HIV-1 transgenic rats develop T cell abnormalities.
HIV-1 infection leads to impaired antigen-specific T cell proliferation, increased susceptibility of T cells to apoptosis, progressive impairment of T-helper 1 (Th1) responses, and altered maturation of HIV-1-specific memory cells. We have identified similar impairments in HIV-1 transgenic (Tg) rats. Tg rats developed an absolute reduction in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells able to produce IFN-gamma following activation and an increased susceptibility of T cells to activation-induced apoptosis. CD4+ and CD8+ effector/memory (CD45RC- CD62L-) pools were significantly smaller in Tg rats compared to non-Tg controls, although the converse was true for the naïve (CD45RC+ CD62L+) T cell pool. Our interpretation is that the HIV transgene causes defects in the development of T cell effector function and generation of specific effector/memory T cell subsets, and that activation-induced apoptosis may be an essential factor in this process.
Reid
William
W
Division of Basic Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. reid@umbi.umd.edu
Abdelwahab
Sayed
S
Sadowska
Mariola
M
Huso
David
D
Neal
Ashley
A
Ahearn
Aaron
A
Bryant
Joseph
J
Gallo
Robert C
RC
Lewis
George K
GK
Reitz
Marvin
M
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D017209:Apoptosis; D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000032:analysis; D019041:L-Selectin / Q000032:analysis; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D023421:Models, Animal; D051381:Rats / Q000235:genetics*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D019041:L-Selectin; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens