scholarly journals Mamu-B*17+Rhesus Macaques Vaccinated withenv,vif, andnefManifest Early Control of SIVmac239 Replication

2018 ◽  
Vol 92 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauricio A. Martins ◽  
Damien C. Tully ◽  
Núria Pedreño-Lopez ◽  
Benjamin von Bredow ◽  
Matthias G. Pauthner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Virologic Suppression ◽  
Mhc I ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Siv Infection ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

ABSTRACTCertain major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) alleles are associated with spontaneous control of viral replication in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaques (RMs). These cases of “elite” control of HIV/SIV replication are often immune-mediated, thereby providing a framework for studying anti-lentiviral immunity. In this study, we examined how vaccination impacts SIV replication in RMs expressing the MHC-I alleleMamu-B*17. Approximately 21% ofMamu-B*17+and 50% ofMamu-B*08+RMs control chronic-phase viremia after SIVmac239 infection. Because CD8+T cells targeting Mamu-B*08-restricted SIV epitopes have been implicated in virologic suppression inMamu-B*08+RMs, we investigated whether this might also be true forMamu-B*17+RMs. Two groups ofMamu-B*17+RMs were vaccinated with genes encoding Mamu-B*17-restricted epitopes in Vif and Nef. These genes were delivered by themselves (group 1) or together withenv(group 2). Group 3 included MHC-I-matched RMs and served as the control group. Surprisingly, the group 1 vaccine regimen had little effect on viral replication compared to group 3, suggesting that unlikeMamu-B*08+RMs, preexisting SIV-specific CD8+T cells alone do not facilitate long-term virologic suppression inMamu-B*17+RMs. Remarkably, however, 5/8 group 2 vaccinees controlled viremia to <15 viral RNA copies/ml soon after infection. No serological neutralizing activity against SIVmac239 was detected in group 2, although vaccine-elicited gp140-binding antibodies correlated inversely with nadir viral loads. Collectively, these data shed new light on the unique mechanism of elite control inMamu-B*17+RMs and implicate vaccine-induced, nonneutralizing anti-Env antibodies in the containment of immunodeficiency virus infection.IMPORTANCEA better understanding of the immune correlates of protection against HIV might facilitate the development of a prophylactic vaccine. Therefore, we investigated simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection outcomes in rhesus macaques expressing the major histocompatibility complex class I alleleMamu-B*17. Approximately 21% ofMamu-B*17+macaques spontaneously controlled chronic phase viremia after SIV infection, an effect that may involve CD8+T cells targeting Mamu-B*17-restricted SIV epitopes. We vaccinatedMamu-B*17+macaques with genes encoding immunodominant epitopes in Vif and Nef alone (group 1) or together withenv(group 2). Although neither vaccine regimen prevented SIV infection, 5/8 group 2 vaccinees controlled viremia to below detection limits shortly after infection. This outcome, which was not observed in group 1, was associated with vaccine-induced, nonneutralizing Env-binding antibodies. Together, these findings suggest a limited contribution of Vif- and Nef-specific CD8+T cells for virologic control inMamu-B*17+macaques and implicate anti-Env antibodies in containment of SIV infection.

scholarly journals CD8+ T Cell Recognition of Cryptic Epitopes Is a Ubiquitous Feature of AIDS Virus Infection

2010 ◽  
Vol 84 (21) ◽  
pp. 11569-11574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J. Maness ◽  
Andrew D. Walsh ◽  
Shari M. Piaskowski ◽  
Jessica Furlott ◽  
Holly L. Kolar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
T Cell Epitopes ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Aids Virus ◽  
Aids Vaccines ◽  
Siv Infection ◽  
Cryptic Epitopes

