Owl Monkeys Research Articles

Conserved Binding Regions Provide the Clue for Peptide-Based Vaccine Development: A Chemical Perspective.

Synthetic peptides have become invaluable biomedical research and medicinal chemistry tools for studying functional roles, i.e., binding or proteolytic activity, naturally-occurring regions’ immunogenicity in proteins and developing therapeutic agents and vaccines. Synthetic peptides can mimic protein sites; their structure and function can be easily modulated by specific amino acid replacement. They have major advantages, i.e., they are cheap, easily-produced and chemically stable, lack infectious and secondary adverse reactions and can induce immune responses via T- and B-cell epitopes. Our group has previously shown that using synthetic peptides and adopting a functional approach has led to identifying Plasmodium falciparum conserved regions binding to host cells. Conserved high activity binding peptides’ (cHABPs) physicochemical, structural and immunological characteristics have been taken into account for properly modifying and converting them into highly immunogenic, protection-inducing peptides (mHABPs) in the experimental Aotus monkey model. This article describes stereo–electron and topochemical characteristics regarding major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mHABP-T-cell receptor (TCR) complex formation. Some mHABPs in this complex inducing long-lasting, protective immunity have been named immune protection-inducing protein structures (IMPIPS), forming the subunit components in chemically synthesized vaccines. This manuscript summarizes this particular field and adds our recent findings concerning intramolecular interactions (H-bonds or π-interactions) enabling proper IMPIPS structure as well as the peripheral flanking residues (PFR) to stabilize the MHCII-IMPIPS-TCR interaction, aimed at inducing long-lasting, protective immunological memory.

General Model for Retroviral Capsid Pattern Recognition by TRIM5 Proteins.

Restriction factors are intrinsic cellular defense proteins that have evolved to block microbial infections. Retroviruses such as HIV-1 are restricted by TRIM5 proteins, which recognize the viral capsid shell that surrounds, organizes, and protects the viral genome. TRIM5α uses a SPRY domain to bind capsids with low intrinsic affinity (KD of >1 mM) and therefore requires higher-order assembly into a hexagonal lattice to generate sufficient avidity for productive capsid recognition. TRIMCyp, on the other hand, binds HIV-1 capsids through a cyclophilin A domain, which has a well-defined binding site and higher affinity (KD of ∼10 μM) for isolated capsid subunits. Therefore, it has been argued that TRIMCyp proteins have dispensed with the need for higher-order assembly to function as antiviral factors. Here, we show that, consistent with its high degree of sequence similarity with TRIM5α, the TRIMCyp B-box 2 domain shares the same ability to self-associate and facilitate assembly of a TRIMCyp hexagonal lattice that can wrap about the HIV-1 capsid. We also show that under stringent experimental conditions, TRIMCyp-mediated restriction of HIV-1 is indeed dependent on higher-order assembly. Both forms of TRIM5 therefore use the same mechanism of avidity-driven capsid pattern recognition.IMPORTANCE Rhesus macaques and owl monkeys are highly resistant to HIV-1 infection due to the activity of TRIM5 restriction factors. The rhesus macaque TRIM5α protein blocks HIV-1 through a mechanism that requires self-assembly of a hexagonal TRIM5α lattice around the invading viral core. Lattice assembly amplifies very weak interactions between the TRIM5α SPRY domain and the HIV-1 capsid. Assembly also promotes dimerization of the TRIM5α RING E3 ligase domain, resulting in synthesis of polyubiquitin chains that mediate downstream steps of restriction. In contrast to rhesus TRIM5α, the owl monkey TRIM5 homolog, TRIMCyp, binds isolated HIV-1 CA subunits much more tightly through its cyclophilin A domain and therefore was thought to act independently of higher-order assembly. Here, we show that TRIMCyp shares the assembly properties of TRIM5α and that both forms of TRIM5 use the same mechanism of hexagonal lattice formation to promote viral recognition and restriction.

Visual Map Representations in the Primate Pulvinar.

