Talking about animals in research may not be part of everyday conversations – unless you work in research, are learning more about it or want to stop it. But if everyone knew how critical animals have been in 2020 to fast-track a safe and effective COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccine, would that change?

Earlier this year, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) called upon the National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) – as NIH has for HIV/AIDS, Ebola, Zika and other infectious disease threats – to identify animal species for studying the SARS-CoV-2 virus and developing safe and effective vaccines to block it.

The NPRCs went to work and within a few months had discovered how valuable nonhuman primate models (NHPs), especially macaques, are for studying SARS-CoV-2. The NPRCs found the virus infects rhesus, pigtail and cynomolgus macaques, so these animals were included in research programs that resulted in several vaccine candidates in the pipeline by summer’s end. In addition, other key models for SARS-CoV-2, such as mice and hamsters, contributed to the broadening knowledge of how best to tackle the disease in humans. This rapid pace of discovery was possible due to the NPRC researchers applying their expertise fighting other viruses, especially HIV/AIDS.

As with those other viruses, the NPRC researchers closely studied SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes and pathogenesis – this time focusing on the respiratory virus’ activity in the lungs and its impact on cells, tissues and organs. The researchers also conducted detailed genetic studies on the virus to help pharmaceutical researchers use pieces of the virus’ genetic code to fashion vaccine candidates and test them for safety and effectiveness in macaques.

Translating the biomedical research findings into the human population requires going from up to a few dozen monkeys in research to thousands of human volunteers in clinical trials; for COVID-19, more than 200,000 volunteers have enrolled in four promising clinical trials. As announced in November 2020, the Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccines tested on rhesus macaques were more than 90 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 in widespread (Phase 3) human clinical trials and are now on track for emergency FDA approval.

Research with animals connects these vaccines with other SARS-CoV-2 scientific advancements just as it has made connections among NPRC HIV/AIDS studies, the results from which facilitated the rapid pace to COVID-19 discoveries. Improving human and animal health – that’s what NPRC research with animals does, and that’s worth talking about any day.

Learn more about research with animals scientific advancements here.

Could a recent discovery about the body’s natural defenses be a stepping stone toward combating kidney-related health issues? Scientists say yes.

Macrophages are a type of white blood cell central to the immune system that detect and engulf harmful pathogens, like viruses, bacteria and fungi, serving as helpful scavengers to fight infections. They also cause or suppress inflammation and secrete molecules that allow communication between different cell types, all of which provide a healthy immune response in fighting infection and disease.

Scientists have long known the origins of different types of macrophages found in the brain, gut, heart and liver. The origins of those found in kidney tissue, however, are not as well understood. Until now, researchers hadn’t known if these macrophages had traveled from elsewhere in the body or if they were produced during embryonic development. As it turns out, both theories are correct.

In a recent study, Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) scientists Xuebin Qin, PhD, professor of medicine, and Fengming Liu, PhD, assistant professor of microbiology and immunology, made a new discovery about renal (kidney) macrophages that fundamentally changes the understanding of how these cells populate.

Using a new rapid cell ablation (destruction) technique created by Qin, the team discovered that in a mouse model, half of renal macrophages originate during the embryonic state and the other half derive from bone marrow. They also showed that embryo-derived renal macrophages have a stronger immune response than their bone marrow-derived counterparts. 

“These findings advance our current understanding of tissue-resident macrophages and may lead to promising new directions for the development of new therapeutics for kidney diseases,” explained Qin.

The implications of this discovery are important because while the kidneys help control the volume of blood in the body and maintain the proper concentrations of proteins and electrolytes, they are also subject to infection and disease. The role of macrophages in clearing any infection and supporting kidney function could prove key to future treatments of kidney disease and even infectious diseases that are associated with kidney failure, like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and coronavirus (COVID-19).

NPRC scientists across the country are working to combat infectious diseases through a variety of research projects. You can learn more about NPRC’s infectious disease studies at this link, as well as coronavirus-specific studies at this link.

The seven National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) are participating in SciFest All Access 2020. This is the virtual answer to the postponed USA Science & Engineering Festival, which is recognized as the nation’s top science and engineering festival for K-12 students, college students, educators and families. Happening now through Oct. 3, registered participants can visit the NPRCs in the “Exhibit Portal, Health & Medicine Zone II.”

The NPRC booth includes links to NPRC.org, our collective website, as well as individual web pages for the seven centers. All pages are filled with educational resources and links to help you learn more about our research, the scientific advancements we’re making and the care we provide our research animals. Direct access links to these seven pages are provided below.

NPRC representatives will be “on site” at SciFest All Access answering questions registered participants submit via the “Ask a Question” link in the booth. We’re also answering questions participants email us at nprcoutreach@gmail.com.