ABSTRACT Vaccines designed to elicit AIDS virus-specific CD8+ T cells should engender broad responses. Emerging data indicate that alternate reading frames (ARFs) of both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) encode CD8+ T cell epitopes, termed cryptic epitopes. Here, we show that SIV-specific CD8+ T cells from SIV-infected rhesus macaques target 14 epitopes in eight ARFs during SIV infection. Animals recognized up to five epitopes, totaling nearly one-quarter of the anti-SIV responses. The epitopes were targeted by high-frequency responses as early as 2 weeks postinfection and in the chronic phase. Hence, previously overlooked ARF-encoded epitopes could be important components of AIDS vaccines.

scholarly journals Perforin Expression in the Gastrointestinal Mucosa Is Limited to Acute Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

2006 ◽  
Vol 80 (6) ◽  
pp. 3083-3087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Máire F. Quigley ◽  
Kristina Abel ◽  
Bartek Zuber ◽  
Christopher J. Miller ◽  
Johan K. Sandberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Simian Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Cd8 T Cells ◽  
Positive Response ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Gastrointestinal Mucosa ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Siv Infection ◽  
Perforin Expression ◽  
Important Site

ABSTRACT Perforin-mediated cytotoxicity is a major effector function of virus-specific CD8 T cells. We have investigated the expression of perforin in the gut, an important site of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) pathogenesis, during experimental SIV infection of rhesus macaques. We observed significant increases in perforin protein and mRNA expression levels in the colons of SIV-infected macaques as early as 21 days after infection. However, during chronic infection, despite ongoing viral replication, perforin expression returned to levels similar to those detected in SIV-naïve animals. These findings demonstrate the presence of a robust perforin-positive response in gastrointestinal CD8 T cells during acute, but not chronic, SIV infection.

scholarly journals Normal T-Cell Turnover in Sooty Mangabeys Harboring Active Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

2000 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 1209-1223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa A. Chakrabarti ◽  
Sharon R. Lewin ◽  
Linqi Zhang ◽  
Agegnehu Gettie ◽  
Amara Luckay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
T Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Turnover ◽  
Ki 67 ◽  
Monkey Species ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Sooty Mangabeys ◽  
Siv Infection

ABSTRACT Sooty mangabeys naturally infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) remain healthy though they harbor viral loads comparable to those in rhesus macaques that progress to AIDS. To assess the immunologic basis of disease resistance in mangabeys, we compared the effect of SIV infection on T-cell regeneration in both monkey species. Measurement of the proliferation marker Ki-67 by flow cytometry showed that mangabeys harbored proliferating T cells at a level of 3 to 4% in peripheral blood irrespective of their infection status. In contrast, rhesus macaques demonstrated a naturally high fraction of proliferating T cells (7%) that increased two- to threefold following SIV infection. Ki-67+ T cells were predominantly CD45RA−, indicating increased proliferation of memory cells in macaques. Quantitation of an episomal DNA product of T-cell receptor α rearrangement (termed α1 circle) showed that the concentration of recent thymic emigrants in blood decreased with age over a 2-log unit range in both monkey species, consistent with age-related thymic involution. SIV infection caused a limited decrease of α1 circle numbers in mangabeys as well as in macaques. Dilution of α1 circles by T-cell proliferation likely contributed to this decrease, since α1 circle numbers and Ki-67+ fractions correlated negatively. These findings are compatible with immune exhaustion mediated by abnormal T-cell proliferation, rather than with early thymic failure, in SIV-infected macaques. Normal T-cell turnover in SIV-infected mangabeys provides an explanation for the long-term maintenance of a functional immune system in these hosts.

scholarly journals Bone Marrow-Derived CD4+T Cells Are Depleted in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Macaques and Contribute to the Size of the Replication-Competent Reservoir

2018 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy N. Hoang ◽  
Justin L. Harper ◽  
Maria Pino ◽  
Hong Wang ◽  
Luca Micci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Simian Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Viral Persistence ◽  
Viral Reservoir ◽  
Anatomic Site ◽  
Replication Competent Virus ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Siv Infection

