Role of Env in resistance of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cats to superinfection by a second FIV strain as determined by using a chimeric virus

Neutralising antibody response in domestic cats immunised with a commercial feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) vaccine

•

FIV vaccinated cats screened for neutralising antibodies

•

Homologous neutralisation in 50% of cats tested

•

No heterologous neutralisation

Across human and veterinary medicine, vaccines against only two retroviral infections have been brought to market successfully, the vaccines against feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). FeLV vaccines have been a global success story, reducing virus prevalence in countries where uptake is high. In contrast, the more recent FIV vaccine was introduced in 2002 and the degree of protection afforded in the field remains to be established. However, given the similarities between FIV and HIV, field studies of FIV vaccine efficacy are likely to advise and inform the development of future approaches to HIV vaccination.

Here we assessed the neutralising antibody response induced by FIV vaccination against a panel of FIV isolates, by testing blood samples collected from client-owned vaccinated Australian cats. We examined the molecular and phenotypic properties of 24 envs isolated from one vaccinated cat that we speculated might have become infected following natural exposure to FIV. Cats vaccinated against FIV did not display broadly neutralising antibodies, suggesting that protection may not extend to some virulent recombinant strains of FIV circulating in Australia.

Reciprocal functional pseudotyping of HIV-1 and HTLV-1 viral genomes by the heterologous counterpart envelope proteins

HIV-1 and HTLV-1 can infect CD4+ T cells and can co-infect the same individual. In principle, it is possible that both viruses can infect the same CD4+ T cells in dually infected persons. Currently, how efficiently HTLV-1 and HIV-1 co-infects the same cell and the full extent of their biological interactions are not well-understood. Here, we report evidence confirming that both viruses can infect the same cells and that HTLV-1 envelope (Env) can pseudotype HIV-1 viral particles and HIV-1 envelope (Env) can pseudotype HTLV-1 virions to mediate subsequent infections of substrate cells. We also show that the construction of a chimeric HTLV-1 molecular clone carrying the HIV-1 Env in place of its HTLV-1 counterpart results in a replication competent moiety. These findings raise new implications of viral complementation and assortment between HIV-1 and HTLV-1 in dually infected persons.

Feline immunodeficiency virus latency

Despite highly effective anti-retroviral therapy, HIV is thought to persist in patients within long-lived cellular reservoirs in the form of a transcriptionally inactive (latent) integrated provirus. Lentiviral latency has therefore come to the forefront of the discussion on the possibility of a cure for HIV infection in humans. Animal models of lentiviral latency provide an essential tool to study mechanisms of latency and therapeutic manipulation. Of the three animal models that have been described, the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cat is the most recent and least characterized. However, several aspects of this model make it attractive for latency research, and it may be complementary to other model systems. This article reviews what is known about FIV latency and chronic FIV infection and how it compares with that of other lentiviruses. It thereby offers a framework for the usefulness of this model in future research aimed at lentiviral eradication.

Prior bovine immunodeficiency virus infection does not inhibit subsequent superinfection by the acutely pathogenic Jembrana disease virus

In cattle the interaction between the two genetically and antigenically related bovine lentiviruses, the acutely pathogenic Jembrana disease virus (JDV) and the non-pathogenic Bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) has not been reported although both JDV and a BIV-like virus have been reported in the Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) population in Indonesia. The outcome of infection of Bali cattle with the R29 strain of BIV prior to superinfection 42 days later with JDV(TAB/87) was determined. All BIV-inoculated cattle were successfully infected and developed an antibody response to the TM and CA proteins. BIV infection did not prevent subsequent infection with JDV or ameliorate the clinical signs of Jembrana disease in the infected cattle. It did, however, modify the dynamics of the JDV infection with an earlier onset and end of the acute disease process, and a reduction in the duration of viremia that exceeded 10(6) genome copies/ml of plasma.