SIVmac Infection of Macaques, Immunopathogenesis of

Abstract

DefinitionThe simian immunodeficiency virus of macaques (SIVmac) induces an AIDS-like disease in rhesus macaque monkeys with similar symptoms and immunological consequences seen in HIV-infected humans. SIVmac was discovered in rhesus macaques that were accidentally infected in captivity with SIV of sooty mangabey monkeys (SIVsmm). Unlike rhesus macaques that are not naturally exposed to SIV, sooty mangabeys show a high prevalence of SIVsmm infection in the wilderness without developing overt signs of disease. The SIVmac virus was named for rhesus macaques within which it was discovered rather than for its original source. SIVmac lifelong persistently replicates within the macaques' immune system that continuously tries to counterattack this virus infection and thereby induces a chronic immune activation. Thus, macaques develop SIV-related immunopathological symptoms while the inadequate immune responses fail to eradicate the virus. The SIVmacinfected rhesus macaque is an outstanding nonhuman primate (NHP) animal model to investigate virus-host interactions, intricate viral pathogenesis, and progressive immunopathological host responses. This animal model is the premier model for preclinical exploration of HIV vaccine candidates and treatment interventions aimed to prevent infection and/or control of viremia.