The pulvinar receives direct visual information from the retina and indirect visual information from several cortical and subcortical areas. In this chapter, we discuss the visuotopic organization of the primate pulvinar. Electrophysiological techniques have been systematically employed to study pulvinar visuotopy in the owl, capuchin, and macaque monkeys. A single map of the visual field has been described in the pulvinar of the owl monkey, while two independent maps have been described in the capuchin and macaque pulvinar.

Systemic Biodistribution and Intravitreal Pharmacokinetic Properties of Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab, and Aflibercept in a Nonhuman Primate Model.

To determine the intravitreal pharmacokinetic properties and to study the systemic biodistribution characteristics of I-124-labeled bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging in a nonhuman primate model. Three groups with four owl monkeys per group underwent intravitreal injection with 1.25 mg/0.05 mL I-124 bevacizumab, 0.5 mg/0.05 mL I-124 ranibizumab, or 2.0 mg/0.05 mL I-124 aflibercept in the right eye of each subject. All subjects were imaged using PET/CT on days 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Serum blood draws were performed at hours 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and days 1, 2, 4, 8, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Radioactivity emission measurements were used to determine the intravitreal half-lives of each agent and to study the differences of radioactivity uptake in nonocular organs. The intravitreal half-lives were 3.60 days for I-124 bevacizumab, 2.73 days for I-124 ranibizumab, and 2.44 days for I-124 aflibercept. Serum levels were highest and most prolonged for bevacizumab as compared to both ranibizumab and aflibercept. All agents were primarily excreted through the renal and mononuclear phagocyte systems. However, bevacizumab was also found in significantly higher levels in the liver, heart, and distal femur bones. Among the three anti-VEGF agents used in clinical practice, bevacizumab demonstrated the longest intravitreal retention time and aflibercept the shortest. Significantly higher and prolonged levels of bevacizumab were found in the serum as well as in the heart, liver, and distal bones. These differences may be considered by clinicians when formulating treatment algorithms for intravitreal therapies with these agents.

Hormonal correlates of development and natal dispersal in wild female owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) of Argentina

Pair-living and socially monogamous primates typically do not reproduce before dispersing. It is currently unclear whether this reproductive suppression is due to endocrine or behavioral mechanisms. Cooperatively breeding taxa, like callitrichids, may forego reproduction in natal groups because they reap inclusive fitness benefits and/or they are avoiding inbreeding. However, neither of these benefits of delayed reproduction appear to adequately explain the lack of reproduction prior to leaving the natal group in pair-living monogamous species. In this study, we determined whether wild Azara's owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) in the Argentinean Chaco establish reproductive maturity prior to dispersing. We utilized 635 fecal extracts to characterize reproductive hormone profiles of 11 wild juvenile and subadult females using enzyme immunoassays. Subadult females showed hormone profiles indicative of ovulatory cycling and had mean PdG and E1G concentrations approximately five times higher than juveniles. Contrary to expectations from the inbreeding avoidance hypothesis, female owl monkeys do not delay puberty, but rather commence ovarian cycling while residing in their natal group. Still, subadults appear to have a period during which they experience irregular, non-conceptive cycles prior to reproducing. Commencing these irregular cycles in the natal group may allow them to develop a state of suspended readiness, which could be essential to securing a mate, while avoiding costs of ranging solitarily. Our results indicate that reproductive suppression in female owl monkeys is not due to endocrine suppression. We suggest that adults likely use behavioral mechanisms to prevent subadults from reproducing with unrelated adult males in their natal group.

Comparative studies need to rely both on sound natural history data and on excellent statistical analysis.

