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Simian models for AIDS
M D Daniel1, R C Desrosiers, N L Letvin
1New England Regional Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Southborough, MA 01772.
Abstract:
The macaque immunodeficiency syndrome has many parallels to AIDS in humans. Affected monkeys develop profound, prolonged T lymphocyte dysfunction and die of lymphomas or opportunistic infections. We recently isolated a virus that we call SIV from four sick macaque monkeys. The morphology, growth characteristics, and antigenic properties of this virus indicate that it is related to the causative agent of human AIDS. The pathogenicity of this newly isolated virus was tested in macaque monkeys. Five of six died between 127 and 352 days following inoculation. The animals developed a wasting syndrome and died with adenovirus pancreatitis and/or pneumonia and primary retroviral encephalitis. Immunological abnormalities in these animals included a decrease in circulating T4+ lymphocytes and depressed peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferative response to pokeweed mitogen. The SIV monkey model holds great promise for testing antiviral agents and for the development of vaccines against AIDS.
Insights
Researchers isolated a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) from macaques, which caused an AIDS-like illness. This SIV macaque model is crucial for developing treatments and vaccines for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Macaque immunodeficiency syndrome mirrors human AIDS, characterized by T lymphocyte dysfunction and fatal opportunistic infections or lymphomas.
- A novel virus, termed simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), was isolated from sick macaques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenicity of the newly isolated SIV in macaque monkeys.
- To establish a macaque model for studying AIDS-related diseases and testing potential therapies.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of SIV from affected macaques.
- Pathogenicity testing of SIV through inoculation of healthy macaques.
- Monitoring of clinical signs, immunological parameters (T4+ lymphocyte counts, lymphocyte proliferation), and causes of mortality.
Main Results:
- Five out of six inoculated macaques died within 127-352 days post-inoculation.
- Animals exhibited wasting syndrome, adenovirus pancreatitis, pneumonia, and primary retroviral encephalitis.
- Immunological findings included decreased circulating T4+ lymphocytes and impaired lymphocyte proliferation.
Conclusions:
- The isolated SIV is related to the human AIDS virus and causes a similar disease in macaques.
- The SIV-induced macaque model is a valuable tool for evaluating antiviral agents and vaccine candidates for AIDS.