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An AIDS-like condition induced in baboons by HIV-2
S W Barnett1, K K Murthy, B G Herndier
1Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|October 28, 1994
Summary
Baboons infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) developed persistent infections, immune suppression, and AIDS-like symptoms. This baboon model is crucial for understanding HIV-2 persistence and testing therapies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Developing effective animal models is crucial for studying HIV pathogenesis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of baboons (Papio cynocephalus) as an animal model for human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) infection.
- To characterize the clinical, immunological, and pathological outcomes of HIV-2 infection in baboons.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous inoculation of six baboons with the HIV-2UC2 strain.
- Monitoring of seroconversion, viral persistence, CD4+ T cell counts, and clinical signs.
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of affected tissues.
Main Results:
- All inoculated baboons seroconverted to HIV-2.
- Five out of six baboons developed persistent HIV-2 infections.
- Three baboons exhibited CD4+ T cell loss within 18–24 months post-inoculation.
- One baboon showed severe clinical symptoms, including lymphadenopathy, widespread viral dissemination, lymphoid depletion, fibromatosis, and pneumonitis.
- Another baboon presented with cachexia, lymphoid lysis, and skin lesions.
- Baboons inoculated with the HIV-2UC14 strain also showed persistent infection.
Conclusions:
- Baboons infected with HIV-2 serve as a valuable animal model for studying HIV persistence and pathogenesis.
- This model can be utilized for evaluating antiviral therapies against HIV-2.