ABSTRACTThe bone marrow (BM) is the key anatomic site for hematopoiesis and plays a significant role in the homeostasis of mature T cells. However, very little is known on the phenotype of BM-derived CD4+T cells, their fate during simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, and their contribution to viral persistence during antiretroviral therapy (ART). In this study, we characterized the immunologic and virologic status of BM-derived CD4+T cells in rhesus macaques prior to SIV infection, during the early chronic phase of infection, and during ART. We found that BM memory CD4+T cells are significantly depleted following SIV infection, at levels that are similar to those measured in the peripheral blood (PB). In addition, BM-derived memory CD4+T cells include a high frequency of cells that express the coinhibitory receptors CTLA-4 and PD-1, two subsets previously shown to be enriched in the viral reservoir; these cells express Ki-67 at levels similar to or higher than the same cells in PB. Finally, when we analyzed SIV-infected RMs in which viral replication was effectively suppressed by 12 months of ART, we found that BM CD4+T cells harbor SIV DNA and SIV RNA at levels comparable to those of PB CD4+T cells, including replication-competent SIV. Thus, BM is a largely understudied anatomic site of the latent reservoir which contributes to viral persistence during ART and needs to be further characterized and targeted when designing therapies for a functional or sterilizing cure to HIV.IMPORTANCEThe latent viral reservoir is one of the major obstacles in purging the immune system of HIV. It is paramount that we elucidate which anatomic compartments harbor replication-competent virus, which upon ART interruption results in viral rebound and pathogenesis. In this study, using the rhesus macaque model of SIV infection and ART, we examined the immunologic status of the BM and its role as a potential sanctuary for latent virus. We found that the BM compartment undergoes a similar depletion of memory CD4+T cells as PB, and during ART treatment the BM-derived memory CD4+T cells contain high levels of cells expressing CTLA-4 and PD-1, as well as amounts of cell-associated SIV DNA, SIV RNA, and replication-competent virus comparable to those in PB. These results enrich our understanding of which anatomic compartments harbor replication virus and suggest that BM-derived CD4+T cells need to be targeted by therapeutic strategies aimed at achieving an HIV cure.

scholarly journals Vaccine-Induced Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Specific CD8+T-Cell Responses Focused on a Single Nef Epitope Select for Escape Variants Shortly after Infection

2015 ◽  
Vol 89 (21) ◽  
pp. 10802-10820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauricio A. Martins ◽  
Damien C. Tully ◽  
Michael A. Cruz ◽  
Karen A. Power ◽  
Marlon G. Veloso de Santana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Response ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
T Cell Responses ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
Cell Responses ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1 ◽  
Group 1

