T cell responses in macaques after vaginal immunization with particulate SIV p27 antigen

Rhesus monkeys were immunized by the vaginal and oral routes using a recombinant particulate simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) antigen. Augmenting vaginal by oral immunization in macaques elicits proliferative CD4+ T cells in the circulation which are specific to the immunizing p27 antigen. Reconstitution of enriched CD4+ T cells, B cells and macrophages from circulating mononuclear cells help B cells in specific IgA anti-p27 antibody synthesis. The results suggest that augmented vaginal immunization induces systemic CD4+ T and B cell responses which may play a part in the protective immunity against SIV (HIV) infection.