This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Caribbean-born African green monkeys (AGMs) were classified as Chlorocebus sabaeus by cytochrome B sequencing. Guided by these phylogenetic analyses we developed a new model for the study of SIV infection in natural hosts by infecting Caribbean AGMs with their species-specific SIVagm.sab. SIVagm.sab replicated efficiently in Carribean AGM PBMCs in vitro. During SIVagm.sab primary infection of six Carribean AGMs, the virus replicated at high levels, with peak viral loads (VLs) of 10^7-10^8 copies/ml occurring by day 8-10 post-infection (p.i.). Set-point values of up to 2x105 copies/ml were reached by day 42 p.i. and maintained throughout follow up (through day 450 p.i.). CD4+ T cell counts in the blood showed a transient depletion at the peak of VL, then returned to near preinfection values by day 28 p.i. and remained relatively stable during the chronic infection. Preservation of CD4 T cells was also found in lymph nodes (LNs) of chronic SIVagm.sab-infected Caribbean AGMs. These virological and immunological profiles from peripheral blood and LNs were identical to those previously reported in African-born AGMs infected with the same viral strain (92018). Due to these similarities, we conclude that Caribbean AGMs are a useful alternative to AGMs of African origin as a model for the study of SIV infection in natural African hosts.
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