Comparative Analysis of Central and Effector Memory CD8+ T Cells in African Green Monkeys and Rhesus Macaques
Mentor 1
Wail M. Hassan
Location
Union Wisconsin Room
Start Date
29-4-2016 1:30 PM
End Date
29-4-2016 3:30 PM
Description
Contrary to rhesus macaques, studies on African green monkeys revealed that the latter do not develop AIDS-like symptoms after infection with the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus. In our strive to understand the underlying mechanisms that differentiate the two species of primates, their CD8+ T cells have been studied. CD8+ T cells are responsible for cellular immunity and, thus, are crucial for fighting viral infections. Furthermore, the drop of viral load during acute infection with the human or Simian Immunodeficiency Viruses (in human and non-human primate, respectively) coincides with peak CD8+ T cell response. We also focused on a subpopulation of T cells, known as multifunctional T cells, that is known for its more robust responses. These cells secrete multiple cytokines and/or exhibit multiple functions such as the expression of degranulation markers. This study was focused on pre-infection differences between the two species to identify candidate traits that could explain the divergent infection outcome in the two species. Our analysis involved comparison of surface expression of key molecules such as CD3, CD8+, CD28, and CD154 in activated and resting CD8+ T cells. Additionally, we mass stimulated the cells using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin to compare cytokine secretion patterns and expression of the degranulation marker CD107a.
Comparative Analysis of Central and Effector Memory CD8+ T Cells in African Green Monkeys and Rhesus Macaques
Union Wisconsin Room
Contrary to rhesus macaques, studies on African green monkeys revealed that the latter do not develop AIDS-like symptoms after infection with the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus. In our strive to understand the underlying mechanisms that differentiate the two species of primates, their CD8+ T cells have been studied. CD8+ T cells are responsible for cellular immunity and, thus, are crucial for fighting viral infections. Furthermore, the drop of viral load during acute infection with the human or Simian Immunodeficiency Viruses (in human and non-human primate, respectively) coincides with peak CD8+ T cell response. We also focused on a subpopulation of T cells, known as multifunctional T cells, that is known for its more robust responses. These cells secrete multiple cytokines and/or exhibit multiple functions such as the expression of degranulation markers. This study was focused on pre-infection differences between the two species to identify candidate traits that could explain the divergent infection outcome in the two species. Our analysis involved comparison of surface expression of key molecules such as CD3, CD8+, CD28, and CD154 in activated and resting CD8+ T cells. Additionally, we mass stimulated the cells using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin to compare cytokine secretion patterns and expression of the degranulation marker CD107a.
