CYCLOSPORINE-A MODULATION OF EARLY VIROLOGICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL EVENTS DURING PRIMARY SIMIAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS-INFECTION IN RHESUS-MONKEYS

Virologic and immunologic effects of immunomodulation during primary s imian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection were examined in monkeys treated with cyclosporin or vehicle for 32 days beginning 5 days befor e SIV inoculation, Duration of antigenemia decreased in 5 of 7 treated monkeys, 2 having delayed onset and peak of antigenemia, Although pro viral DNA levels in blood and lymph nodes and infected cell numbers in lymph nodes were transiently decreased, levels were similar to those in controls by day 14. The CD4:CD8 ratio and percentage of CD4(+)CD29( +) cells decreased in controls 14 days after inoculation, but this dec rease was delayed in treated monkeys, Two treated monkeys demonstrated rapid disease, with progressive antigenemia preceding early deaths 90 -96 days after inoculation. Nevertheless, immunomodulation influenced the kinetics of primary SIV infection in some monkeys, supporting the rationale of careful exploration of the strategy of interference with the heightened state of cellular activation together with direct antir etroviral therapy in human immunodeficiency virus infection.