ABSTRACTCertain major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) alleles (e.g.,HLA-B*27) are enriched among human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals who suppress viremia without treatment (termed “elite controllers” [ECs]). Likewise,Mamu-B*08expression also predisposes rhesus macaques to control simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication. Given the similarities between Mamu-B*08 and HLA-B*27, SIV-infectedMamu-B*08+animals provide a model to investigate HLA-B*27-mediated elite control. We have recently shown that vaccination with three immunodominant Mamu-B*08-restricted epitopes (Vif RL8, Vif RL9, and Nef RL10) increased the incidence of elite control inMamu-B*08+macaques after challenge with the pathogenic SIVmac239 clone. Furthermore, a correlate analysis revealed that CD8+T cells targeting Nef RL10 was correlated with improved outcome. Interestingly, this epitope is conserved between SIV and HIV-1 and exhibits a delayed and atypical escape pattern. These features led us to postulate that a monotypic vaccine-induced Nef RL10-specific CD8+T-cell response would facilitate the development of elite control inMamu-B*08+animals following repeated intrarectal challenges with SIVmac239. To test this, we vaccinatedMamu-B*08+animals withnefinserts in which Nef RL10 was either left intact (group 1) or disrupted by mutations (group 2). Although monkeys in both groups mounted Nef-specific cellular responses, only those in group 1 developed Nef RL10-specific CD8+T cells. These vaccine-induced effector memory CD8+T cells did not prevent infection. Escape variants emerged rapidly in the group 1 vaccinees, and ultimately, the numbers of ECs were similar in groups 1 and 2. High-frequency vaccine-induced CD8+T cells focused on a single conserved epitope and therefore did not prevent infection or increase the incidence of elite control inMamu-B*08+macaques.IMPORTANCESince elite control of chronic-phase viremia is a classic example of an effective immune response against HIV/SIV, elucidating the basis of this phenomenon may provide useful insights into how to elicit such responses by vaccination. We have previously established that vaccine-induced CD8+T-cell responses against three immunodominant epitopes can increase the incidence of elite control in SIV-infectedMamu-B*08+rhesus macaques—a model of HLA-B*27-mediated elite control. Here, we investigated whether a monotypic vaccine-induced CD8+T-cell response targeting the conserved “late-escaping” Nef RL10 epitope can increase the incidence of elite control inMamu-B*08+monkeys. Surprisingly, vaccine-induced Nef RL10-specific CD8+T cells selected for variants within days after infection and, ultimately, did not facilitate the development of elite control. Elite control is, therefore, likely to involve CD8+T-cell responses against more than one epitope. Together, these results underscore the complexity and multidimensional nature of virologic control of lentivirus infection.

scholarly journals Perturbations of Cell Cycle Control in T Cells Contribute to the Different Outcomes of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Rhesus Macaques and Sooty Mangabeys

2006 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 634-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Paiardini ◽  
B. Cervasi ◽  
B. Sumpter ◽  
H. M. McClure ◽  
D. L. Sodora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Cell Cycle Control ◽  
Cyclin B ◽  
T Cell Apoptosis ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Sooty Mangabeys ◽  
Siv Infection

ABSTRACT In contrast to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of humans and experimental simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection of rhesus macaques (RMs), SIV infection of sooty mangabeys (SMs), a natural host African monkey species, is typically nonpathogenic and associated with preservation of CD4+ T-cell counts despite chronic high levels of viral replication. In previous studies, we have shown that the lack of SIV disease progression in SMs is related to lower levels of immune activation and bystander T-cell apoptosis compared to those of pathogenic HIV/SIV infection (G. Silvestri, D. Sodora, R. Koup, M. Paiardini, S. O’Neil, H. M. McClure, S. I. Staprans, and M. B. Feinberg, Immunity 18:441-452, 2003; G. Silvestri, A. Fedanov, S. Germon, N. Kozyr, W. J. Kaiser, D. A. Garber, H. M. McClure, M. B. Feinberg, and S. I. Staprans, J. Virol. 79:4043-4054, 2005). In HIV-infected patients, increased T-cell susceptibility to apoptosis is associated with a complex cell cycle dysregulation (CCD) that involves increased activation of the cyclin B/p34-cdc2 complex and abnormal nucleolar structure with dysregulation of nucleolin turnover. Here we report that CCD is also present during pathogenic SIV infection of RMs, and its extent correlates with the level of immune activation and T-cell apoptosis. In marked contrast, naturally SIV-infected SMs show normal regulation of cell cycle control (i.e., normal intracellular levels of cyclin B and preserved nucleolin turnover) and a low propensity to apoptosis in both peripheral blood- and lymph node-derived T cells. The absence of significant CCD in the AIDS-free, non-immune-activated SMs despite high levels of viral replication indicates that CCD is a marker of disease progression during lentiviral infection and supports the hypothesis that the preservation of cell cycle control may help to confer the disease-resistant phenotype of SIV-infected SMs.

scholarly journals Differential Dynamics of Regulatory T-Cell and Th17 Cell Balance in Mesenteric Lymph Nodes and Blood following Early Antiretroviral Initiation during Acute Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (19) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Yero ◽  
Omar Farnos ◽  
Henintsoa Rabezanahary ◽  
Gina Racine ◽  
Jérôme Estaquier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Lymph Nodes ◽  
Immune Activation ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Mesenteric Lymph Nodes ◽  
Tissue Fibrosis ◽  
Mesenteric Lymph ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Siv Infection

