ABSTRACT: Handley et al. demonstrate that vaccination against SIV infection in Rhesus macaques prevents alterations in the gastrointestinal virome and bacterial microbiome that are typically associated with poor disease outcome.
Project description:The primary objective of this study was to evaluate response to a SIV DNA-based vaccine that was adminstered via vivo electroporation (EP) in rhesus macaques to further understand the molecular correlates of protection against SIV. In this study, rhesus macaques were immunized with a DNA vaccine including individual plasmids encoding SIV gag, env, and pol alone, or in combination with a molecular adjuvant, plasmid DNA expressing the chemokine ligand 5 (RANTES), followed by EP. At eight month post-vaccination, animals were challenged with SIV. Standard immunological assays, flow-based activation analysis without ex vivo restimulation and high-throughput gene expression analysis were performed to determine the host response to each vaccine regimen. The overall study was designed to evaluate the response to a SIV-DNA vaccination administered to animals via intramuscular electroporation. Chinese rhesus macaques were divided into three treatment groups (n=6 animals per group): Control (no vaccination), DNA vaccine alone (pCSIVgag, pCSIVpol, pCSIVenv), DNA vaccine with RANTES adjuvant (pCSIVgag, pCSIVpol, pCSIVenv, pmacRANTES). Eight months following the last vaccination, animals were infected with 25 MID of SIVmac251 and response to infection was monitored. RNA for microarray analysis was isolated from fresh PBMCs that were isolated from individual animals and treated overnight with a pool of overlapping SIV pol peptides or mock treated. Samples for microarray analysis were taken longitudinally at 8 months post-vaccination (pre-SIV challenge; biological n=5-6 per group for each treatment; technical n=2 for each sample) and at day 10 post-SIV challenge (n=5-6 per group for each treatment; technical n=2 for each sample).
Project description:Systemic vaccination with the attenuated virus SIVmac239-∆Nef provides sterilizing or partial protection to rhesus monkeys challenged with WT SIV strains, providing important opportunities to study key immunological components of a protective host response. Here we show that intravenous vaccination with SIVmac239-∆Nef provides two potentially crucial immunological barriers localized at mucosal surfaces that correlate with the vaccine’s protective effects against WT SIVmac251 vaginal challenge: 1) a conditioned and coordinated response from the mucosal epithelium that blunts the early inflammatory and chemotactic signalling cascade that aids virus propagation and expansion; 2) early on-site generation/diversification of SIV-specific Abs from ectopic germinal center-like lymphoid aggregates. This unique host response to WT SIVmac251 in the female reproductive tract of SIVmac239-∆Nef-vaccinated animals points to a multi-layered strategy for a protective host response during immunodeficiency virus exposure—rapid induction of humroal immunity at mucosal surfaces without the deleterious inflammatory side effects tied to innate recognition of virus. This vaccine-induced host response highlights potential key protective mechanisms needed for an effective HIV vaccine Total RNA was isolated from the cervix of 17 Indian Rhesus macaques (3 uninfected animals; 5 unvaccinated animals 4-5 days post vaginal exposure with SIVmac251; 4 SIVmac239-∆Nef-vaccinated animals before challenge; 5 SIVmac239-∆Nef-vaccinated animals 4-5 days post vaginal exposure with SIVmac251) and prepared for hybridization on Affymetrix GeneChip Rhesus Macaque Genome Arrays. Replicate arrays were performed for a number of the samples to minimize assay noise and significant host genes altered during virus exposure in female reproductive tract tissue were identified by their associated q-values (< 0.2) and fold change in expression (> 1.2).
Project description:Lassa fever (LF) is a rodent-borne viral disease that can be fatal for human beings. In this study, an attenuated Lassa vaccine candidate, ML29, was tested in SIV-infected rhesus macaques for its ability to elicit immune responses without instigating signs of virulent disease. ML29 is a reassortant between Lassa and Mopeia viruses that causes a transient infection in non-human primates and confers sterilizing protection from lethal Lassa viral challenge. However, since the LF endemic area of West Africa also has high HIV seroprevalence, it is important to determine whether vaccination could be safe in the context of AIDS. SIV-infected and uninfected rhesus macaques were vaccinated with the ML29 virus and monitored for classical and non-classical signs of arenavirus disease. Classical disease signs included viremia, rash, weight loss, high liver enzyme levels, and virus invasion of the central nervous system. Non-classical signs derived from profiling the blood transcriptome of virulent and non-virulent arenavirus infections included increased expression of interferon response genes and decreased expression of COX2, IL-1?, coagulation intermediates and nuclear receptors needed for stress signaling. Here it is demonstrated that SIV-infected and uninfected rhesus macaques responded similarly to ML29 vaccination, and that none developed signs of arenavirus disease or persistence. Furthermore, 5 of 5 animals given a heterologous challenge with a lethal dose of LCMV-WE survived without developing disease signs. 30 RNA samples from Monkey PBMC: 4 uninf. Monkey PBMC, 8 SIV-infected Monkey PBMC(From 8 Monkeys), 5 SIV+ML29-sc infected week1(Monkey PBMC), 5 SIV+ML29-sc infected week2(Monkey PBMC), 1 SIV+ML29-ig infected week1(Monkey PBMC), 1 SIV+ML29-ig infected week2(Monkey PBMC), 2 SIV+Arm-sc infected week1(Monkey PBMC), 2 SIV+Arm-sc infected week2(Monkey PBMC), 1 only ML29-iv infected week1(Monkey PBMC), 1 only ML29-iv infected week2(Monkey PBMC)
Project description:The primary objective of this study was to evaluate response to a SIV DNA-based vaccine that was adminstered via vivo electroporation (EP) in rhesus macaques to further understand the molecular correlates of protection against SIV. In this study, rhesus macaques were immunized with a DNA vaccine including individual plasmids encoding SIV gag, env, and pol alone, or in combination with a molecular adjuvant, plasmid DNA expressing the chemokine ligand 5 (RANTES), followed by EP. At eight month post-vaccination, animals were challenged with SIV. Standard immunological assays, flow-based activation analysis without ex vivo restimulation and high-throughput gene expression analysis were performed to determine the host response to each vaccine regimen.
