Primates Research Articles

How should cardiac xenotransplantation be initiated in Japan?

The world's first clinical cardiac xenotransplantation, using a genetically engineered pig heart with 10 gene modifications, prolonged the life of a 57-year-old man with no other life-saving options, by 60days. It is foreseeable that xenotransplantation will be introduced in clinical practice in the United States. However, little clinical or regulatory progress has been made in the field of xenotransplantation in Japan in recent years. Japan seems to be heading toward a "device lag", and the over-importation of medical devices and technology in the medical field is becoming problematic. In this review, we discuss the concept of pig-heart xenotransplantation, including the pathobiological aspects related to immune rejection, coagulation dysregulation, and detrimental heart overgrowth, as well as genetic modification strategies in pigs to prevent or minimize these problems. Moreover, we summarize the necessity for and current status of xenotransplantation worldwide, and future prospects in Japan, with the aim of initiating xenotransplantation in Japan using genetically modified pigs without a global delay. It is imperative that this study prompts the initiation of preclinical xenotransplantation research using non-human primates and leads to clinical studies.

Low-dose M.tb infection but not BCG or MTBVAC vaccination enhances heterologous antibody titres in non-human primates.

Mycobacteria are known to exert a range of heterologous effects on the immune system. The mycobacteria-based Freund's Complete Adjuvant is a potent non-specific stimulator of the immune response used in immunization protocols promoting antibody production, and Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette Guérin (BCG) vaccination has been linked with decreased morbidity and mortality beyond the specific protection it provides against tuberculosis (TB) in some populations and age groups. The role of heterologous antibodies in this phenomenon, if any, remains unclear and under-studied. We set out to evaluate antibody responses to a range of unrelated pathogens following infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) and vaccination with BCG or a candidate TB vaccine, MTBVAC, in non-human primates. We demonstrate a significant increase in the titer of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, tetanus toxoid, and respiratory syncytial virus antigens following low-dose aerosol infection with M.tb. The magnitude of some of these responses correlated with TB disease severity. However, vaccination with BCG administered by the intradermal, intravenous or aerosol routes, or intradermal delivery of MTBVAC, did not increase antibody responses against unrelated pathogens. Our findings suggest that it is unlikely that heterologous antibodies contribute to the non-specific effects of these vaccines. The apparent dysregulation of B cell responses associated with TB disease warrants further investigation, with potential implications for risk of B cell cancers and novel therapeutic strategies.

Perspectives on Conservation Impacts of the Global Primate Trade

AbstractThe global trade in nonhuman primates represents a substantial threat to ecosystem health, human health, and primate conservation worldwide. Most of the primate trade involves trade for pet-keeping, consumption, or biomedical experimentation. We present an overview of international primate trade through five case studies; each describes a different facet of this trade. We draw on published scientific literature, media outlets, and open access datasets, including the CITES Trade Database to build these case studies. Case study 1 describes the role of introduced island populations of Macaca and Chlorocebus in trade for biomedical experimentation; case study 2 covers the global health threats posed by the primate trade, including zoonotic disease transmission once animals enter the trade pipeline; case study 3 addresses the ways that changing patterns of primate trade, from local markets to online, have increased the demand for primates as pets; case study 4 recognizes the role that local environmental activism can play in mitigating trade; and case study 5 shows variation between global regions in their contribution to the primate trade. We recommend greater oversight of primate trade, especially domestic trade within primate range countries, and real-time reporting to CITES to accurately track primate trade. Effective conservation-focused regulations that can minimise the negative effects of primate trade must be tailored to specific regions and species and require transparency, careful regulation, field research, and an understanding of the magnitude of this trade.

Total-body imaging of mu-opioid receptors with [11C]carfentanil in non-human primates.

