Cloning and sequencing of cynomolgus macaque CCR3, GPR15, and STRL33: Potential coreceptors for HIV type 1, HIV type 2, and SIV

The characterization of several seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled recep tors, which function as co-receptors for HIV-1, HIV-2, and/or SIV, has open ed up a whole new area of AIDS research. Animal models that have played a c entral role in the understanding of lentivirus pathogenesis and the design of novel vaccine strategies may also be invaluable in studying the role of these secondary receptors in infection and disease progression. However, si nce it is known that minor species-specific sequence changes in CCR3 and ST RL33 affect their ability to act as coreceptors for HIV-1, HIV-2, and/or SI V, it is important to ascertain whether the relevant receptors function as expected in the animal model of choice. Many studies have been performed on the function of rhesus macaque receptors, but not on the cynomolgus macaqu e equivalents. Both species are used as animal models for lentivirus pathog enesis, but since there are differences in their susceptibility to viral in fection, we felt it was important for information to be available for both rhesus and cynomolgus macaque receptors. The sequence of three cynomolgus m acaque receptors, CCR3, GPR15, and STRL33, are presented in this sequence n ote. These sequences are compared with already published human and rhesus m acaque homologs. Functional studies are currently being performed on these three cynomolgus macaque receptors to determine their ability to function a s coreceptors for HIV-2, SIV, and/or SHIV isolates.