MHC Class I Allele Mane-A*10 Protects Against SIV-Induced CNS Disease in Macaques
Author Information
Author(s): Mankowski Joseph L., Queen Suzanne E., Fernandez Caroline S., Tarwater Patrick M., Karper Jami M., Adams Robert J., Kent Stephen J.
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Does the expression of the MHC class I allele Mane-A*10 influence the development of lentiviral-induced CNS disease in SIV-infected macaques?
Conclusion
Macaques expressing the Mane-A*10 allele are less likely to develop SIV-induced CNS disease compared to those that do not express the allele.
Supporting Evidence
- 24 out of 63 macaques expressed the Mane-A*10 allele.
- Only 6 of 24 Mane-A*10 positive macaques developed SIV CNS disease.
- 26 of 39 Mane-A*10 negative macaques developed SIV CNS disease.
- Mane-A*10 positive animals had lower CNS immunostaining for CD68.
- Mane-A*10 positive animals had significantly lower SIV RNA levels in the basal ganglia.
- Mane-A*10 positive animals had lower axonal accumulation of APP.
Takeaway
Some monkeys have a special gene that helps protect their brains from a virus that usually makes them sick. If they have this gene, they get less sick from the virus.
Methodology
The study involved a retrospective cohort of 63 pig-tailed macaques inoculated with SIV and analyzed for MHC class I allele expression and CNS disease outcomes.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the non-randomized nature of treatment among the macaques.
Limitations
The study is limited by its retrospective design and the small sample size of treated versus untreated animals.
Participant Demographics
63 pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Statistical Significance
p=0.002
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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