We certainly agree with Schradin [1] that comparative studies need to use the best information available—as well as clear definitions, up-to-date statistical techniques and common sense. We have divided our response into two sections: the first dealing with Schradin's critique of our 2017 paper and the classification of the social organization of shrews; the second dealing with three general issues that his commentary raises. The paper that Schradin is commenting on [2] asks whether cooperative breeders (which we define as species where non-breeding helpers assist breeders to raise their young) in mammals are more commonly found in arid environments than monogamous species (defined as species where breeding pairs of males and females remain together for more than one season) from which cooperative breeders appear to be derived [3]. It shows that, as in birds, cooperative breeders tend to live in relatively arid habitats compared to monogamous species. As we describe below, these conclusions are unaffected by differences between our classification of the social organization of shrews and the classification suggested by Schradin. Schradin's first criticism is that the categorizations of shrews that we have used in this analysis were based on one paper on a single species. This is incorrect, for our categorization of shrews was based on more than 70 separate sources (see electronic supplementary material, appendix S1). When we published our dataset [4], we were required to reduce the associated reference list by the editors of the journal and, to comply, we removed around 75% of our 2000+ sources, often listing a single reference per species or group of species, and frequently using generic reviews for particular groups where these were available: for example, for many rodent species, we simply listed Wolff and Sherman's Rodent Societies [5], and …

Owl monkey CCR5 reveals synergism between CD4 and CCR5 in HIV-1 entry

Studying HIV-1 replication in the presence of functionally related proteins from different species has helped define host determinants of HIV-1 infection. Humans and owl monkeys, but not macaques, encode a CD4 receptor that permits entry of transmissible HIV-1 variants due to a single residue difference. However, little is known about whether divergent CCR5 receptor proteins act as determinants of host-range. Here we show that both owl monkey (Aotus vociferans) CD4 and CCR5 receptors are functional for the entry of transmitted HIV-1 when paired with human versions of the other receptor. By contrast, the owl monkey CD4/CCR5 pair is generally a suboptimal receptor combination, although there is virus-specific variation in infection with owl monkey receptors. Introduction of the human residues 15Y and 16T within a sulfation motif into owl monkey CCR5 resulted in a gain of function. These findings suggest there is cross-talk between CD4 and CCR5 involving the sulfation motif.

The role of intragroup agonism in parent-offspring relationships and natal dispersal in monogamous owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) of Argentina.

Agonistic behaviors are common in many group-living taxa and may serve a variety of functions, ranging from regulating conflicts over reproduction to defending food resources. However, high rates of agonism are not expected to occur among close relatives or individuals in established mating relationships, which are characteristics of monogamous groups. To contribute to our understanding of agonism within socially monogamous groups, we collected behavioral and demographic data from Azara's owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) in the Gran Chaco of Argentina over 14 years. We examined factors related to age, sex, kinship, and behavioral context to evaluate predictions of the hypotheses that agonism functions to regulate dispersal and that it mediates competition for food and/or mates. Intragroup agonism was relatively rare: the group rate was approximately one event every three and a half hours. Rates of agonism were generally similar for both sexes, but there were marked differences among age categories. Agonism performed by adults was more frequently directed at subadults than at younger offspring. In contrast, agonistic interactions involving infants were very rare. Among interactions between adults and subadults, adults were much more frequently the actors than the recipients, suggesting that agonism from adults may influence natal dispersal of subadults. Agonistic events were most frequent during foraging, but also occurred more frequently than expected during bouts of social behavior. Overall, our results suggest that agonism in owl monkeys serves as a mechanism for regulating dispersal, and also likely plays a role in mediating mating and feeding competition.

Phenotypic evolution in marmoset and tamarin monkeys (Cebidae, Callitrichinae) and a revised genus-level classification

