SIV CTL Escape Mutants Are Selected in Lymph Nodes
Author Information
Author(s): Vanderford Thomas H., Bleckwehl Chelsea, Engram Jessica C., Dunham Richard M., Klatt Nichole R., Feinberg Mark B., Garber David A., Betts Michael R., Silvestri Guido
Primary Institution: Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University
Hypothesis
To determine the anatomic origin of SIV escape mutants during acute infection.
Conclusion
Lymph nodes are the primary source of CTL escape mutants during the acute phase of SIVmac239 infection.
Supporting Evidence
- CTL escape mutants appeared earlier and in higher frequency in lymph nodes than in rectal biopsies.
- By day 28 post infection, Tat-SL8 escape mutants were dominant in plasma virus.
- High frequency of escape mutants in lymph nodes correlated with CD8 T cell levels.
Takeaway
When monkeys get infected with a virus, the virus can change to avoid being attacked by the immune system, and this happens mostly in the lymph nodes.
Methodology
The study involved longitudinal assessment of CTL escape variants in plasma, PBMCs, lymph nodes, and rectal biopsies of SIV-infected rhesus macaques.
Limitations
The study may not represent all tissues involved in SIV infection and escape.
Participant Demographics
Fifteen MamuA*01-positive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.0022
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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