Research Article Open Access

Immunodeficient Parameters in the HIV-1 Transgenic Rat Model

Sulie L. Chang1, Frank Ocasio2 and Jose A. Beltran1
  • 1 Seton Hall University, United States
  • 2 Weill Cornell Medical Center, United States

Abstract

Recently an HIV-1 transgenic (HIV-1Tg) rat model was created that carries a gag-pol-deleted HIV-1 genome under the control of the HIV-1 viral promoter. However, other viral proteins are expressed in most organs and tissues, and are found in the circulating blood. Since HIV-1 targets the immune system in humans, we examined two immunological parameters, leukocyte-endothelial adhesion (LEA) and inflammatory cytokine production, in 5 mo old HIV-1Tg rats to identify immune functions that may be impaired even before the onset of symptoms of HIV-1 infection. We administered a single injection (i.p.) of the bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 250 ug/kg), to 5 mo old HIV-1Tg rats, age-matched transgenic control (Tg) rats, and F344/NHsd (F344) control background strain rats. LPS induced an LEA response in both the Tg control and F344 control animals. However, in the HIV-1Tg rats, there was no LEA response to LPS. Following LPS administration, there was significantly greater serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, two pro-inflammatory cytokines, in the HIV-1Tg rats compared to the control animals. In contrast, the serum level of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, was comparable in the HIV-1Tg, Tg control, and F344 control rats. Our data show that, in the HIV-1Tg rat, there is a negative correlation between the LEA response and the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to bacterial endotoxin. These findings suggest that the persistent presence of viral proteins may be, at least, partially responsible for the immunodeficiency that occurs with HIV-1 infection, and that the HIV-1Tg rat could be a valid rodent model in which to study various aspects of HIV-1 infection.

American Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume 3 No. 4, 2007, 202-207

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajidsp.2007.202.207

Submitted On: 22 June 2007 Published On: 31 December 2007

How to Cite: Chang, S. L., Ocasio, F. & Beltran, J. A. (2007). Immunodeficient Parameters in the HIV-1 Transgenic Rat Model. American Journal of Infectious Diseases, 3(4), 202-207. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajidsp.2007.202.207

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Keywords

  • Leukocyte-endothelial adhesion
  • cytokines
  • lipopolysaccharide