Marmosets and tamarins (Cebidae, Callitrichinae) constitute the most species-rich subfamily of New World monkeys and one of the most diverse phenotypically. Despite the profusion of molecular phylogenies of the group, the evolution of phenotypic characters under the rapidly-emerging consensual phylogeny of the subfamily has been little studied, resulting in taxonomic proposals that have limited support from other datasets. We examined the evolution of 18 phenotypic traits (5 continuous and 13 discrete), including pelage, skull, dentition, postcrania, life-history and vocalization variables in a robust molecular phylogeny of marmoset and tamarin monkeys, quantifying their phylogenetic signal and correlations among some of the traits. At the family level, our resulting topology supports owl monkeys (Aotinae) as sister group of Callitrichinae. The topology of the callitrichine tree was congruent with previous studies except for the position of the midas group of Saguinus tamarins, which placement as sister of the bicolor group did not receive significant statistical support in both Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian Inference analyses. Our results showed that the highest value of phylogenetic signal among continuous traits was displayed by the long call character and the lowest was exhibited in the home range, intermediate values were found in characters related to osteology and skull size. Among discrete traits, pelage and osteology had similar phylogenetic signal. Based on genetic, osteological, pelage and vocalization data, we present an updated genus-level taxonomy of Callitrichinae, which recognizes six genera in the subfamily: Callimico, Callithrix, Cebuella, Mico, Leontopithecus and Saguinus. To reflect their phenotypic distinctiveness and to avoid the use of the informal “species group”, we subdivided Saguinus in the subgenera Leontocebus, Saguinus and Tamarinus (revalidated here).

Short poly-glutamine repeat in the androgen receptor in New World monkeys

The androgen receptor mediates various physiological and developmental functions and is highly conserved in mammals. Although great intraspecific length polymorphisms in poly glutamine (poly-Q) and poly glycine (poly-G) regions of the androgen receptor in humans, apes and several Old World monkeys have been reported, little is known about the characteristics of these regions in New World monkeys. In this study, we surveyed 17 species of New World monkeys and found length polymorphisms in these regions in three species (common squirrel monkeys, tufted capuchin monkeys and owl monkeys). We found that the poly-Q region in New World monkeys is relatively shorter than that in catarrhines (humans, apes and Old World monkeys). In addition, we observed that codon usage for poly-G region in New World monkeys is unique among primates. These results suggest that the length of polymorphic regions in androgen receptor genes have evolved uniquely in New World monkeys.

Structural analysis of owl monkey MHC-DR shows that fully-protective malaria vaccine components can be readily used in humans

More than 50 years ago the owl monkey (genus Aotus) was found to be highly susceptible to developing human malaria, making it an excellent experimental model for this disease. Microbes and parasites' (especially malaria) tremendous genetic variability became resolved during our malaria vaccine development, involving conserved peptides having high host cell binding activity (cHABPs); however, cHABPs are immunologically silent and must be specially modified (mHABPs) to induce a perfect fit into major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules (HLA in humans). Since malarial immunity is mainly antibody-mediated and controlled by the HLA-DRB genetic region, ∼1000 Aotus have been molecularly characterised for MHC-DRB, revealing striking similarity between human and Aotus MHC-DRB repertories. Such convergence suggested that a large group of immune protection-inducing protein structures (IMPIPS), highly immunogenic and protection inducers against malarial intravenous challenge in Aotus, could easily be used in humans for inducing full protection against malaria. We highlight the value of a logical and rational methodology for developing a vaccine in an appropriate animal model: Aotus monkeys.

Interspecific Chromosome Painting Provides Clues to the Ancestral Karyotype of the New World Monkey Genus Aotus

The Neotropical monkey genus Aotus (owl or night monkeys) are among the most karyological diverse primates of the world. Their diploid numbers range from 2n = 46 to 58, but even owl monkeys with the same diploid number may have radically different karyotypes. This karyotypic variability has provided precious information for taxonomists and has a potential for aiding phylogenetic analysis of these primates. However, up to now only three out of 11 species have been analyzed with molecular cytogenetic methods. Here, we report on a fourth species, A. infulatus. Females have a diploid number of 2n = 50 while males, due to a Y/autosome translocation, have 49 chromosomes. We provide a complete map of chromosome homology between humans and A. infulatus. Comparisons with previous reports allowed us to propose a putative ancestral karyotype of the genus (2n = 52) and to deduce the rearrangements that were involved in the origin of each species chromosome complement. Integration of chromosome painting and banding analysis suggests at least three chromosomes have evolutionary new centromeres that appeared during the divergence of these four owl monkey species.