Mu-opioid receptors (MORs) are widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral organs, and immune system. This study measured the whole body distribution of MORs in rhesus macaques using the MOR selective radioligand [11C]carfentanil ([11C]CFN) on the PennPET Explorer. Both baseline and blocking studies were conducted using either naloxone or GSK1521498 to measure the effect of the antagonists on MOR binding in both CNS and peripheral organs. The PennPET Explorer was used for MOR total-body PET imaging in four rhesus macaques using [11C]CFN under baseline, naloxone pretreatment, and naloxone or GSK1521498 displacement conditions. Logan distribution volume ratio (DVR) was calculated by using a reference model to quantitate brain regions, and the standard uptake value ratios (SUVRs) were calculated for peripheral organs. The percent receptor occupancy (%RO) was calculated to establish the blocking effect of 0.14mg/kg naloxone or GSK1521498. The %RO in MOR-abundant brain regions was 75-90% for naloxone and 72-84% for GSK1521498 in blocking studies. A higher than 90% of %RO were observed in cervical spinal cord for both naloxone and GSK1521498. It took approximately 4-6min for naloxone or GSK1521498 to distribute to CNS and displace [11C]CFN from the MOR. A smaller effect was observed in heart wall in the naloxone and GSK1521498 blocking studies. [11C]CFN total-body PET scans could be a useful approach for studying mechanism of action of MOR drugs used in the treatment of acute and chronic opioid use disorder and their effect on the biodistribution of synthetic opioids such as CFN. GSK1521498 could be a potential naloxone alternative to reverse opioid overdose.

Occurrence of Free-Living Amoebae in Non-Human Primate Gut.

The gut microbiome reflects health and predicts possible disease in hosts. A holistic view of this community is needed, focusing on identifying species and dissecting how species interact with their host and each other, regardless of whether their presence is beneficial, inconsequential, or detrimental. The distribution of gut-associated eukaryotes within and across non-human primates is likely driven by host behavior and ecology. To ascertain the existence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in the gut of wild and captive non-human primates, 101 stool samples were collected and submitted to culture-dependent microscopy examination and DNA sequencing. Free-living amoebae were detected in 45.4% (46/101) of fecal samples analyzed, and their morphological characteristics matched those of Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba spp., heterolobosean amoeboflagellates and fan-shaped amoebae of the family Vannellidae. Sequence analysis of the PCR products revealed that the suspected amoebae are highly homologous (99% identity and 100% query coverage) with Acanthamoeba T4 genotype and Vermamoeba vermiformis amoebae. The results showed a great diversity of amoebae in the non-human primate's microbiome, which may pose a potential risk to the health of NHPs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of free-living amoebae in non-human primates that are naturally infected. However, it is unknown whether gut-borne amoebae exploit a viable ecological niche or are simply transient residents in the gut.

Pharmacokinetic and Metabolomic Studies with a Promising Radiation Countermeasure, BBT-059 (PEGylated interleukin-11), in Rhesus Nonhuman Primates.

BBT-059, a long-acting PEGylated interleukin-11 (IL-11) analog that is believed to have hematopoietic promoting and anti-apoptotic properties, is being developed as a potential radiation medical countermeasure (MCM) for hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS). This agent has been shown to improve survival in lethally irradiated mice. To further evaluate the drug's toxicity and safety profile, 12 naïve nonhuman primates (NHPs, rhesus macaques) were administered one of three doses of BBT-059 subcutaneously and were monitored for the next 21 days. Blood samples were collected throughout the study to assess the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of the drug as well as its effects on complete blood counts, cytokines, vital signs, and to conduct metabolomic studies. No adverse effects were detected in any treatment group during the study. Short-term changes in metabolomic profiles were present in all groups treated with BBT-059 beginning immediately after drug administration and reverting to near normal levels by the end of the study period. Several pathways and metabolites, particularly those related to inflammation and steroid hormone biosynthesis, were activated by BBT-059 administration. Taken together, these observations suggest that BBT-059 has a good safety profile for further development as a radiation MCM for regulatory approval for human use.

ST-2560, a selective inhibitor of the NaV1.7 sodium channel, affects nocifensive and cardiovascular reflexes in non-human primates.

