Pediatric NIH Workshop: Session I: Nonhuman Primate Models in HIV Prevention Research-A Historical and Comparative Perspective.

During the past 4 decades, a growing number of nonhuman primate (NHP) models of HIV infection have been developed and gradually refined. Progress has been aided by technological advances that resulted in better resources, including test compounds, reagents, and assays to monitor viral and host markers of infection and pathogenesis, and integration with New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). Although no NHP model is perfect, carefully designed experiments with selection of input variables can address many questions related to basic pathogenesis and can provide proof-of-concept of prophylactic and therapeutic intervention strategies. Because of significant differences between pediatric and adolescent/adult HIV infection, NHP models that cross the life span-from infancy to adulthood-have been developed. In this review, we will highlight some of the early challenges, the milestones and key findings of the infant and adult macaque models, with examples of discoveries that have already led to clinical applications, and how the recent development of highly effective long-acting drug formulations and delivery methods provides much promise for the future.