Accessory cells and macrophages in the histopathology of SIVsm-infected cynomolgus monkeys

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E Kaaya1, S L Li, H Feichtinger

  • 1Department of Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm.

Research in Virology
|January 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

This study shows that cynomolgus monkeys infected with SIVsm develop AIDS-like pathologies, including lymphoma and organ damage. Follicular dendritic cell destruction correlates with immunodeficiency, offering insights into human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Pathology
  • Immunology
  • Primate Models

Background:

  • Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in non-human primates serves as a crucial model for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
  • Understanding the pathogenesis of SIV-induced diseases is vital for developing effective therapeutic strategies against HIV/AIDS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the pathological manifestations of SIVsm (strain SMM-3) infection in cynomolgus monkeys.
  • To elucidate the role of follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) and monocyte/macrophage lineage cells in the pathogenesis of SIV-induced pathologies, including malignant lymphoma (ML).

Main Methods:

  • Infection of cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) with SIVsm (strain SMM-3).
  • Comprehensive histopathological examination of various organs, including lymph nodes, lungs, liver, central nervous system, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, and adrenals.
  • Assessment of CD4+ T-cell counts to correlate with disease progression and immunodeficiency.

Main Results:

  • 33 out of 39 monkeys developed pathologies resembling human AIDS.
  • Frequent lymphadenopathy (72%) characterized by follicular hyperplasia followed by involution due to FDC destruction, correlating with immunodeficiency.
  • Histopathological changes observed in multiple organs, with prominent monocyte/macrophage and multinucleated giant cell formation.
  • 18 monkeys (54%) developed extranodal malignant lymphoma (ML) associated with significant CD4+ T-cell depletion and follicular architecture destruction.

Conclusions:

  • The SIV-infected cynomolgus monkey model recapitulates key pathological features of human AIDS, including lymphadenopathy, organ damage, and high incidence of ML.
  • FDC destruction and monocyte/macrophage involvement are critical in the pathogenesis of SIV-induced diseases, mirroring aspects of HIV infection.
  • This model is valuable for studying the roles of FDCs and monocytes/macrophages in AIDS pathogenesis and for testing potential interventions.

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