Of Mice and Monkeys: New Advances in Animal Models to Study HIV-1 Therapy and Prophylaxis

One of the most significant contemporary challenges in combating HIV-1 infection is the persistence of the virus in infected persons despite potent antiretroviral therapy. Uncovering the requirements for HIV-1 persistence and the development of antiviral drug resistance may be aided by experimental therapy manipulations or invasive procedures best studied within animals. While animal models for HIV-1 infection have revealed important facets of viral pathogenesis and anti-HIV-1 vaccines, they have been less effective in studying HIV-1 therapeutics, drug resistance and persistence. Recent improvements in animal models now enable such investigation. Here, we discuss new and established animal models for HIV-1 infection, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses and suitability for therapeutic studies. A better understanding of HIV-1 replication in response to therapy in vivo will improve regimens needed to manage a possibly lifelong illness, may minimize the development of antiviral resistance and may open strategic avenues in eradicating the virus.