The SIV family is a diverse group of viruses that vary considerably in pathogenesis and
virulence in their natural host species or macaques. Although the disease induced by the
SIVsm subtype in particular is remarkably similar to human AIDS, it must be remembered
that this is an experimental animal model. Therefore, although the pathogenesis of SIVsm
(and other viruses) in macaques offers an relevant animal model for pathogenesis and
vaccine trials, the interactions of these viruses in their natural host, and virus-, or host …