Predict disease progression from T-cell phenotypes in northern pig-tailed macaques (Macaca leonina) during SIVmac239
Ming-Xu Zhang1,2, Hong-Yi Zheng1, Jin Jiang1,2
1Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
Abstract:
Macaca leonina (northern pig-tailed macaques, NPMs) have variable disease progression during SIVmac239 infection. In the present study, we analysed, for the first time, the correlations between T-cell phenotypes and disease progression in NPMs during SIVmac239 infection. In comparison to normal progressors (NPs), slow progressors (SPs) had lower chronic T-cell activation and exhaustion levels. In addition, SPs showed higher peripheral CD4+ T-cell count and CD4 : CD8 ratio, and lower plasma viral load than NPs. CD4+ T-cell count and CD4 : CD8 ratio decreased more sharply in NPs than in SPs. Furthermore, T cells in NPs were more highly differentiated, at least in acute infection, than in SPs. These results indicated that T-cell phenotypes were correlated with disease progression in SIVmac239-infected NPMs and these correlations may provide valuable guidance for the improvement of therapeutic strategies tested in NPMs.
Insights
Slow progressors (SPs) in macaques infected with SIVmac239 showed less T-cell activation and exhaustion than normal progressors (NPs). This suggests T-cell phenotypes correlate with disease progression in macaques, aiding therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Primatology
Background:
- Macaca leonina (northern pig-tailed macaques, NPMs) exhibit varied disease progression following SIVmac239 infection.
- Understanding the immunological factors influencing disease progression is crucial for developing effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between T-cell phenotypes and disease progression in SIVmac239-infected NPMs.
- To identify potential biomarkers for predicting disease course and guiding therapeutic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of T-cell phenotypes, including activation and differentiation markers.
- Comparison of T-cell profiles between slow progressors (SPs) and normal progressors (NPs).
- Correlation of T-cell phenotypes with clinical parameters such as CD4+ T-cell counts, CD4:CD8 ratio, and plasma viral load.
Main Results:
- SPs demonstrated lower chronic T-cell activation and exhaustion compared to NPs.
- SPs maintained higher peripheral CD4+ T-cell counts and CD4:CD8 ratios, with lower plasma viral loads.
- NPs exhibited a sharper decline in CD4+ T-cell counts and CD4:CD8 ratios, alongside more differentiated T cells during acute infection.
Conclusions:
- T-cell phenotypes are significantly correlated with SIVmac239 disease progression in NPMs.
- These findings highlight the potential of T-cell profiles as indicators of disease trajectory.
- The identified correlations may inform the development and refinement of therapeutic strategies in macaque models.