You can learn even more about the NPRCs’ research to improve human and animal health by visiting NPRC.org and following us on Twitter at @NPRCnews.

We look forward to joining thousands of students, educators and families at this year’s SciFest All Access!

SciFest All Access NPRC Web Pages

California NPRC

Oregon NPRC

Southwest NPRC

Tulane NPRC

Washington NPRC

Wisconsin NPRC

Yerkes NPRC

Protecting against three diseases at once may seem improbable, but a recent study has produced a vaccine which may do just that.

In a joint collaborative effort involving Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC), the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Army, researchers have developed the first vaccine that provides complete protection against three types of equine encephalitic viruses in nonhuman primates.

There are no existing vaccines or treatments against Western, Eastern and Venezuelan equine encephalitis, all of which are spread by mosquitoes. During summer months when mosquitos increase, horse populations are particularly susceptible to fatal infection. Transmission from horses to humans can occur via mosquitoes and can cause serious illness and death in vulnerable populations like the elderly and children.

Using nonhuman primate and mouse models of aerosol infection, the study showed that the trivalent virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine induced an immune response and provided complete protection from all three viruses. The response was strong enough to effectively block the neurological effects of infection, which is normally present with any of the three viruses.

Chad Roy, PhD, director of Infectious Disease Aerobiology and Biodefense Research Programs at Tulane, said one reason this finding is significant is because of its possible influence on the field of bioweaponry. These encephalitic viruses are possible bioterrorism agents because of their potential to be aerosolized, underlining the need for a vaccine in the event of an attack.

“These findings are an important milestone in the development of a vaccine that could be employed in the event that these viruses are ever used in a deliberate release,” noted Roy.

Of course, the vaccine could also be used to prevent or slow the natural spread of equine encephalitic viruses.

“This is a significant step, not only in protecting human populations from possible threats of bioterrorism, but also protecting both animals and humans from natural vector-borne disease transmission,” said Vicki Traina-Dorge, PhD, associate professor of microbiology and immunology at Tulane.

As the global climate warms and human and animal populations increase, mosquito-borne infectious diseases have greater potential to spread. These vaccines could be highly useful in protecting global populations from both natural and man-made outbreaks.

In the midst of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, scientists at the National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) have initiated research programs to better understand and diagnose as well as develop potential treatments and vaccines for the disease. NPRC animal colonies will be key in moving SARS-CoV-2 infection/COVID-19 research from cell models to studies in whole living systems so researchers can determine treatment safety and effectiveness.

Since the virus began to spread at the end of 2019, more than 3 million people have been infected worldwide as of April 28, 2020, with numbers growing daily. The coordinated efforts of the scientific community will be crucial to slow the spread of COVID-19, lower the risk of transmission and treat those who have the disease.

NPRC COVID-19 Research

Several of the NPRCs have made public announcements that research is under way, including California NPRC, Southwest NPRC, Tulane NPRC and Wisconsin NPRC. Others, including Oregon, Washington and Yerkes NPRCs, are also beginning research, and Oregon and Yerkes are accepting applications for COVID-19 pilot projects, which facilitate research collaborations and provide important preliminary data.

California NPRC researchers have already isolated, characterized and cultured COVID-19 from a patient treated at UC Davis, the first community-acquired case in the U.S. Next, they plan to make diagnostic tests in-house.

The Southwest NPRC scientists are proposing research projects to establish a nonhuman primate model to study the development and transmission of the disease, test new detection methods and partner with others in the scientific community.

At Tulane NPRC, researchers plan to create a nonhuman primate model to study the disease’s clinical progression, how it is transmitted through the air and how it specifically affects aging populations. The scientists are aiming to answer many questions, including why older individuals are more susceptible to complications and death from COVID-19.

In Wisconsin NPRC researchers have developed a coalition of scientists to combat the disease, drawing heavily from their firsthand experience during the Zika virus outbreak in 2016.

Yerkes NPRC researchers have begun initial research, and the center’s goals include understanding immunity and antibody response to SARS-CoV-2, and developing diagnostics, key reagents, antiviral therapies and vaccines.

COVID-19 Research Safety

The NPRCs are well-positioned to conduct SARS-CoV-2 infection/COVID-19 research because of our expertise in infectious diseases and collaborations internally at each NPRC as well as across NPRCs and with colleagues worldwide. Also, we can conduct such research safely in our Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) facilities specifically designed to keep personnel, the research and the environment safe. Examples of BSL3 safety features include additional training and oversight for employees, directional air flow and filtered ventilation systems, and specialty equipment to contain the virus isolates used in the research and to decontaminate the lab space and research equipment and supplies.