The voltage-gated sodium channel isoform NaV1.7 is a high-interest target for the development of non-opioid analgesics due to its preferential expression in pain-sensing neurons. NaV1.7 is also expressed in autonomic neurons, yet its contribution to involuntary visceral reflexes has received limited attention. The small molecule inhibitor ST-2560 was advanced into pain behaviour and cardiovascular models to understand the pharmacodynamic effects of selective inhibition of NaV1.7. Potency of ST-2560 at NaV1.7 and off-target ion channels was evaluated by whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. Effects on nocifensive reflexes were assessed in non-human primate (NHP) behavioural models, employing the chemical capsaicin and mechanical stimuli. Cardiovascular parameters were monitored continuously in freely-moving, telemetered NHPs following administration of vehicle and ST-2560. ST-2560 is a potent inhibitor (IC50 = 39 nM) of NaV1.7 in primates with ≥1000-fold selectivity over other isoforms of the human NaV1.x family. Following systemic administration, ST-2560 (0.1-0.3 mg·kg-1, s.c.) suppressed noxious mechanical- and chemical-evoked reflexes at free plasma concentrations threefold to fivefold above NaV1.7 IC50. ST-2560 (0.1-1.0 mg·kg-1, s.c.) also produced changes in haemodynamic parameters, most notably a 10- to 20-mmHg reduction in systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure, at similar exposures. Acute pharmacological inhibition of NaV1.7 is antinociceptive, but also has the potential to impact the cardiovascular system. Further work is merited to understand the role of NaV1.7 in autonomic ganglia involved in the control of heart rate and blood pressure, and the effect of selective NaV1.7 inhibition on cardiovascular function.

An adeno-associated virus variant enabling efficient ocular-directed gene delivery across species

Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) have emerged as promising gene therapy vectors due to their proven efficacy and safety in clinical applications. In non-human primates (NHPs), rAAVs are administered via suprachoroidal injection at a higher dose. However, high doses of rAAVs tend to increase additional safety risks. Here, we present a novel AAV capsid (AAVv128), which exhibits significantly enhanced transduction efficiency for photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, along with a broader distribution across the layers of retinal tissues in different animal models (mice, rabbits, and NHPs) following intraocular injection. Notably, the suprachoroidal delivery of AAVv128-anti-VEGF vector completely suppresses the Grade IV lesions in a laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) NHP model for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Furthermore, cryo-EM analysis at 2.1 Å resolution reveals that the critical residues of AAVv128 exhibit a more robust advantage in AAV binding, the nuclear uptake and endosome escaping. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential of AAVv128 as a next generation ocular gene therapy vector, particularly using the suprachoroidal delivery route.

Consolation in the aftermath of violent public assaults: An interaction ethological study

AbstractAnimal ethologists suggest that non-human primates console victims of aggression in a manner similar to humans. However, the empirical basis for this cross-species comparison is fragile, given that few studies have examined consolation behavior among humans. To address this gap, we revive and apply the underappreciated ethological branch of micro-sociology, which advocates the study of human interactions by applying ethological observation techniques. We thus systematically observed naturally occurring human consolation captured by video surveillance cameras in the aftermath of violent public assaults. Consistent with prior human and non-human primate research, social affiliation promoted consolatory helping. By contrast, we found no main effect of sex. A further exploratory analysis indicated an interaction effect between social affiliation and sex, with female affiliates having the largest probability of providing consolation. We discuss implications for the cross-species study of primate consolation and advocate that micro-sociology should reappraise ethological perspectives.

Long-Term Trends in Mosquito Vector Populations and their Impact on Yellow Fever Outbreaks in Atlantic Forest Fragments of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (2016-2021).

