Infection with feline immunodeficiency virus is followed by the rapid expansion of a CD8+ lymphocyte subset.

摘要: Lymphocyte subset analysis was performed on specific pathogen-free cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). As early as 4 weeks post-infection a sharp rise in lymphocytes expressing the CD8 marker (fCD8) occurred. No changes were observed CD4+ (fCD4+) cell number throughout this period. The expanded displayed reduced expression of fCD8 (fCD8low) compared to control population (fCD8high). Dual-labelling revealed increased levels major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens fCD8low fCD8high subset. appeared persist it detected which had been for period 18 months and significantly numbers fCD4+ lymphocytes. data suggest that infection FIV induces rapid alterations lymphocyte profile cat characterized by expansion fCD8+ persistence course suggests events may be importance pathogenesis disease.