Nonhuman primates as valuable models for mpox drug and vaccine discovery.

Abstract

Introduction: In recent months, monkeypox (mpox) virus (MPXV) infections has grown to be a major worldwide concern. Cynomolgus monkeys, rhesus macaques, marmosets, and baboons are the nonhuman primate (NHP) models that provide the much needed means for developing new therapies against MPXV due to their genetic proximity to humans.

Area covered: In this review, the authors discuss epidemiology, transmission, clinical presentation, and the use of NHP in studying the treatment of MPXV over the past two decades on Google Scholar. NHP models have been widely used to evaluate the efficacy of antiviral drugs and antibodies, providing important information regarding immune responses and disease. NHPs continue to be an important mainstay in preclinical testing, enabling the optimization of the efficacy and safety of drugs, antibodies, and vaccines to accelerate the development of effective MPXV treatments for humans.

Expert opinion: The intravenous forms of medications like cidofovir, brincidofovir, and Vaccinia Immune Globulin (VIG) constitute the basis of MPXV therapy. Additionally, antibodies such as HAI, PN, and CF assess the efficacy of smallpox vaccination against MPXV in primates. This would help both the development of diagnostic tools and the optimization of vaccine strategies. Moreover, the similarities between MPXV and vaccinia or variola can play a role in developing targeted antiviral treatment methods.