News Stories about NPRC COVID-19 Research

Recent news articles by STAT News, Bloomberg, The Scientist and ABC News provide more information about the NPRC studies and the critical role of research with animals.

As we have more information to share about NPRC COVID-19 research, we’ll post information at NPRC.org/news and tweet from @NPRCnews. In the meantime, here are a few helpful COVID-19 resources we’re following.

At the NPRCs, our focus is conducting research and caring for our irreplaceable animal colonies so we can help people and animals live healthier lives. In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we are prioritizing our research to focus on developing diagnostics, preventions and treatments for this novel disease.

As we work to combat this health crisis, we also want to help keep you informed about the latest developments. Below are some of the resources we are following. These organizations are on the front lines of combatting COVID-19 and are frequently sharing crucial information regarding public health, personal guidelines and coronavirus research.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

World Health Organization
www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

National Institutes of Health
https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus

In addition, we want to provide resources to help address any mental health and emotional well-being concerns COVID-19 brings for you and your loved ones:

CDC’s Recommendations for Managing Anxiety and Stress
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

National Alliance on Mental Illness
https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus

Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus

The NPRCs are working closely with our collaborators worldwide to address COVID-19. Look for updates from us at NPRC.org and @NPRCnews.

Is it possible to reverse the effects of a life-threatening poison? In the case of one such toxic substance, it very well may be.

A recent study at the Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) showed for the first time that an experimental drug can save nonhuman primates exposed to deadly ricin toxin. Ricin is derived from the seeds of the castor oil plant, and a single dose of purified ricin powder the size of a few grains of table salt can kill an adult. Due to its toxicity and the availability of its source material, it is considered a leading bioterrorism threat.

It’s also difficult to counter the effects of the lethal toxin once a person has been exposed to it.

“Clinically, there is no treatment that can be administered currently to save someone in the event of an exposure to this toxin,” said study first author Chad Roy, PhD, director of infectious disease aerobiology and biodefense research programs at TNPRC.

In the study, researchers at TNPRC, Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the New York State Department of Health used a drug comprised of humanized monoclonal antibodies against the toxin. This drug was developed from research of a successful ricin vaccine that was originally tested at TNPRC, and it was engineered to look very similar to the structure of antibodies that were generated from vaccinated nonhuman primates.

“Our study shows proof of concept in a near-clinical animal model, the nonhuman primate, that we finally have a life-saving treatment against one of the world’s most notorious toxin agents,” noted Roy.

Researchers also found the drug was much more effective four hours after exposure as opposed to 12 hours after exposure, indicating a short time window for successful treatment. They plan to develop a stronger version that would “expand the therapeutic window” for effective treatment longer after exposure, Roy said.

Additionally, the scientists hope to develop the drug as a possible preventative therapeutic that emergency workers or members of the military could take before they enter areas contaminated with ricin. The research is part of ongoing federal efforts to develop effective countermeasures against bioterrorism agents.

Reviewed: June 2020

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.1 million people in the United States are living with an HIV infection. In the United States, Louisiana has the third-highest rate of people with an HIV infection and AIDS cases. In 2015, Louisiana-based Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) was awarded $4.2 million to study new ways to flush out and kill HIV from reservoirs in the body where the virus lurks beyond the reach of antiviral therapy options.

Current HIV treatment options can stop the disease from progressing to AIDS and knock the virus down to “undetectable” levels in the bloodstream, but they fall short of an HIV cure because they must be taken for life to keep the disease in check. That’s because HIV integrates into the genome of memory T-cells and lies dormant in reservoirs throughout the body. If a patient stops taking antivirals, HIV reawakens from these reservoirs to resume its attack on the immune system.

“The major obstacle to a cure for HIV infection is how to purge the persistent reservoir of latently infected cells,” said lead researcher Dr. Huanbin Xu, assistant professor of pathology.

Using a nonhuman primate research model of HIV, Dr. Xu plans to test standard antiviral drugs with a combination of therapies to wake up the latent virus and trigger the immune system to recognize infected cells and attack them. He will then target any remaining virus with an antibody drug conjugate, a new class of highly potent biopharmaceutical drugs. The so-called “kick and kill” approach to activate latent HIV so it’s more susceptible to targeted treatments is a promising new frontier in the search for a possible cure, Xu says.

His team will also test a new gene editing approach with a targeted delivery system for the therapy tailored to an individual’s immune system.

“So far, it’s a novel, comprehensive strategy,” Dr. Xu says.

One of the advantages of using a primate research model for the treatment is that, if it’s successful, human clinical trials could begin relatively quickly, Dr. Xu says.

Reviewed: June 2020