Co-Opted Megasatellite DNA Drives Evolution of Secondary Night Vision in Azara's Owl Monkey.

Owl monkeys (genus Aotus) are the only taxon in simian primates that consists of nocturnal or otherwise cathemeral species. Their night vision is superior to that of other monkeys, apes, and humans but not as good as that of typical nocturnal mammals. This incomplete night vision has been used to conclude that these monkeys only secondarily adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle, or to their cathemeral lifestyle that involves high night-time activity. It is known that the rod cells of many nocturnal mammals possess a unique nuclear architecture in which heterochromatin is centrally located. This “inverted nuclear architecture”, in contrast with “conventional nuclear architecture”, provides elevated night vision by passing light efficiently to the outer segments of photoreceptors. Owl monkey rod cells exhibit an intermediate chromatin distribution, which may provide them with less efficient night vision than other nocturnal mammals. Recently, we identified three megasatellite DNAs in the genome of Azara's owl monkey (Aotus azarae). In the present study, we show that one of the three megasatellite DNAs, OwlRep, serves as the primary component of the heterochromatin block located in the central space of the rod nucleus in A. azarae. This satellite DNA is likely to have emerged in the Aotus lineage after its divergence from those of other platyrrhini taxa and underwent a rapid expansion in the genome. Our results indicate that the heterochromatin core in the A. azarae rod nucleus was newly formed in A. azarae or its recent ancestor, and supports the hypothesis that A. azarae, and with all probability other Aotus species, secondarily acquired night vision.

GPS-identified, low-level nocturnal activity of vervets (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) and olive baboons (Papio anubis) in Laikipia, Kenya.

Except for owl monkeys (Aotus spp.), all anthropoid primates are considered strictly diurnal. Recent studies leveraging new technologies have shown, however, that some diurnal anthropoids also engage in nocturnal activity. Here we examine the extent to which vervets (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) and olive baboons (Papio anubis) are active at night. We deployed GPS collars with tri-axial accelerometer data loggers on 18 free-ranging adult females: 12 vervets spread among 5 social groups, and 6 olive baboons spread among 4 groups. Their locations were recorded every 15 min, and their activity levels, for 3 s/min over 7.5 months. We also used camera traps that were triggered by heat and movement at seven sleeping sites. Travel was detected on 0.4% of 2,029 vervet-nights involving 3 vervets and 1.1% of 1,109 baboon-nights involving 5 baboons. Travel was mainly arboreal for vervets but mainly terrestrial for baboons. During the night, vervets and baboons were active 13% and 15% of the time, respectively. Activity varied little throughout the night and appeared unaffected by moon phase. Our results confirm the low nocturnality of vervets and olive baboons, which we suggest is related to living near the equator with consistent 12-hr days, in contrast to other anthropoids that are more active at night. Since anthropoid primates are thought to have evolved in northern latitudes, with later dispersal to tropical latitudes, our results may have implications for understanding the evolution of anthropoid diurnality.

Molecular characterization and expression of the GDF9 gene in New Zealand white rabbits.

Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) has been shown to be involved in regulating follicular development and reproduction in many mammalian species. However, related information about the effect of the GDF9 gene on reproductive traits of New Zealand white rabbits was rarely reported. In this study, rabbits were distributed into two groups (poor and prolific offspring productions) and cloning and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) were employed to characterize the rabbit GDF9 gene. By cloning, 2515-bp genomic DNA and 1359-bp cDNA sequences were obtained. Comparing the two cDNA sequences, three potential mutation sites (C.539C>T,C.562G>C and C.718C>G) in exon 2 of the GDF9 gene were found, and the corresponding amino acids changed (P.183T>M, P.188E>Q and P.240L>V). The qPCR results revealed that GDF9 was not tissue-specific, but rather expressed in all collected tissues. The expression level of the GDF9 gene was highest in the ovary, and was significantly increased (P< 0.05) compared with the other tissues. The liver had the second highest expression, and the heart and spleen had the least expression in New Zealand white rabbits. In the prolific group, the expression quantity of the GDF9 gene significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the heart, spleen, ovary, liver and uterus (P < 0.01) than the other groups. The amino acid sequence identities of human, sheep, goat, mouse, cattle, pig, cat, donkey, Nancy Ma's night monkey and olive baboon were 72, 68, 69, 66, 69, 71, 67, 73, 75 and 73%, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis was executed, and a random coil was determined to be the primary secondary structure.

