Introduction

Abstract

The Symposium on Non-human Primate Models for AIDS had first convened at the Tulane Regional Primate Research Center in 1983 when approximately 30 virologists, pathologists, veterinarians and scientists from other disciplines initiated discussions of an immunodeficiency syndrome in macaques. Since that first meeting, non-human primate models for AIDS have been the focus of scientific presentations at these Symposia, of which the most recent was the 20th Annual Symposium held in Monterey, CA on September 8–11, 2002 and was hosted by the California National Primate Research Center. Manuscripts and abstracts have been published annually in the Special AIDS Issue since 1989 making this issue number XV. The editors of this issue are indebted to Dr Jorg Eichberg, Editor-in-Chief and the Journal of Medical Primatology for making these proceedings available to scientists with special interests in non-human primates and AIDS-related research. Experimental primate lentivirus infections in non-human primates remain the most appropriate animal model for the study of host–virus relationships, disease, and prevention strategies. This volume contains selected plenary session papers and all abstracts from the 20th Symposium, which was chaired by Dr Christopher Miller. Nearly 300 participants, representing more than 60 laboratories engaged in AIDS research from 14 countries and Puerto Rico, contributed to the continued success of this international forum for information exchange and critical discussion. The 21st Symposium on Nonhuman Primate Models for AIDS will be held from October 22–25, 2003. The meeting will be hosted by the Washington National Primate Research Center and held in Seattle, WA. The Chair will be Dr Shiu-Lok Hu. The 20th Annual Symposium on Non-human Primate Models for AIDS was supported in part by the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), The Office of AIDS Research (OAR) and The National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); and sponsored by generous contribution from BD Biosciences Pharmingen. We are indebted to the California National Primate Research Center and members of the Organizing Committee co-ordinated by Zeada Pachecano: Denise Bray, Sue Brugh, Melike Davies, Donna Dungan, Linda Francis, Allison Pohl, Linda Starr and Kathy West.