ABSTRACT Increased frequencies of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) are associated with gut lymphoid tissue fibrosis and dysfunction which, in turn, contribute to disease progression in chronic simian immunodeficiency virus/human immunodeficiency virus (SIV/HIV) infection. Mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), which drain the large and small intestine, are critical sites for the induction and maintenance of gut mucosal immunity. However, the dynamics of Tregs in MLNs are not well understood due to the lack of accessibility to these tissues in HIV-infected individuals. Here, the dynamics of Tregs in blood and MLNs were assessed in SIV-infected rhesus macaques (RMs) following early antiretroviral drug (ARV) initiation. Early ARV initiation reduced T-cell immune activation, as assessed by HLA-DR/CD39 expression, and prevented the depletion of memory CCR6+ Th17 cells in both blood and MLNs. Untreated animals showed higher frequencies of Tregs, CD39+ Tregs, thymic Tregs, and new memory CD4 populations sharing similarity with Tregs as CTLA4+ PD1– and CTLA4+ PD1– FoxP3+ T cells. Despite early ARV treatment, the frequencies of these Treg subsets remained unchanged within the MLNs and, in contrast to blood normalization, the Th17/Treg ratio remained distorted in MLNs. Furthermore, our results highlighted that the expressions of IDO-1, TGFβ1 and collagen-1 mRNA remained unchanged in MLN of ARV-treated RMs. ARV interruption did not affect T-cell immune activation and Th17/Treg ratios in MLN. Altogether, our data demonstrated that early ARV initiation within the first few days of SIV infection is unable to reduce the frequencies and homing of various subsets of Tregs within the MLNs which, in turn, may result in tissue fibrosis, impairment in MLN function, and HIV persistence. IMPORTANCE Tregs contribute to SIV/HIV disease progression by inhibition of antiviral specific responses and effector T-cell proliferation. Tregs also cause tissue fibrosis via transforming growth factor β1 production and collagen deposition, which are associated with microbial translocation and generalized immune activation. Early ARV initiation upon viral exposure is recommended globally and results in improved immune function recovery and reduced viral persistence. Here, using an acute SIV infection model of rhesus macaques, we demonstrated for the first time that despite clear improvements in mucosal CD4 T cells, in contrast to blood, Treg frequencies in MLNs remained elevated following early ARV initiation. The particular Th17/Treg balance observed in MLNs can contribute, in part, to the maintenance of mucosal fibrosis during suppressive ARV treatment. Our results provide a better understanding of gut mucosal immune dynamics following early ARV initiation. These findings suggest that Treg-based treatments could serve as a novel immunotherapeutic approach to decrease gut mucosal damage during SIV/HIV infections.

scholarly journals Intestinal double-positive CD4+CD8+ T cells of neonatal rhesus macaques are proliferating, activated memory cells and primary targets for SIVMAC251 infection

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (13) ◽  
pp. 4981-4990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolei Wang ◽  
Arpita Das ◽  
Andrew A. Lackner ◽  
Ronald S. Veazey ◽  
Bapi Pahar
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Cd8 T Cells ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Memory Cells ◽  
Double Positive ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Single Positive ◽  
Siv Infection ◽  
Different Tissues

