biostudies-literatureRoark HKNICHD NIH HHSNIAID NIH HHSNational Institutes of HealthNIGMS NIH HHSS60-S73https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7057791biostudies-literatureUnknown221(Suppl 1)Although cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are species-specific, the study of nonhuman CMVs in animal models can help to inform and direct research aimed at developing a human CMV (HCMV) vaccine. Because the driving force behind the development of HCMV vaccines is to prevent congenital infection, the animal model in question must be one in which vertical transmission of virus occurs to the fetus. Fortunately, two such animal models-the rhesus macaque CMV and guinea pig CMV-are characterized by congenital infection. Hence, each model can be evaluated in "proof-of-concept" studies of preconception vaccination aimed at blocking transplacental transmission. This review focuses on similarities and differences in the respective model systems, and it discusses key insights from each model germane to the study of HCMV vaccines.The Journal of infectious diseasesAnimal Models of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Transmission: Implications for Vaccine Development.PMC7057791HD082273R01 HD098866P01 AI129859DP2 HD075699AI114013T32 GM0071711DP2HD075699Permar SRJenks JARoark HKSchleiss MRfalseAnimal Models of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Transmission: Implications for Vaccine Development.Although cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are species-specific, the study of nonhuman CMVs in animal models can help to inform and direct research aimed at developing a human CMV (HCMV) vaccine. Because the driving force behind the development of HCMV vaccines is to prevent congenital infection, the animal model in question must be one in which vertical transmission of virus occurs to the fetus. Fortunately, two such animal models-the rhesus macaque CMV and guinea pig CMV-are characterized by congenital infection. Hence, each model can be evaluated in "proof-of-concept" studies of preconception vaccination aimed at blocking transplacental transmission. This review focuses on similarities and differences in the respective model systems, and it discusses key insights from each model germane to the study of HCMV vaccines.2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 Mar2025-05-18T11:26:04.216Z2025-05-18T11:26:04.216ZS-EPMC70577913213448110.1093/infdis/jiz484