Simian immunodeficiency virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes are present in the AIDS-associated skin rash in rhesus monkeys.
An infiltration of CD8+ lymphocytes in the dermis and epidermis underlies the skin rash that commonly occurs as a primary manifestation of an AIDS virus infection. These cutaneous lymphocytes were characterized in simian immunodeficiency virus of macaques (SIVmac)-infected rhesus monkeys. Skin rash-associated lymphocytes exhibited greater lysis of SIVmac-expressing target cells and a higher cloning efficiency for SIVmac-specific effector T cells than PBL. Moreover, both SIVmac envelope- and gag-specific CTL could be readily cloned from these skin rash-associated lymphocytes. In fact, the skin rash-associated CTL exhibited the same MHC restriction and epitope specificity as those CTL derived from PBL. These studies, therefore, demonstrate that the cutaneous infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes in SIVmac-infected rhesus monkeys include SIVmac-specific CTL. Thus, whereas virus-specific CTL are likely to represent an important mechanism for controlling AIDS virus infections, they also may play a role in the pathogenesis of the skin lesions that occur after this infection.
Yamamoto
H
H
Harvard Medical School, New England Regional Primate Research Center, Southborough, MA 01772.
Ringler
D J
DJ
Miller
M D
MD
Yasutomi
Y
Y
Hasunuma
T
T
Letvin
N L
NL
D000818:Animals; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D016097:Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D015302:Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000276:immunology*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*
D016827:CD8 Antigens