Among all living beings, mosquitoes account for the highest number of human fatalities. Our study aimed to determine mosquito egg abundance fluctuation from 2015 to 2020, in order to observe which years had the highest mosquito vector densities and whether they coincided with yellow fever virus outbreaks in both human and nonhuman primates. The study area included Atlantic Forest fragments in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Studies from the Diptera Laboratory at FIOCRUZ were selected and compared along a timeline period of the field collections. The highest peak in egg abundance from the analyzed studies was observed from 2016 to 2017 and from 2015 to 2016. The lowest egg abundance was during the collection periods from 2018 to 2019 and 2019 to 2020. The species with the highest abundance throughout all the periods of the studies analyzed was Haemagogus leucocelaenus, representing 87% of all epidemiological species identified. The species with the lowest abundance was Hg. Janthinomys, representing only 1%. Monitoring the population of mosquitoes is imperative for disease surveillance, as the rise in specimens of various vector species directly impacts the occurrence of yellow fever cases in both nonhuman primates and human populations.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of standard nerve agent medical countermeasures in Göttingen Minipigs

Animal research continues to serve a critical role in the testing and development of medical countermeasures. The Göttingen minipig, developed for laboratory research, may provide many benefits for addressing research questions within chemical defense. Targeted development of the Göttingen minipig model could reduce reliance upon non-human primates, and improve study design, statistical power, and throughput to advance medical countermeasures for regulatory approval and fielding. In this vein, we completed foundational pharmacokinetics and physiological safety studies of intramuscularly administered atropine sulfate, pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM), and diazepam across a broad range of doses (1–6 autoinjector equivalent) using adult male Göttingen minipigs (n=11; n=4–8/study) surgically implanted with vascular access ports and telemetric devices to monitor cardiovascular, respiratory, arterial pressure, and temperature signals. Pharmacokinetic data were orderly and the concentration maximum mirrored available human data at comparably scaled doses clearly for atropine, moderately for 2-PAM, and poorly for diazepam. Time to peak concentration approximated 2, 7, and 20 min for atropine, 2-PAM, and diazepam, respectively, and the elimination half-life of these drugs approximated 2 hr (atropine), 3 hr (2-PAM), and 8 hr (diazepam). Atropine sulfate dose-dependently increased the magnitude and duration of tachycardia and decreased the PR and ST intervals (consistent with findings obtained from other species). Mild hypothermia was observed at the highest diazepam dose. Göttingen minipigs appear to provide a ready and appropriate large animal alternative to non-human primates, and further development and evaluation of novel nerve agent medical countermeasures and treatment strategies in this model are justified.

Effects of social environments on male primate HPG and HPA axis developmental programming.

Developmental plasticity is particularly important for humans and other primates because of our extended period of growth and maturation, during which our phenotypes adaptively respond to environmental cues. The hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes are likely to be principal targets of developmental "programming" given their roles in coordinating fitness-relevant aspects of the phenotype, including sexual development, adult reproductive and social strategies, and internal responses to the external environment. In social animals, including humans, the social environment is believed to be an important source of cues to which these axes may adaptively respond. The effects of early social environments on the HPA axis have been widely studied in humans, and to some extent, in other primates, but there are still major gaps in knowledge specifically relating to males. There has also been relatively little research examining the role that social environments play in developmental programming of the HPG axis or the HPA/HPG interface, and what does exist disproportionately focuses on females. These topics are likely understudied in males in part due to the difficulty of identifying developmental milestones in males relative to females and the general quiescence of the HPG axis prior to maturation. However, there are clear indicators that early life social environments matter for both sexes. In this review, we examine what is known about the impact of social environments on HPG and HPA axis programming during male development in humans and nonhuman primates, including the role that epigenetic mechanisms may play in this programming. We conclude by highlighting important next steps in this research area.

