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Relationship of mitogen reactivity to type D retrovirus infection in Celebes black macaques (Macaca nigra)
Abstract:
The Celebes black macaque (Macaca nigra) colony at the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center has a high incidence of an immunodeficiency syndrome characterized by recurrent diarrhea and the development of retroperitoneal fibromatosis (RF). We have examined the relationship of type D viral infection to the immunodeficiency syndrome by surveying the colony for viral infection and for mitogen reactivity. Type D virus-positive monkeys (28% of the colony) have a higher prevalence of diarrhea, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and weight loss than do virus-negative monkeys, and RF has been found to occur only in virus-positive animals. Comparison of the concanavalin A (con-A) and phytohemagglutinin reactivities of the virus-positive and -negative populations has revealed no significant difference. However, within the virus-positive population, those with RF have reduced con-A reactivity and there are both high and low mitogen responders in the groups lacking RF. Thirty-two percent of the virus-positive monkeys are free of clinical symptoms, 40% have clinical symptoms but no RF, and 27% have clinical symptoms and RF. Five of the six monkeys with RF are older than the RF-free monkeys but monkeys are susceptible to type D retrovirus infection regardless of age or sex. The progressive nature of this immunodeficiency syndrome, its broad age range, and the probability that the etiological agent is also a type D retrovirus and the similarity of RF to Kaposi's sarcoma make this a potentially useful model for human AIDS.
Insights
Celebes black macaques infected with type D retrovirus show high rates of immunodeficiency syndrome and retroperitoneal fibromatosis (RF). This condition resembles human AIDS, suggesting a valuable primate model for studying the disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Primate Immunology
- Retroviral Infections
Background:
- Celebes black macaques exhibit a high incidence of immunodeficiency syndrome.
- This syndrome is characterized by recurrent diarrhea and retroperitoneal fibromatosis (RF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between type D retroviral infection and the observed immunodeficiency syndrome.
- To assess the impact of viral infection on immune cell reactivity.
Main Methods:
- Surveying a macaque colony for type D retroviral infection.
- Evaluating T-cell mitogen reactivity (concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin).
- Correlating viral status and clinical signs, including RF.
Main Results:
- 28% of macaques were positive for type D virus, with higher rates of diarrhea, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and weight loss.
- Retroperitoneal fibromatosis (RF) occurred exclusively in virus-positive animals.
- While overall mitogen reactivity showed no difference between virus-positive and -negative groups, virus-positive macaques with RF had reduced concanavalin A reactivity.
Conclusions:
- Type D retroviral infection is strongly associated with an immunodeficiency syndrome in Celebes black macaques.
- The syndrome, particularly RF, shares similarities with human Kaposi's sarcoma and AIDS.
- This macaque model offers potential for studying AIDS pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies.