Abstract
A simian type D retrovirus designated SRV induces a fatal immunosuppressive disease in rhesus macaques. This syndrome shows many clinical similarities to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals. To investigate the mechanisms of immune dysfunction in SRV infection, we have focused on the interactions of SRV serotype 1 (SRV-1) with macaque B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-LCL). Procedures were optimized for establishing B-LCL by immortalization of macaque B lymphocytes with rhesus Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). These cell lines express B-cell surface markers, secrete immunoglobulins of the IgG or IgM isotypes, and release EBV which transforms monkey B cells. In vitro cultures of B-LCL supported replication of SRV-1. Several B-LCL infected with SRV-1 showed downregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen expression whereas levels of MHC class I antigen remained unchanged. Infection of B-LCL with SRV-1 did not alter the level of secreted immunoglobulin. Rhesus EBV was also used to obtain B-LCL from macaques infected with SRV-1; these cell lines were found to release infectious SRV-1. Investigations on the interactions of SRV-1 with B cells will be useful for elucidating mechanisms involved in the immunopathogenesis of primate retroviruses.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 899-909 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 11 |
State | Published - 1991 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Virology