Post-exposure Prophylaxis for SIV Revisited: Animal Model for HIV Prevention
Author Information
Author(s): Emau Peter, Jiang Yonghou, Agy Michael B, Tian Baoping, Bekele Girma, Tsai Che-Chung
Primary Institution: Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington
Hypothesis
Does the timing and duration of PMPA treatment affect its efficacy in preventing SIV infection in macaques?
Conclusion
A single interruption plus one SIVmne challenge was as sufficient as six interruptions plus six SIVmne challenges in reducing efficacy of PMPA, but results in long-term persistence of virus infection suppressed by CD8+ cells.
Supporting Evidence
- All seronegative macaques developed persistent antibody responses after stopping PMPA treatment.
- Weakly or strongly seropositive macaques showed immediate increases in SIV antibody titers.
- CD8+ cell-suppression of viremia persisted for up to 2 years after PMPA treatment.
Takeaway
If monkeys get treated quickly after being exposed to a virus, they can avoid getting sick, but if treatment is interrupted, they might still get some virus that their body can keep under control.
Methodology
The study involved treating cynomolgus macaques with PMPA after SIVmne inoculation and evaluating the impact of treatment interruptions and re-exposures on infection prevention.
Limitations
The study's findings may not apply to other SIV isolates or species of macaques, and the small sample size limits generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) with varying pre-existing SIV antibody responses.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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