Project description:HIV/SIV associated oral mucosal disease/dysfunction (HAOMD) (gingivitis/periodontitis/salivary adenitis) represents a major comorbidity affecting HIV patients on anti-retroviral therapy. Using a systems biology approach, we investigated molecular changes (mRNA/microRNA) underlying HAOMD and its modulation by phytocannabinoids [delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)] in uninfected (n=5) and SIV-infected rhesus macaques untreated (VEH-untreated/SIV; n=7) or treated with vehicle (VEH/SIV; n=3) or Δ9-THC (THC/SIV; n=3). Relative to controls fewer mRNAs were upregulated in THC/SIV compared to VEH-untreated/SIV macaques. Gene enrichment analysis showed differential enrichment of biological functions involved in anti-viral defense, Type-I interferon, Toll-like receptor, RIG-1 and IL1R signaling in VEH-untreated/SIV macaques. We focused on the anti-ER-stress anterior gradient-2 (AGR2), epithelial barrier protecting and anti-dysbiotic WAP Four-Disulfide Core Domain 2 (WFDC2), and glucocorticoid-induced anti-inflammatory TSC22D3 (TSC22-domain family member 3) that were significantly downregulated in OPM of VEH-untreated/SIV macaques. All three proteins localized to minor salivary gland acini and secretory ducts and showed enhanced and reduced expression in OPM of THC/SIV and VEH/SIV macaques, respectively. Additionally, inflammation associated miR-21, miR-142-3p and miR-29b showed significantly higher expression in OPM of VEH-untreated/SIV macaques. TSC22D3 was validated as a target of miR-29b. These preliminary translational findings suggest that phytocannabinoids may safely and effectively reduce oral inflammatory responses in HIV/SIV and other diseases.
Project description:In SIV/HIV infection, the gastrointestinal tissue dominates as an important site due to the impact of massive mucosal CD4 depletion and immune activation-induced tissue pathology. Unlike AIDS-susceptible rhesus macaques, natural hosts do not progress to AIDS and resolve immune activation earlier. Here, we examine the role of dendritic cells in mediating immune activation and disease progression. We demonstrate that plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) in the blood upregulate ?7-integrin and are rapidly recruited to the colorectum following a pathogenic SIV infection in rhesus macaques. These pDC were capable of producing proinflammatory cytokines and primed a Tc1 response in vitro. Consistent with the upregulation of ?7-integrin on pDC, in vivo blockade of ?4?7-integrin dampened pDC recruitment to the colorectum and resulted in reduced immune activation. The upregulation of ?7-integrin expression on pDC in the blood was also observed in HIV-infected humans but not in chronically SIV-infected sooty mangabeys that show low levels of immune activation. Our results uncover a new mechanism by which pDC influence immune activation in colorectal tissue following pathogenic immunodeficiency virus infections. SIV negative controls (n=4) and week 12 post SIV infected (n=4) groups of Rhesus macaques and SIV negative controls (n=4) and week 55 post SIV infected (n=4) groups of Sooty mangabeys colorectal tissue biopsies were collected in to RNA later reagent (Qiagen) and were homogenized with syringe and needle method. RNA was extracted with Rneasy mini kit (Qiagen) and was used for microarray experiments. Rhesus GeneChip assays were performed in the Yerkes Microarray Core Facility (www.microarray.emory.edu) , one of the Affymetrix Microarray Core Labs.The 0.5µg of total RNA sample was analyzed on Rhesus Macaque Genome GeneChip that consists of over 52,000 probe sets (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA). Target RNA labeling, hybridization and post-hybridization processing were performed following the Affymetrix GeneChip Expression Analysis standard protocols. In brief, The 5 ?g of RNA sample was first reverse-transcribed using T7-Oligo(dT) Promoter Primer and SuperScript II in the first-strand cDNAs synthesis reaction. Following RNase H-mediated second-stranded cDNA synthesis, the double-stranded cDNAs were purified by use of a GeneChip sample clean-up module and served as templates in the generation of biotinylated complementary RNAs (cRNAs) in the presence of T7 RNA Polymerase and a biotinylated nucleotide analog/ribonucleotide mix by in vitro transcription (IVT) reaction. The biotinylated cRNAs were cleaned up, fragmented, and hybridized to the rhesus macaque expression arrays at 45°C for 16 h with constant rotation at 60 rpm. The gene chips were then washed and stained with Affymetrix fluidics stations 450 and scanned on Affymetrix scanner 3000. The images are processed to collect raw data with GeneChip Operating Software (GCOS) 1.4. Tissue: Colorectal tissue Time after SIV infection: 12 weeks for SIV infected Rhesus macaques, 55 weeks for Sooty mangabeys Infection: SIVmac251 infection for Rhesus macaques, SIVsm infection for Sooty mangabeys
