Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an immunomodulatory cytokine that is important for maintenance of epithelial cell (EC) survival and anti-inflammatory responses (AIR).

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an important immunomodulatory cytokine that plays an obligate role in regulating inflammatory responses. Here we demonstrated the role of IL-10 in regulating crypts length and breadth as well as maintaining the survival of epithelial cells using rhesus colon explant cultures. Anti-IL-10 antibody treatment of colon explant cultures induced increased production of inflammatory cytokines/molecules like IFNγ, TNFα, CD107a and perforin as well as increased epithelial cell apoptosis compared to media controls tested. Our results suggest that IL-10 plays a crucial role in maintaining mucosal homeostasis by regulating mucosal IFNγ and TNFα cytokine production.

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is an important immunoregulatory cytokine that plays an obligate role in regulating T-cell functions. Here, we demonstrated the role of TGF-β1 in regulating the survival of intestinal epithelial cells (ECs) in rhesus colon explant cultures using either anti-TGF-β1 antibody or recombinant TGF-β1 proteins. Neutralization of endogenous TGF-β1 using anti-TGF-β1 antibodies induced apoptosis of both intestinal ECs and lamina propria (LP) cells. Additionally, endogenous TGF-β1 blocking significantly increased expression of IFNγ, TNFα, CD107a and Perforin in LP cells compared to media and isotype controls. A significant decrease in pAKT expression was detected in anti-TGF-β1 MAbs treated explants compared to isotype and rTGF-β1 protein treated explants. Our results demonstrated TGF-β1 regulated pAKT and IFNγ expressions were associated with epithelial cell survival in rhesus macaque colon explants and suggest a potential role of mucosal TGF-β1 in regulating intestinal homeostasis and EC integrity.

Identifying the cells that can be infected with HIV in vivo, and thus potentially persist as latent reservoirs is of high priority. Here, we report the major infected cells in a chronically-SIV infected macaque that developed AIDS and encephalitis. Majority of the infected cells were detected as non-proliferating resting cells. SIV infected non-proliferating resting cells were found to be playing an important role in viral pathogenesis, persistence or reservoir formation.