Nonhuman Primate Models of Zika Virus Infection, Immunity, and Therapeutic Development

Abstract

Zika virus is a re-emerging flavivirus transmitted primarily by arthropod vectors. The recent devastating outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil was preceded by the slow global encroachment of this virus over many decades. To date, significant research efforts are underway to understand the spread and the unique pathogenesis of this virus; with the intent to rapidly develop vaccines and therapeutics. Several model systems have emerged to study Zika. This review will focus on the use of nonhuman primates to model Zika infection.

Keywords: Zika virus; animal models; nonhuman primates; therapeutics; viral persistence.