Project description:The Canarypox/gp120/Alum vaccines decreased the risk of HIV acquisition in humans. We demonstrate here the efficacy of this vaccine regimen also in the SIVmac251 macaque model when we used the alum but not the MF59 adjuvant. Analysis of innate and adaptive cell responses, envelope antibodies Fc profiles and glycoforms demonstrated a lower inflammatory response with alum than MF59. Alum elicited mucosal V2 peptide-specific IgG associated with vaccine efficacy whereas the MF59 induced mucosal V2 peptide-specific IgG associated with increased risk of infection. Alum modulated the expression of 12 genes, 7 of which are part of the RAS pathway, that correlates with vaccine efficacy and were linked to innate responses that preserve mucosal integrity and adaptive mucosal antibody response to V2. Thus, activation of the RAS pathway, preservation of mucosal integrity and mucosal antibody to V2 in concert, reduce the risk of SIVmac251 acquisition. Fifty-four (54) rhesus macaques were randomized into two vaccination groups. One group (n=27) was primed twice with ALVAC-SIV (at week 0 and week 4) and boosted twice with ALVAC-SIV/gp120 in MF59 adjuvant (at week 12 and week 24). The second group (n=27) was primed twice with ALVAC-SIV (at week 0 and week 4) and boosted twice with ALVAC-SIV/gp120 in Alum adjuvant (at week 12 and week 24). Blood samples were taken pre-vaccination, 24 hours after the first prime (post-1st imunization at week 0) and 24 hours after the first boost (post-3rd immunization at week 12). All the samples were taken before SIV challenge. Blood samples were conserved in PAXgene tubes. RNA was extracted and hybridized to Illumina beadchips. technical replicate: P162_P382_post1st, P162_P382_post1st_rep1
Project description:Immunization of macaques with simian immunodeficiency virus with deletions in nef (SIV?nef) has been shown to elicit protective immunity to infection by pathogenic SIV, yet our understanding of the mechanisms that orchestrate protection and prevent pathogenesis remains limited. In the study, we utilize whole-genome transcriptional profiling to reveal molecular signatures of protective immunity in circulating CD8+ T cells of rhesus macaques vaccinated with SIVmac239?nef and challenged with pathogenic SIVmac251. Microarrays were used to characterize changes in gene expression in blood CD8+ T cells that occur following vaccination of rhesus macaques with attenuated SIV?nef and subsequent challenge with pathogenic SIVmac251, in comparison to corresponding changes in healthy controls and unvaccinated animals infected with pathogenic SIVmac251 CD8+ T cells were isolated by magnetic beads from the blood of healthy uninfected macaques, macaques vaccinated with SIV?nef, and unvaccinated controls infected with SIVmac251, and used for RNA extraction and hybridization on Affymetrix microarrays. Blood samples from vaccinated animals were collected prior to vaccination, at 3, 20, and 40 weeks following vaccination. After the 40 week vaccination period, macaques were challenged with SIVmac251, and blood was again collected at 3 weeks following challenge. Blood was collected from the unvaccinated controls at 3 weeks following infection with SIVmac251
Project description:Question Addressed: Does gene expression change in the buccal mucosa of Lymphocryptovirus (LCV) infected animals when they are chronically infected with Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)? Oropharyngeal mucosal tissue samples were collected from rhesus macaques. A pooled common reference was used for all hybridizations. This reference was composed of RNA harvested from rhesus macaques not infected with either LCV or SIV. Infection: Animals were infected with SIV and/or LCV
Project description:Cannabinoid administration before and after simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-inoculation ameliorated disease progression and decreased inflammation in male rhesus macaques. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) did not increase viral load in brain tissue or produce additive neuropsychological impairment in SIV-infected macaques. To determine if the neuroimmunomodulation of Δ9-THC involved differential microRNA (miR) expression, miR expression in the striatum of uninfected macaques receiving vehicle (VEH) or Δ9-THC (THC) and SIV-infected macaques administered either vehicle (VEH/SIV) or Δ9-THC (THC/SIV) was profiled using next generation deep sequencing.