Abstract PO5-27-06: Development of TTX-MC138, a First-In-Class miRNA-10b-Targeted Therapeutic Against Metastatic Cancers of Diverse Primary Disease Origins

Abstract Conventional therapies targeted towards the primary tumor cell oftentimes do not affect the metastatic cell and, in fact, may promote metastasis. For these reasons, our research has focused on developing therapies specific to unique properties of metastatic tumor cells. In our earlier work, we identified miRNA-10b as a master regulator of the viability of metastatic tumor cells. We determined that miRNA-10b not only promotes the capacity of tumor cells to migrate and invade surrounding tissue, but, importantly, serves as a powerful master regulator of the viability of cancer cells. This knowledge allowed us to develop a therapeutic miR-10b inhibitor, named TTX-MC138, which is effectively delivered to metastatic tumor cells and can elicit complete responses and life-long disease remissions in preclinical models of breast and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. As a critical step towards de-risking further clinical development of TTX-MC138, we have embarked on a Phase 0 clinical trial with Cu64-labeled TTX-MC138. The trial involves microdose injection of Cu64-labeled TTX-MC138 into stage IV breast cancer patients, followed by positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI). The study seeks to determine the pharmacokinetics of TTX-MC138 and its uptake in metastatic lesions. The impact of this work is three-fold. First it can establish that TTX-MC138, which is so effective in mice, will also accumulate in human metastases. This greatly de-risks the clinical development of the therapeutic because it shows drug delivery is indeed feasible. Second, the Phase 0 studies will reveal the pharmacokinetic behavior of TTX-MC138 which will allow one to establish dosing during therapy. Third, once TTX-MC138 reaches late-stage clinical trials, one can use the radiolabeled therapeutic to select patients for treatment, based on which patients’ metastases accumulate the drug. Studies that we present in support of the Phase 0 trial include dosimetry/PK and tissue distribution studies, as well as metabolite analysis in non-human primates. In non-human primates injected with Cu64-labeled TTX-MC138 at a dose of 100 microg, the organs with the highest uptake were the liver, heart, lung and spleen. The mean whole blood half-life was 12.2 ± 2.3 h (mean ± standard deviation) and the mean plasma blood half-life was 11.5 ± 1.8 h. RadioHPLC analysis of plasma samples showed that the drug is very stable with respect to metabolism. Combined, these studies support first-in-human testing of TTX-MC138 for the treatment of metastatic cancer and, by addressing the issue of drug delivery, enable the clinical development of a wide array of TTX-based therapeutics. Citation Format: Zdravka Medarova, Neil Robertson, Subrata Ghosh, Andreas Varkaris, Peter Caravan, Susan Duggan. Development of TTX-MC138, a First-In-Class miRNA-10b-Targeted Therapeutic Against Metastatic Cancers of Diverse Primary Disease Origins [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-27-06.

Morphological and molecular characterization of parabasilids isolated from ex situ nonhuman primates and their keepers at different institutions in Brazil

Intestinal protozoa, which can be asymptomatic or cause diarrhea, dysentery and even death, are among the main agents that affect nonhuman primates (NHPs) kept under human care. Nevertheless, information on the molecular and morphometric profiles of parabasilids in the Neotropics is still scarce. In this context, the objective of this study was to isolate the Parabasalia protozoa detected in the feces of NHPs and their keepers in Pavlova and TYSGM9 media and to characterize the isolates by molecular biology and morphometry. Fecal samples from NHPs from five Brazilian institutions were analyzed. Direct examination was performed immediately after obtaining the samples. A total of 511 fecal samples from NHPs were collected, and 10.6% contained parabasilids. Regarding the handlers, of the 74 samples analyzed, three were positive. In vitro-generated parabasilid isolates were successfully obtained from all positive samples, as identified via microscopy. Isolates of the parasite were obtained both from New World NHPs, including the genera Leontopithecus, Saguinus, Leontocebus, Aotus, Saimiri, Sapajus, and Alouatta, and from the Old World primate Pan troglodytes. Forty-nine NHP isolates were molecularly identified: Pentatrichomonas hominis (16), Trichomitus batrachorum (14), Tetratrichomonas brumpti (13) and Hypotrichomonas hampli (6). The human isolates were identified as Tetratrichomonas sp. (2) and T. batrachorum (1). Visualization and morphometric analysis revealed trophozoites with piriform or rounded shapes that presented variable measurements. The isolates previously characterized as P. hominis had up to five free flagella, while T. batrachorum and Tetratrichomonas sp. had up to four free flagella, and H. hampli had a maximum of three free flagella. These morphometric characteristics corroborated the molecular identification. In general, a variety of parabasilids were observed to infect NHPs, and T. batrachorum was isolated from biological samples from both NHPs and their keepers, a finding that reinforces the susceptibility of these hosts to infections by parabasilids in Brazil.

