- The document discusses using animal models to test vaccines for SARS-CoV-2. It conducted a systematic review of studies published between January-August 2020 on this topic.
- The review identified 20 relevant studies examining non-human primates, mice, hamsters, ferrets, cats and dogs. These studies aimed to investigate the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and use the animals to test vaccines.
- The findings showed that while animal models only mimic some symptoms of COVID-19 infection in humans, they are still essential for understanding disease pathogenesis, viral transmission and vaccine testing. Rhesus macaques in particular mimicked pulmonary infection when inoculated with SARS-CoV-2.