Abstract
All structural and regulatory genes of SIVmne were cloned into mammalian expression vectors to optimize expression in vitro and immunogenicity in mice. Macaca fascicularis were immunized four times with plasmid DNA (n = 4), or two DNA priming inoculations followed by two boosts of recombinant gp160 plus Gag-Pol particles (n = 4). Following intrarectal challenge with SIVmne, all macaques became infected. Three monkeys immunized with DNA alone maintained low plasma virus loads by 1 year post-challenge; the fourth exhibited high virus loads and significant CD4+ cell decline. Two of the DNA plus boost and three control macaques had high virus loads and associated CD4+ cell decline. Both vaccine protocols elicited antibodies and comparable helper T-cell proliferative responses to gp160. Cytokine mRNA levels in activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) taken at time of challenge suggested a dominant T helper (Th) 1 state in three DNA-immunized and one protein-boosted macaque, which correlated with low virus loads and high CD4+ cell counts post-challenge.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 206-213 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of medical primatology |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 4-5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1999 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cytokines
- Primate models
- Subunits
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Animal Science and Zoology
- General Veterinary