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Differences in viral distribution and cell adhesion molecule expression in the intestinal tract of rhesus macaques
J D Stone1, C C Heise, D R Canfield
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA.
Abstract:
We investigated SIV infection and expression of adhesion molecules in the small intestine of rhesus macaques infected with pathogenic SIV (SIVmac) or nonpathogenic clone (SIV1A11). There was a wider dissemination and marked difference in tissue localization of SIVmac relative to SIV1A11. Our results also indicate that viral pathogenicity is associated with increased migration of inflammatory cells expressing VLA-alpha 4, LFA-1 alpha, Mac-1 alpha, ICAM-1, and beta 2 integrin into the intestinal mucosa.
Insights
Pathogenic SIVmac infection causes wider viral spread and increased inflammatory cell migration in the small intestine compared to nonpathogenic SIV1A11. This suggests viral pathogenicity is linked to specific adhesion molecule expression and immune cell infiltration.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in rhesus macaques serves as a model for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
- Understanding the mechanisms of viral dissemination and host immune response in the gastrointestinal tract is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the dissemination and tissue localization of pathogenic SIV (SIVmac) and nonpathogenic SIV1A11 in the small intestine of rhesus macaques.
- To investigate the association between viral pathogenicity and the expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory cell infiltration in the intestinal mucosa.
Main Methods:
- Rhesus macaques were infected with either pathogenic SIVmac or nonpathogenic SIV1A11.
- SIV dissemination and tissue localization were assessed.
- Expression of adhesion molecules (VLA-alpha 4, LFA-1 alpha, Mac-1 alpha, ICAM-1, and beta 2 integrin) on inflammatory cells in the intestinal mucosa was analyzed.
Main Results:
- SIVmac exhibited wider dissemination and distinct tissue localization patterns compared to SIV1A11.
- Increased migration of inflammatory cells expressing VLA-alpha 4, LFA-1 alpha, Mac-1 alpha, ICAM-1, and beta 2 integrin was observed in the intestinal mucosa of SIVmac-infected macaques.
- These findings suggest a correlation between viral pathogenicity and specific immune cell adhesion molecule expression.
Conclusions:
- Viral pathogenicity in SIV infection is associated with enhanced inflammatory cell recruitment to the intestinal mucosa.
- The differential expression of adhesion molecules plays a role in the distinct tissue tropism and pathogenicity observed between SIVmac and SIV1A11.
- Targeting these adhesion pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for managing SIV/HIV-induced gastrointestinal pathology.