Envelope-specific B-cell populations in African green monkeys chronically infected with simian immunodeficiency virus

Nat Commun. 2016 Jul 6:7:12131. doi: 10.1038/ncomms12131.

Abstract

African green monkeys (AGMs) are natural primate hosts of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Interestingly, features of the envelope-specific antibody responses in SIV-infected AGMs are distinct from that of HIV-infected humans and SIV-infected rhesus monkeys, including gp120-focused responses and rapid development of autologous neutralization. Yet, the lack of genetic tools to evaluate B-cell lineages hinders potential use of this unique non-human primate model for HIV vaccine development. Here we define features of the AGM Ig loci and compare the proportion of Env-specific memory B-cell populations to that of HIV-infected humans and SIV-infected rhesus monkeys. AGMs appear to have a higher proportion of Env-specific memory B cells that are mainly gp120 directed. Furthermore, AGM gp120-specific monoclonal antibodies display robust antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and CD4-dependent virion capture activity. Our results support the use of AGMs to model induction of functional gp120-specific antibodies by HIV vaccine strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / biosynthesis*
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / chemistry
  • Antibodies, Viral / biosynthesis*
  • Antibodies, Viral / chemistry
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / virology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / virology
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
  • Genetic Variation
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Immunoglobulins / biosynthesis*
  • Immunoglobulins / classification
  • Immunologic Memory
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology*
  • Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / virology
  • Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / immunology*
  • Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / pathogenicity
  • Virion / immunology
  • Virion / pathogenicity

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120
  • Immunoglobulins