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Simian immunodeficiency virus infection of macaque primary placental cells
1Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.
Abstract:
We have characterized the ability of a simian immunodeficiency virus, SIVmne strain E11S, to infect macaque placental trophoblast and Hofbauer cells. These primary placental cells were permissive to SIVmne infection, regardless of gestational age. Virus production by the infected cells was determined as time-dependent viral core antigen p27 production, followed by verification of the proviral gag/LTR DNA sequences in the infected cells using a polymerase chain reaction assay. Of more than six placentas tested, SIVmne infection of placental cells at an early gestational age (i.e., days 55 or 78) produced more than 10-fold the amount of virus core antigen p27 than did placental cells infected at a late gestational age (i.e., days 135 or 165). In addition, SIVmne infection of trophoblast cells was inhibited by SIVmac neutralizing macaque serum but not by normal serum, indicating the specificity of virus infection. Furthermore, the amount of SIV core antigen p27 produced by the virus-infected trophoblast and Hofbauer cells was shown to be dependent on the multiplicity of virus infection. Collectively, our results indicate that macaque trophoblast and Hofbauer cells can be infected by SIV and that both gestational age and viral dose may play a role in the extent of viral infection.
Insights
Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infects macaque placental cells, with early gestational ages showing higher viral production. Viral dose and gestational age influence SIV infection extent.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) is a lentivirus that affects non-human primates.
- Understanding SIV infection in placental cells is crucial for studying mother-to-child transmission.
- Macaque models are frequently used to study SIV pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the susceptibility of macaque placental trophoblast and Hofbauer cells to SIVmne infection.
- To investigate the impact of gestational age and viral dose on SIV infection in placental cells.
- To confirm the specificity of SIV infection in these primary placental cells.
Main Methods:
- Primary macaque placental trophoblast and Hofbauer cells were infected with SIVmne strain E11S.
- Viral core antigen p27 production was measured over time.
- Proviral gag/LTR DNA sequences were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Infection inhibition was tested using SIVmac neutralizing serum and normal serum.
Main Results:
- Macaque placental trophoblast and Hofbauer cells were permissive to SIVmne infection across all tested gestational ages.
- Early gestational age placental cells (days 55-78) produced over 10-fold more viral core antigen p27 than late gestational age cells (days 135-165).
- SIVmne infection of trophoblast cells was specifically inhibited by SIVmac neutralizing serum.
- Viral antigen production correlated with the multiplicity of infection.
Conclusions:
- Macaque trophoblast and Hofbauer cells are susceptible to SIV infection.
- Gestational age significantly influences the extent of SIV replication in placental cells.
- Viral dose is a critical factor in determining the level of SIV infection in placental cells.