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.
Liu
Qiang
Q
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.
Yang
Gui-Bo
GB
Zhao
Hui
H
Wei
Qiang
Q
Xing
Hui
H
Qin
Chuan
C
Shao
Yi-Ming
YM
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