Disease progression patterns of SHIV-KB9 in rhesus macaques of Chinese origin in comparison with Indian macaques.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a model of SHIV-KB9/Chinese origin rhesus (Ch Rh) macaques for vaccine research and to compare the pathogenesis of SHIV-KB9 in Ch Rh macaques with that reported in Indian rhesus (Ind Rh) macaques.


METHODS
Seven mamu-A*01 negative Ch Rh macaques were inoculated intravenously with 1-10000 MID50 of SHIV-KB9. The monkeys were monitored for viral load, CD4, CD8, SHIV-specific antibody and virus genetic variation. The results were compared with those previously observed in Ind Rh macaques.


RESULTS
As compared to that observed in Ind Rh macaques, SHIV-KB9 in Ch Rh macaques displayed three identical disease progression patterns. However, the primary pattern was not identical between the two subspecies. The level of plasma viremia differed in SHIV-KB9-infected Ch Rh macaques which exhibited different outcomes from those in Ind Rh macaques. Generally, the values of viral load and the maintenance of CD4+ T cells were associated with humoral responses. Otherwise, the viral genetic distances (divergence, diversity) were larger in animals (M419, M425) with their CD4+ T cells profoundly depleted.


CONCLUSIONS
The model of SHIV-KB9/Ch Rh macaques displays a relatively slow progression to AIDS compared with Ind Rh macaques, which may more accurately reflect the potential of candidate vaccines in humans.
State Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China.
Qiang
Q
Liu
Gui-Bo
GB
Yang
Hui
H
Zhao
Qiang
Q
Wei
Hui
H
Xing
Chuan
C
Qin
Yi-Ming
YM
Shao
D000818:Animals; D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D002681:China; D018450:Disease Progression; D007194:India; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D016097:Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000473:pathology*; D013045:Species Specificity; D019562:Viral Load