Thus, our work also exemplifies the process of optimization of existing reagents for a different NHP species. However, the AGM genome has been sequenced and is in the process of being annotated. Because of this, it is likely that in the near future,WHI-P154 an increasing number of AGM-specific reagents may be developed. Likewise, longitudinal approaches afforded by NHP colonies could be particularly useful for studies of infant mortality, stillbirth, aborted pregnancy, and other poor pregnancy outcomes. For example, the findings reported here could be used as a baseline for comparing C9 function in AGM pregnancies with poor outcomes, rather than simple serum or plasma protein measurements that do not consistently correlate with pregnancy outcomes. AGM breeding colonies have poor pregnancy outcomes at rates approximating those among humans, and they provide access for tracking,YYA-021 assessment, and follow-up studies in these circumstances. Further, due to the multigenerational nature of breeding colonies, alterations in innate immune response among certain animals and lineages could be traceable to genetic differences. As genome-wide association studies become increasingly accessible and more commonly performed, we may be able to identify clinically relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes for C3 or other C9 factors. In future studies, the AGM model system we have developed will enable us to both determine the role of physiologic and hormonal changes in downregulating C9-mediated immunity during pregnancy and permit the identification of therapeutic targets to improve viral infection outcome in pregnant women. The liver performs essential functions in mammals. These include, but are not limited to, gluconeogenesis and glycogen synthesis, synthesis of several plasma proteins encompassing clotting factors and acute phase proteins, metabolism of amino acids and lipids, and detoxification including ammonia removal. During the period around parturition in dairy cattle, also known as the peripartal or ‘‘transition period’’, the importance of the liver becomes even more critical due to the greater metabolic demands imposed by the onset of lactation, particularly the need to increase gluconeogenesis, fatty acid metabolism, and to control the inflammatory response.