce the alarming number of cases and improve core symptoms for afflicted individuals. Translational efforts between clinical and preclinical research are needed to (i) identify and evaluate putative causes of ASD, (ii) determine the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, (iii) develop and test novel therapeutic approaches and (iv) ultimately translate basic research into safe and effective clinical practices. However, modeling a uniquely human brain disorder, such as ASD, will require sophisticated animal models that capitalize on unique advantages of diverse species including drosophila, zebra fish, mice, rats, and ultimately, species more closely related to humans, such as the nonhuman primate. Here we discuss the unique contributions of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) model to ongoing efforts to understand the neurobiology of the disorder, focusing on the convergence of brain and behavior outcome measures that parallel features of human ASD.

Keywords: Animal model; Autism spectrum disorder; Preclinical; Rhesus monkey.

Figure 1

Comparison of ASD relevant considerations of genes, brain and behavior in rodent and nonhuman primate preclinical models.

Figure 2

Rhesus monkeys live in large social groups and communicate with a variety of facial expressions, vocalizations and body postures. (K. West/California National Primate Research Center).

Figure 3

Aberrant brain (A–C) and behavioral (D–F) development in nonhuman primate offspring prenatally exposed to autism associated maternal antibodies (IgG-ASD) compared to control offspring. Adapted from (157), Bauman et al., Transl Psychiatry, 2013. 3: p. e278.