Polymerase chain reaction detection of type D simian retrovirus proviral DNA from infected macaques

A simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach was developed for detection of Type D simian retrovirus (SRV) serogroup 2 proviral DNA using peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) obtained from infected macaques. PCR primer pairs were developed against serogroup 2 envelope (env) gene sequence, and fidelity of PCR fragment amplification was determined using molecularly cloned SRV serogroup 2 (D2/RHE/OR) DNA, and genomic DNA from Raji cells independently infected with different SRV serogroups. One primer pair exhibiting high fidelity was then utilized for PCR detection of serogroup 2 proviral DNA from PBLs, and from cells sorted into immune cell subpopulations by fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS). Enυ PCR fragments were readily detected from as few as 10⁴ PBLs or immune cell subpopulations. In addition, highly specific PCR primers against serogroups 1 and 3 were utilized to detect proviral DNA from Raji cells infected with SRV serogroups. In all cases, primers designed to amplify serogroups 1,2, and 3 proviral DNA were specific for their intended serogroup. This primer information and development of a PCR approach for detection of specific SRV proviral DNA will be of potential utility as a rapid surveillance tool in monitoring type D simian retrovirus infection within Asian macaque colonies.