Critical role of HLA-DRβ* binding peptides' peripheral flanking residues in fully-protective malaria vaccine development

A vaccine candidate component must fit perfectly into the antigen presenting HLA-DRβ* molecule's groove (or canonical nonapeptide) peptide binding region (PBR) during antigen presentation to the T-cell receptor (TCR), conforming a specific and stable macromolecular complex and induce an appropriate immune response.Antigen's peripheral flanking residues (PFR, positions (p) -p2 and p10) must thus establish strong interactions with the HLA-DRβ* - TCR complex. These amino acids (aa) have specific physico-chemical characteristics enabling differentiation between non-protective but antibody-inducer (NPAI), short-lived protection inducer (SLPI) and long-lasting protection inducer (LLPI) peptides when used as an antimalarial vaccine component. Their identification (through 1H-NMR and Aotus monkey immunization) and proper modification contributes to a logical and rational methodology for long-lasting and protective immunological memory.

A malaria vaccine protects Aotus monkeys against virulent Plasmodium falciparum infection

The Plasmodium falciparum protein, apical membrane antigen 1 forms a complex with another parasite protein, rhoptry neck protein 2, to initiate junction formation with the erythrocyte and is essential for merozoite invasion during the blood stage of infection. Consequently, apical membrane antigen 1 has been a target of vaccine development but vaccination with apical membrane antigen 1 alone in controlled human malaria infections failed to protect and showed limited efficacy in field trials. Here we show that vaccination with AMA1–RON2L complex in Freund’s adjuvant protects Aotus monkeys against a virulent Plasmodium falciparum infection. Vaccination with AMA1 alone gave only partial protection, delaying infection in one of eight animals. However, the AMA1–RON2L complex vaccine completely protected four of eight monkeys and substantially delayed infection (>25 days) in three of the other four animals. Interestingly, antibodies from monkeys vaccinated with the AMA1–RON2L complex had significantly higher neutralizing activity than antibodies from monkeys vaccinated with AMA1 alone. Importantly, we show that antibodies from animals vaccinated with the complex have significantly higher neutralization activity against non-vaccine type parasites. We suggest that vaccination with the AMA1–RON2L complex induces functional antibodies that better recognize AMA1 as it appears complexed with RON2 during merozoite invasion. These data justify progression of this next generation AMA1 vaccine towards human trials.

Diversidad de mamíferos en una área con relictos de bosque seco en el Magdalena Medio (Caldas, Colombia)

Los relictos de bosque seco del departamento de Caldas se encuentran afectados por actividades humanas como la minería y la ganadería. Debido a la importancia biológica de estos bosques, las amenazas que enfrentan y el poco conocimiento de su diversidad, esta investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la diversidad y abundancia de mamíferos en un mosaico de Bosque Seco en este departamento. Entre octubre de 2013 y agosto de 2014, se realizó un muestreo de mamíferos implementándose técnicas de búsquedas en trayectos, trampas de captura, trampas cámara, redes de niebla y búsqueda de rastros. Se registraron 49 especies de mamíferos pertenecientes a nueve órdenes y 23 familias. Estas especies correspondieron a cerca del 49% de las especies de mamíferos distribuidas en el Valle Alto del Magdalena y el muestreo tuvo una representatividad cercana al 84 % de las especies esperadas con el esfuerzo realizado. Tres especies se consideran amenazadas a nivel nacional e internacional (Lontra longicaudis, Aotus cf griseimembra, Saguinus leucopus). Adicionalmente, Leopardus wiedii se cataloga casi amenazado y Proechimys chrysaeolus se considera de datos deficientes a nivel internacional. Los relictos de bosque de esta zona presentan una alta diversidad y permiten el asentamiento de algunas especies amenazadas.

