Open AccessLong-Lasting Decrease in Viremia in Macaques Chronically Infected with Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac251 after Therapeutic DNA Immunization
Author(s) -
Agneta S. von Gegerfelt,
Margherita Rosati,
Candido Alicea,
Antonio Valentı́n,
Patricia Roth,
Jenifer Bear,
Genoveffa Franchini,
Paul S. Albert,
Norbert Bischofberger,
Jean Boyer,
David B. Weiner,
Phillip D. Markham,
Zimra R. Israel,
John H. Eldridge,
George N. Pavlakis,
Barbara K. Felber
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.617
H-Index - 292
eISSN - 1070-6321
pISSN - 0022-538X
DOI - 10.1128/jvi.01990-06
Subject(s) - viremia , simian immunodeficiency virus , virology , biology , vaccination , immunology , immune system , dna vaccination , immunization , virus , immunodeficiency , simian
Rhesus macaques chronically infected with highly pathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) SIVmac251 were treated with antiretroviral drugs and vaccinated with combinations of DNA vectors expressing SIV antigens. Vaccination during therapy increased cellular immune responses. After the animals were released from therapy, the virus levels of 12 immunized animals were significantly lower (P = 0.001) compared to those of 11 animals treated with only antiretroviral drugs. Vaccinated animals showed a persistent increase in immune responses, thus indicating both a virological and an immunological benefit following DNA therapeutic vaccination. Several animals show a long-lasting decrease in viremia, suggesting that therapeutic vaccination may provide an additional benefit to antiretroviral therapy.