Role of Syrian hamsters and nonhuman primates in COVID-19 research

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has created serious public health issues claiming millions of human lives worldwide. Few vaccines for the control of COVID-19 are now available under emergency user authorization. However, many aspects of SARS-CoV-2 such as vaccine efficacy, pathogenesis, and transmission related to emerging variants still need to be explored. Various animal models have been studied for COVID-19 research. Of these, hamsters and nonhuman primates have been found to be the best models which share highest similarity with human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. Both of these animals have been used effectively for testing of vaccines and drugs, and other basic research on this disease. Here, we have discussed the utilization of Syrian hamster and nonhuman primate in COVID-19 research with special focus on preclinical studies on vaccine and drug discovery.