The gag-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in rhesus monkeys infected with the simian immunodeficiency virus of macaques.
The simian immunodeficiency virus of macaques (SIVmac) is a lentivirus which induces an AIDS-like disease in rhesus monkeys. We have explored the virus-specific cellular immune response in SIVmac-infected rhesus monkeys. Con A-activated, IL-2 expanded PBL of some SIVmac-infected rhesus monkeys lyse autologous B lymphoblastoid cell lines infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus that carries the SIVmac gag gene. This lysis is mediated by CD8+ lymphocytes and is MHC class I restricted. Moreover, these effector lymphocytes do not express the NK cell-associated molecules NKH1 or CD16. These cells are, therefore, CTL. In a limited prospective study of SIVmac-infected rhesus monkeys, the presence of the SIVmac gag-specific CTL activity in PBL correlated with both a reduced efficiency in isolating SIVmac from PBL of these monkeys and their extended survival. This method for assessing SIVmac gag-specific cellular immunity in rhesus monkeys will be important not only in investigating the immunopathogenesis of SIVmac-induced disease, but also in evaluating the capacity of candidate AIDS vaccines to elicit a cell-mediated immune response in this animal model.
Miller
M D
MD
Harvard Medical School, New England Regional Primate Research Center, Southborough, MA 01772.
Lord
C I
CI
Stallard
V
V
Mazzara
G P
GP
Letvin
N L
NL
D000818:Animals; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology*; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D015683:Gene Products, gag / Q000276:immunology*; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000032:analysis; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D012192:Retroviridae Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D015302:Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000276:immunology*; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D014779:Virus Replication
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D015683:Gene Products, gag; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I