Rhesus Monkey Breeding and Research
This colony provides a national resource of rhesus monkeys and their tissues to carry out research benefiting the scientific community. The Rhesus Monkey Breeding and Research Resource (RMBRR) maintains a colony of 900 monkeys that have been derived to be specific pathogen free (SPF) for members of both the herpes and retrovirus families. Over the past 30 years the RMBRR has developed specialized management techniques, housing facilities and highly trained staff to avail these purposefully bred laboratory models that are 93% genetically identical to humans to researchers worldwide.
Historically, this animal model has been instrumental in research involving blood classification, polio vaccine development, drug safety and efficacy while currently they are the preferred model for studying the mechanisms of immunodeficiency diseases. Their susceptibility to Simian Immunodeficiency Virus and their homology to the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I, II and TCR genes make them valuable in HIV research. They are currently the models of choice for HIV/AIDS vaccine development and study. Other areas of research include atherosclerosis, myocarditis, alcoholism, diabetes, cancer and aging.
Specific Aims
The overall objectives of this resource are to improve the resources available at the RMBRR and to conduct resource-relevant research that improves both the health of the rhesus colony and its usefulness for studies of human disease. The Resource and Management Core is responsible for providing animal resources, tissues/biological fluids, cell lines, expert advice and research support to NIH extramural and intramural programs, other federal agencies and to private sponsors. The Resource-Related Research Core conducts research to improve the health of the animals maintained with special emphasis on studies that will enhance the usefulness of the rhesus as a model for studies of human disease.
Resource and Management Core
- To maintain a national research resource of 900 monkeys at the RMBRR using exemplary standards in husbandry, veterinary care and behavioral management
- To improve the biomedical research value of the RMBRR by providing an Experimental Tools and Laboratory Reference Value Registry, and a Web site with information about the resources available
Resource-Related Research Core
- Phenotype the colony as to the prevalence of MHC haplotypes
- Characterize and speciate those Helicobacter sp. that are present
- Continue research as to cause and heritability of those colony members exhibiting amyloidosis
- Continue research as to the prevalence of colonic adenocarcinoma and the possible hereditary effects