Conduct international workshops on animal models for studying broadly protective coronavirus vaccines. Examples of topics for the workshop include: (1) review existing animal models for SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and other coronaviruses; (2) identify optimal animal models for vaccine R&D of broadly protective coronavirus vaccines; (3) optimize small-animal models (e.g. mice, hamsters, ferrets); (4) minimize and refine NHP use amid supply constraints; (5) replicate preexisting immunity in animal models; (6) assess host genomics and microbiome effects on vaccine performance using models such as “dirty mice”; (7) evaluate mucosal immunity, breadth, and durability of vaccines in animal models; (8) use animal models to determine immune CoPs; (9) use animal models to study long COVID/PASC; (10) identify gaps in the current animal model landscape; and (11) develop strategies for meeting future animal-model research needs.
Gordon 2025 summarizes a joint workshop convened by CEPI and the NIAID in 2023, with one focus being the challenges facing animal modeling for BPCVs.
Small Animal Models for Basic and Applied Studies of Respiratory Viruses Workshop (2024)
NIH and FDA co-hosted a COVID-19 Research Workshop in December 2022 with a session on Animal Models and Immunology.