Chinese rhesus and cynomolgus macaques in HIV vaccine and pathogenesis research

The development of an effective, prophylactic vaccine for HIV is a public health priority. Nonhuman primate models of AIDS are an instrumental component of HIV vaccine and pathogenesis research. Rhesus macaques of Indian origin are by far the most widely used species in vaccine research. The demand for these animals is intense, threatening their future availability. Do other macaques, such as non-Indian rhesus macaques and cynomoigus macaques, represent a viable alternative? In this perspective, the potential advantages and pitfalls of performing HIV vaccine research in non-Indian rhesus or cynomolgus macaques is examined.