Final Report Summary - EUPRIM-NET (European primate network: Specialized infrastructures and procedures for biological and biomedical research) Non-human primates play an important role in biological and biomedical research in Europe. This group of animals provides models which are essential in the research area of genomics and biotechnology for health, while several aspects of biomedical research depend on the availability of living animals or biological material with primate origin for the successful development of new strategies against infectious and neurological diseases, cancer research, the development of new therapeutics and transplantation research. The EUPRIM-NET integrated infrastructure initiative connected the publicly funded European primate centres that covered the central aspects of primate research in biological and biomedical research and was aimed at advancing knowledge and competence in the areas of research, animal keeping and breeding. Because of the plethora of biological and biomedical research activities in the centres, extensive knowledge and infrastructure resources already existed. Nevertheless, with the implementation of EUPRIM-NET they were integrated and resulted in a virtual 'European primate centre' which formed the basis for internationally competitive state of the art research by providing European scientists with access to excellent infrastructures and services. Thus, the ability of the participating centres to provide the best services and support the best science that met the highest ethical standards for primate-based animal research was improved. The project had the following specific objectives to achieve its principal aim: 1. optimisation of non-human primate keeping and breeding considering animal welfare and ethical guidelines; 2. development and European standardisation of procedures and methods for the use of non-human primates in biomedical research; 3. availability of non-human primates of high quality as well as extensive banks of primate material for biomedical research; and 4. provision of training courses for researchers and caretakers working with primates. These central objectives were met through a collection of specific measures provided by four Network activities (NAs), the transnational access activities and three Joint research activities (JRAs). Firstly, primate husbandry in breeding and experiments was optimised and standardised and a relevant manual was finalised and became available on request. Secondly, positive reinforcement training methods were implemented through seminars, workshops, presentations and distribution of educational material. Moreover, courses on primate biology, husbandry and handling took place. In addition, tissue and genetic material of primate origin was stored in the developed Biobank, to be used for various studies in biomedical research. The Primocid platform was also established, to facilitate preclinical research in non-human primates targeting chronic immune mediated diseases in humans. On the other hand, molecular typing of immune genes in macaques was performed and allowed for the identification of those macaques that were immune responsive, giving insight into pathogen susceptibility and, through refinement of the studies, significantly contributing to the reduction of the number of animals used in experiments. New, or improved existing, diagnostic assays for the detection of polyomaviruses, herpes B virus and for specific retrovirus infections in non-human primates were developed and several commercially available tests were evaluated for specificity and sensitivity. Finally, a high bandwidth telemetric device for remote electrophysiological recordings was proposed, allowing wireless broadband recording of neural spiking activity and simultaneous remote control of the recording microelectrode position. Related documents Final Report - EUPRIM-NET (European primate network: Specialized infrastructures and procedures for biological and biomedical research)