A semi-automated pipeline for finite element modeling of electric field induced in nonhuman primates by transcranial magnetic stimulation

BackgroundTranscranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is used to treat a range of brain disorders by inducing an electric field (E-field) in the brain. However, the precise neural effects of TMS are not well understood. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are used to model the impact of TMS on neural activity, but a systematic method of quantifying the induced E-field in the cortex of NHPs has not been developed. New MethodThe pipeline uses statistical parametric mapping (SPM) to automatically segment a structural MRI image of a rhesus macaque into five tissue compartments. Manual corrections are necessary around implants. The segmented tissues are tessellated into 3D meshes used in finite element method (FEM) software to compute the TMS induced E-field in the brain. The gray matter can be further segmented into cortical laminae using a volume preserving method for defining layers. ResultsModels of three NHPs were generated with TMS coils placed over the precentral gyrus. Two coil configurations, active and sham, were simulated and compared. The results demonstrated a large difference in E-fields at the target. Additionally, the simulations were calculated using two different E-field solvers and were found to not significantly differ. Comparison with Existing MethodsCurrent methods segment NHP tissues manually or use automated methods for only the brain tissue. Existing methods also do not stratify the gray matter into layers. ConclusionThe pipeline calculates the induced E-field in NHP models by TMS and can be used to plan implant surgeries and determine approximate E-field values around neuron recording sites.

NBEST: Deep-learning-based non-human primates Brain Extraction and Segmentation Toolbox across ages, sites and species

Accurate processing and analysis of non-human primate (NHP) brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) serves an indispensable role in understanding brain evolution, development, aging, and diseases. Despite the accumulation of diverse NHP brain MRI datasets at various developmental stages and from various imaging sites/scanners, existing computational tools designed for human MRI typically perform poor on NHP data, due to huge differences in brain sizes, morphologies, and imaging appearances across species, sites, and ages, highlighting the imperative for NHP-specialized MRI processing tools. To address this issue, in this paper, we present a robust, generic, and fully automated computational pipeline, called non-human primates Brain Extraction and Segmentation Toolbox (nBEST), whose main functionality includes brain extraction, non-cerebrum removal, and tissue segmentation. Building on cutting-edge deep learning techniques by employing lifelong learning to flexibly integrate data from diverse NHP populations and innovatively constructing 3D U-NeXt architecture, nBEST can well handle structural NHP brain MR images from multi-species, multi-site, and multi-developmental-stage (from neonates to the elderly). We extensively validated nBEST based on, to our knowledge, the largest assemblage dataset in NHP brain studies, encompassing 1,469 scans with 11 species (e.g., rhesus macaques, cynomolgus macaques, chimpanzees, marmosets, squirrel monkeys, etc.) from 23 independent datasets. Compared to alternative tools, nBEST outperforms in precision, applicability, robustness, comprehensiveness, and generalizability, greatly benefiting downstream longitudinal, cross-sectional, and cross-species quantitative analyses. We have made nBEST an open-source toolbox (https://github.com/TaoZhong11/nBEST) and we are committed to its continual refinement through lifelong learning with incoming data to greatly contribute to the research field.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of LEAD-452, an EGFR-specific 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody in non-human primates

