Animal models of congenital cytomegalovirus transmission: implications for vaccine development

HK Roark, JA Jenks, SR Permar… - The Journal of …, 2020 - academic.oup.com
HK Roark, JA Jenks, SR Permar, MR Schleiss
The Journal of infectious diseases, 2020academic.oup.com
Although cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are species-specific, the study of nonhuman CMVs in
animal models can help to inform and direct research aimed at developing a human CMV
(HCMV) vaccine. Because the driving force behind the development of HCMV vaccines is to
prevent congenital infection, the animal model in question must be one in which vertical
transmission of virus occurs to the fetus. Fortunately, two such animal models—the rhesus
macaque CMV and guinea pig CMV—are characterized by congenital infection. Hence …
Abstract
Although cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are species-specific, the study of nonhuman CMVs in animal models can help to inform and direct research aimed at developing a human CMV (HCMV) vaccine. Because the driving force behind the development of HCMV vaccines is to prevent congenital infection, the animal model in question must be one in which vertical transmission of virus occurs to the fetus. Fortunately, two such animal models—the rhesus macaque CMV and guinea pig CMV—are characterized by congenital infection. Hence, each model can be evaluated in “proof-of-concept” studies of preconception vaccination aimed at blocking transplacental transmission. This review focuses on similarities and differences in the respective model systems, and it discusses key insights from each model germane to the study of HCMV vaccines.
Oxford University Press