AbstractPeripheral blood and thymic double-positive (DP) CD4+CD8+ T cells from neonates have been described earlier, but the function and immunophenotypic characteristics of other tissue-derived DP T cells are not clearly understood. Here, we demonstrate the functional and immunophenotypic characteristics of DP cells in 6 different tissues, including thymus from normal neonatal rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) between 0 and 21 days of age. In general, intestinal DP T cells of neonates have higher percentages of memory markers (CD28+CD95+CD45RAlowCD62Llow) and proliferation compared with single-positive (SP) CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In addition, percentages of DP T cells increase and CD62L expression decreases as animals mature, suggesting that DP cells mature and proliferate with maturity and/or antigen exposure. Consistent with this, intestinal DP T cells in neonates express higher levels of CCR5 and are the primary targets in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection. Finally, DP T cells produce higher levels of cytokine in response to mitogen stimulation compared with SP CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that intestinal DP T cells of neonates are proliferating, activated memory cells and are likely involved in regulating immune responses, in contrast to immature DP T cells in the thymus.

scholarly journals Massive infection and loss of CD4+ T cells occurs in the intestinal tract of neonatal rhesus macaques in acute SIV infection

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 109 (3) ◽  
pp. 1174-1181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolei Wang ◽  
Terri Rasmussen ◽  
Bapi Pahar ◽  
Bhawna Poonia ◽  
Xavier Alvarez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cd4 T Cells ◽  
Intestinal Tract ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Central Memory ◽  
T Cell Subsets ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Siv Infection ◽  
Memory Cd4 T Cells

Abstract Rapid, profound, and selective depletion of memory CD4+ T cells has now been confirmed to occur in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)–infected adult macaques and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected humans. Within days of infection, marked depletion of memory CD4+ T cells occurs primarily in mucosal tissues, the major reservoir for memory CD4+ T cells in adults. However, HIV infection in neonates often results in higher viral loads and rapid disease progression, despite the paucity of memory CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood. Here, we examined the immunophenotype of CD4+ T cells in normal and SIV-infected neonatal macaques to determine the distribution of naive and memory T-cell subsets in tissues. We demonstrate that, similar to adults, neonates have abundant memory CD4+ T cells in the intestinal tract and spleen and that these are selectively infected and depleted in primary SIV infection. Within 12 days of SIV infection, activated (CD69+), central memory (CD95+CD28+) CD4+ T cells are marked and persistently depleted in the intestine and other tissues of neonates compared with controls. The results in dicate that “activated” central memory CD4+ T cells are the major target for early SIV infection and CD4+ T cell depletion in neonatal macaques.

scholarly journals Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) Infection Influences the Level and Function of Regulatory T Cells in SIV-Infected Rhesus Macaques but Not SIV-Infected Sooty Mangabeys

2007 ◽  
Vol 81 (9) ◽  
pp. 4445-4456 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. E. Pereira ◽  
F. Villinger ◽  
N. Onlamoon ◽  
P. Bryan ◽  
A. Cardona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Regulatory T Cells ◽  
Simian Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Acute Infection ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Sooty Mangabeys ◽  
Siv Infection

ABSTRACT Differences in clinical outcome of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in disease-resistant African sooty mangabeys (SM) and disease-susceptible Asian rhesus macaques (RM) prompted us to examine the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in these two animal models. Results from a cross-sectional study revealed maintenance of the frequency and absolute number of peripheral Tregs in chronically SIV-infected SM while a significant loss occurred in chronically SIV-infected RM compared to uninfected animals. A longitudinal study of experimentally SIV-infected animals revealed a transient increase in the frequency of Tregs from baseline values following acute infection in RM, but no change in the frequency of Tregs occurred in SM during this period. Further examination revealed a strong correlation between plasma viral load (VL) and the level of Tregs in SIV-infected RM but not SM. A correlation was also noted in SIV-infected RM that control VL spontaneously or in response to antiretroviral chemotherapy. In addition, immunofluorescent cell count assays showed that while Treg-depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells from RM led to a significant enhancement of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses to select pools of SIV peptides, there was no detectable T-cell response to the same pool of SIV peptides in Treg-depleted cells from SIV-infected SM. Our data collectively suggest that while Tregs do appear to play a role in the control of viremia and the magnitude of the SIV-specific immune response in RM, their role in disease resistance in SM remains unclear.

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