Experimental Study. Of Shiv-xj02170 Virus Infection Of Chinese Rhesus Monkeys

SHIV-XJ02170 is a chimeric simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) which contains both SIVmac239 genome backbone and unique Chinese type C HIV-1 env gene isolated from a HIV-positive intravenous drug user from Xinjiang province. The SHIV-XJ02170 was constructed for the purpose of evaluating potential candidate AIDS vaccines targeting specific Chinese major viral strains in non-human primate models. To test and increase probably its virulence and pathogenicity, we performed in vivo passages of SHIV-XJ02170 virus and plasmid viruses in Chinese rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).In total of thirteen rhesus monkeys free from SIV, SRV and STLV infection were used for the serial 4-passage experiment in vivo. The SHIV plasmid DNAs were inoculated intramuscularly in the leg, whereas the SHIV virus were inoculated intravenously in 4 macaques for the first passage. To test whether the first 4 animals were infected or not with the SHIV plasmid DNA or virus stock in the first passage, blood samples were collected at different time according to the time schedule. Proviral DNA from PBMCs and RNA from EDTA anti-coagulated plasma were extracted and detected with nested PCR and RT-PCR respectively, and also virus isolation by co-culture the PBMCs from normal monkeys with infected monkeys and CD4~+/CD8~+ ratio test were performed. The results strongly supported that the first passage from four rhesus monkeys were infected. For the second passage, 10 mL of blood were drawn at the virus pick and transfused into 4 monkeys. Similarly, the third and fourth passages of monkeys in various members were transfused with bloods through i.v from the monkeys in earlier passages. All...