Kinetics of liver macrophages (Kupffer cells) in SIV-infected macaques

Journal Article · Fri Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 2013 · Virology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.VIROL.2013.07.026· OSTI ID:22436659

Ahsan, Muhammad H.; Gill, Amy F.; Alvarez, Xavier; Lackner, Andrew A.

Since the liver drains antigens from the intestinal tract, and since the intestinal tract is a major site of viral replication, we examined the dynamics of liver macrophages (Kupffer cells) throughout SIV infection. Absolute numbers of Kupffer cells increased in the livers in acute infection, and in animals with AIDS. Significantly higher percentages of proliferating (BrdU+) Kupffer cells were detected in acute infection and in AIDS with similar trends in blood monocytes. Significantly higher percentages of apoptotic (AC3+) Kupffer cells were also found in acute and AIDS stages. However, productively infected cells were not detected in liver of 41/42 animals examined, despite abundant infected cells in gut and lymph nodes of all animals. Increased rates of Kupffer cell proliferation resulting in an increase in Kupffer cells without productive infection indicate SIV infection affects Kupffer cells, but the liver does not appear to be a major site of productive viral replication. - Highlights: • Kupffer cells increase in the liver of SIV-infected macaques. • Increased proliferation and apoptosis of Kupffer cells occurs in SIV infection. • Productively infected cells are rarely detected in the liver. • The liver is not a major site for SIV replication.

• OSTI ID: 22436659
• Journal Information: Virology, Journal Name: Virology Journal Issue: 1-2 Vol. 446; ISSN VIRLAX; ISSN 0042-6822
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
AIDS
AIDS VIRUS
ANIMALS
ANTIGENS
APOPTOSIS
IMMUNOLOGY
LIVER
LYMPH NODES
MACROPHAGES
MONOCYTES
RETICULOENDOTHELIAL SYSTEM