LEAD-452 is a humanized bispecific EGFR-targeted 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody with a unique trimeric configuration compared to other 4-1BB-specific antibodies that are currently in development. Indeed, enhanced tumor-specific costimulation and very remarkable safety and efficacy profiles have been observed in mouse models. Here, we conducted for the first time a preclinical pharmacokinetic and toxicity study in non-human primates (NHP) (Macaca fascicularis). LEAD-452 exhibits comparable binding affinity for human and macaque targets, indicating its pharmacological significance for safety testing across species. The NHP were administered LEAD-452 in a series of ascending doses, ranging from 0.1 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg, and repeated doses up to 20 mg/kg. The administration of LEAD-452 was found to be clinically well tolerated, with no major related adverse effects observed. Furthermore, there have been no reported cases of liver toxicity, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia, which are commonly associated with treatments using conventional anti-4-1BB IgG-based antibodies. In addition, neither IgM nor IgG-based anti-drug antibodies were detected in serum samples from NHP during the study, regardless of the dose of LEAD-452 administered. These results support the clinical development of LEAD-452 for the treatment of solid tumors.

A comparison of the performance of contemporary, historical, and cross-lab controls in QTc assessment in conscious nonhuman primates

Cardiovascular safety pharmacology and toxicology studies include vehicle control animals in most studies. Electrocardiogram data on common vehicles is accumulated relatively quickly. In the interests of the 3Rs principles it may be useful to use this historical information to reduce the use of animals or to refine the sensitivity of studies.We used implanted telemetry data from a large nonhuman primate (NHP) cardiovascular study (n = 48) evaluating the effect of moxifloxacin. We extracted 24 animals to conduct a n = 3/sex/group analysis. The remaining 24 animals were used to generate 1000 unique combinations of 3 male and 3 female NHP to act as control groups for the three treated groups in the n = 3/sex/group analysis. The distribution of treatment effects, median minimum detectable difference (MDD) values were gathered from the 1000 studies. These represent contemporary controls.Data were available from 42 NHP from 3 other studies in the same laboratory using the same technology. These were used to generate 1000 unique combinations of 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 NHP to act as historical control animals for the 18 animals in the treated groups of the moxifloxacin study. Data from an additional laboratory were also available for 20 NHP.The QT, RR and QT-RR data from the three sources were comparable. However, differences in the time course of QTc effect in the vehicle data from the two laboratories meant that it was not possible to use cross-lab controls. In the case of historical controls from the same laboratory, these could be used in place of the contemporary controls in determining a treatment's effect. There appeared to be an advantage in using larger (≥18) group sizes for historical controls. These data support the opportunity of using historical controls to reduce the number of animals used in new cardiovascular studies.

59. Effects of Ketamine on Anxiety-Like Behavior in Non-Human Primates

59. Effects of Ketamine on Anxiety-Like Behavior in Non-Human Primates

Exploring ocular fibulin-3 (EFEMP1): Anatomical, age-related, and species perspectives

Fibulin-3 (FBLN3, aka EFEMP1) is a secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein implicated in ocular diseases including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Yet surprisingly, little is known about its native biology, expression patterns, and localization in the eye. To overcome these shortcomings, we conducted gene expression and immunohistochemistry for FBLN3 in ocular tissue from mice, pigs, non-human primates, and humans. Moreover, we evaluated age-related changes in FBLN3 and FBLN3-related ECM remodeling enzymes/inhibitors in aging mice. We found that FBLN3 displayed distinct staining patterns consistent across the mouse retina, particularly in the ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer (INL). In contrast, human retinas exhibited a unique staining pattern, with enrichment of FBLN3 in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), INL, and outer nuclear layer in the peripheral retina. This staining transitioned to the outer plexiform layer in the central retina/macula, and was accompanied by reduced RPE immunoreactivity approaching the fovea. Surprisingly, we found significant age-related increases in FBLN3 expression and protein abundance in the mouse retina which was paralleled by reduced transcript levels of FBLN3-degrading enzymes (i.e., Mmp2 and Htra1). Our findings highlight important species-dependent, retinal region-specific, and age-related expression and localization patterns of FBLN3 which favor its accumulation during aging. These findings contribute to a better understanding of FBLN3's role in ocular pathology and provide valuable insights for future FBLN3 research.