A Plasmodium vivax Plasmid DNA- and Adenovirus-Vectored Malaria Vaccine Encoding Blood-Stage Antigens AMA1 and MSP142 in a Prime/Boost Heterologous Immunization Regimen Partially Protects Aotus Monkeys against Blood-Stage Challenge.

Malaria is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which are transmitted to humans by the bites of Anopheles mosquitoes. After the elimination of Plasmodium falciparum, it is predicted that Plasmodium vivax will remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality outside Africa, stressing the importance of developing a vaccine against P. vivax malaria. In this study, we assessed the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of two P. vivax antigens, apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and the 42-kDa C-terminal fragment of merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP142) in a plasmid recombinant DNA prime/adenoviral (Ad) vector boost regimen in Aotus monkeys. Groups of 4 to 5 monkeys were immunized with plasmid DNA alone, Ad alone, prime/boost regimens with each antigen, prime/boost regimens with both antigens, and empty vector controls and then subjected to blood-stage challenge. The heterologous immunization regimen with the antigen pair was more protective than either antigen alone or both antigens delivered with a single vaccine platform, on the basis of their ability to induce the longest prepatent period and the longest time to the peak level of parasitemia, the lowest peak and mean levels of parasitemia, the smallest area under the parasitemia curve, and the highest self-cure rate. Overall, prechallenge MSP142 antibody titers strongly correlated with a decreased parasite burden. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of immunized animals developed anemia. In conclusion, the P. vivax plasmid DNA/Ad serotype 5 vaccine encoding blood-stage parasite antigens AMA1 and MSP142 in a heterologous prime/boost immunization regimen provided significant protection against blood-stage challenge in Aotus monkeys, indicating the suitability of these antigens and this regimen for further development.

Anatomy of the aortic arctic branches and visceral collars of the abdominal aorta of the Night Monkey (Aotus sp)

The Brazilian territory has the largest diversity of primates in the world. There are 120 species and subspecies, of which 70% are in the Brazilian Amazon. The Aotus sp, usually called the “Night Monkey” are the only current anthropoids of nocturnal habits. On the other hand, even knowing the great importance of this species it is noted that there is a shortage of anatomical information, including about its circulatory system. The objective of this study was to describe the aortic arctic branches and visceral collateral branches of the abdominal aorta of Night Monkey. The proposed study was carried out at the Federal University of Acre, near the Anatomy laboratory, located in Cruzeiro do Sul/Brazil. For the present study, 05 Night Monkeys, adult natural death, was donated by ICMBio (Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade). The macroscopic analysis was performed with accuracy and richly photo documented. The information pertinent to the morphology was described according to the International Comitee on Veterinary Gross Anatomical Nomenclature. From the aortic arch we noticed the direct emergence of the left and right subclavian arteries. The left and right subclavian arteries give rise to the branches: vertebral artery; Internal thoracic artery and costocervical trunk, being later called the left and right axillary arteries, respectively. It was found that the abdominal aorta of Night Monkey originated just below the diaphragm, anterior to the vertebral column, emerging in the abdominal cavity after crossing the aortic hiatus, accompanying the spinal column and closely correlated with the inferior vena cava. Starting from upper to lower, the following blood vessels were found, namely: Artery Celiac; Upper Mesenteric Artery; Arteries Renais; Lower Mesenteric Artery; External Iliac Arteries; Internal Iliac Arteries and Medial Sacral Artery. Based on the findings found, there are great similarities with the vascular arrangement of humans.Support or Funding InformationFundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Acre