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Analysis of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-specific CD8+ T-cells in Rhesus Macaques by Peptide-MHC-I Tetramer Staining
Published on: December 23, 2016
A model of genital herpes simplex virus Type 1 infection in Rhesus Macaques
Meropi Aravantinou1, Ines Frank1, Geraldine Arrode-Bruses1
1Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA.
Background:
Although HSV-2 is the major cause of genital lesions, HSV-1 accounts for half of new cases in developed countries.
Methods:
Three healthy SHIV-SF162P3-infected Indian rhesus macaques were inoculated with 4×108 pfu of HSV-1 twice, with the second inoculation performed after the vaginal mucosa was gently abraded with a cytobrush.
Results:
HSV-1 DNA was detected in vaginal swabs 5 days after the second but not the first inoculation in all three macaques. An increase in inflammatory cytokines was detected in the vaginal fluids of the animals with no or intermittent shedding. Higher frequency of blood α4 β7high CD4+ T cells was measured in the animals with consistent and intermitted shedding, while a decrease in the frequency of CD69+ CD4+ T cells was present in all animals.
Conclusions:
This macaque model of genital HSV-1 could be useful to study the impact of the growing epidemic of genital HSV-1 on HIV infection.
Insights
Genital herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections are increasing in developed countries. A new macaque model shows HSV-1 can establish in the genital tract, offering insights into its impact on HIV.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the primary cause of genital lesions.
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) now accounts for approximately 50% of new genital herpes cases in developed nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a macaque model for studying genital HSV-1 infections.
- To investigate the impact of genital HSV-1 on HIV infection dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Three Indian rhesus macaques, infected with SHIV-SF162P3, were inoculated twice with HSV-1 (4×10^8 pfu).
- The second HSV-1 inoculation was preceded by gentle abrasion of the vaginal mucosa with a cytobrush.
Main Results:
- HSV-1 DNA was detected in vaginal swabs 5 days post-second inoculation in all macaques.
- Increased inflammatory cytokines were observed in vaginal fluids of animals with no or intermittent shedding.
- Consistent/intermittent shedding correlated with higher frequencies of blood α4β7high CD4+ T cells.
- A decrease in CD69+ CD4+ T cells was noted in all animals.
Conclusions:
- A macaque model for genital HSV-1 infection has been established.
- This model can facilitate research into the growing epidemic of genital HSV-1 and its interaction with HIV infection.
