Abstract
The thymus plays a critical role in the maturation and production of T lymphocytes and is a target oF infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the related simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Using the SIV/macaque model of AIDS, we examined the early effects of SIV on the thymus. We found that thymic infection by SIV resulted in increased apoptosis 7-14 d after infection, Followed by depletion of thymocyte progenitors by day 21. A marked rebound in thymocyte progenitors occurred by day 50 and was accompanied by increased levels of cell proliferation in the thymus. Our results demonstrate a marked increase in thymic progenitor activity very early in the course of SIV infection, long before marked declines in peripheral CD4+ T cell counts.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1767-1776 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Experimental Medicine |
Volume | 187 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 1 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- AIDS
- Animal model
- Apoptosis
- Pathogenesis
- T cell homeostasis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology