Type 1 and type 2 cytokine gene expression by viral gp135 surface protein-activated T lymphocytes in caprine arthritis-encephalitis lentivirus infection.
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from Saanen goats experimentally infected with the lentivirus caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) were evaluated by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase PCR for gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and IL-2 gene expression following in vitro stimulation with purified CAEV gp135 surface protein (SU). Studies examined three goats with chronic arthritis and four clinically asymptomatic goats at 5 years postinfection. SU-responsive IFN-gamma mRNA-positive cells and IL-4 mRNA-positive cells in PBMC from infected goats reflected differences in lymphokine balance associated with disease status. IFN-gamma mRNA-positive cells were dominant in PBMC from asymptomatic goats, whereas SU-responsive IL-4 mRNA-positive cells were dominant in PBMC from goats with arthritis. IL-2 gene expression was not responsive to SU stimulation of PBMC from either asymptomatic or arthritic goats. Lymphokine mRNA profiles in SU-stimulated PBMC were dependent on the presence of CD4+ T lymphocytes. The results indicate that asymptomatic goats have a dominant population of CAEV SU-reactive T-helper 1 (Th1)-like lymphocytes in PBMC whereas goats with clinical arthritis have a dominant population of SU-reactive Th2-like lymphocytes.
Cheevers
W P
WP
Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6040, USA. cheevers@vetmed.wsu.edu
Beyer
J C
JC
Knowles
D P
DP
D000818:Animals; D016088:Arthritis-Encephalitis Virus, Caprine; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D006041:Goats; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000235:genetics*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000235:genetics; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000235:genetics*; D016180:Lentivirus Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000502:physiology*
D007376:Interleukin-2; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007371:Interferon-gamma