Comparative transcriptome analysis between rhesus macaques(Macaca mulatta) and crab-eating macaques(M. fascicularis)

Understanding gene expression variations between species is pivotal for deciphering the evolutionary diversity in phenotypes. Rhesus macaques(Macaca mulatta, MMU)and crab-eating macaques(M. fascicularis, MFA) serve as crucial nonhuman primate biomedical models with different phenotypes. To date, however, large-scale comparative transcriptome research between these two species has not yet been fully explored. Here, we conducted systematic comparisons utilizing newly sequenced RNA-seq data from84 samples(41 MFA samples and 43 MMU samples)encompassing 14 common tissues. Our findings revealed a small fraction of genes(3.7%) with differential expression between the two species, as well as 36.5% of genes with tissue-specific expression in both macaques. Comparison of gene expression between macaques and humans indicated that 22.6% of orthologous genes displayed differential expression in at least two tissues. Moreover,19.41% of genes that overlapped with macaque-specific structural variants showed differential expression between humans and macaques. Of these, the FAM220A gene exhibited elevated expression in humans compared to macaques due to lineage-specific duplication. In summary,this study presents a large-scale transcriptomic comparison between MMU and MFA and between macaques and humans. The discovery of gene expression variations not only enhances the biomedical utility of macaque models but also contributes to the wider field of primate genomics.

Age-related rhesus macaque models of COVID-19

Background:Since December 2019,an outbreak of the Corona Virus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARS-CoV-2)in Wuhan,China,has become a public health emergency of international concern.The high fatality of aged cases caused by SARS-CoV-2 was a need to explore the possible age-related phenomena with non-human primate models.Methods:Three 3-5 years old and two 15 years old rhesus macaques were intratracheally infected with SARS-CoV-2,and then analyzed by clinical signs,viral replication,chest X-ray,histopathological changes and immune response.Results:Viral replication of nasopharyngeal swabs,anal swabs and lung in old monkeys was more active than that in young monkeys for 14 days after SARS-CoV-2 challenge.Monkeys developed typical interstitial pneumonia characterized by thickened alveolar septum accompanied with inflammation and edema,notably,old monkeys exhibited diffuse severe interstitial pneumonia.Viral antigens were detected mainly in alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages.Conclusion:SARS-CoV-2 caused more severe interstitial pneumonia in old monkeys than that in young monkeys.Rhesus macaque models infected with SARS-CoV-2 provided insight into the pathogenic mechanism and facilitated the development of vaccines and therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Single-nucleus transcriptomic profiling of multiple organs in a rhesus macaque model of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) causes diverse clinical manifestations and tissue injuries in multiple organs.However, cellular and molecular understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection-associated pathology and immune defense features in different organs remains incomplete. Here, we profiled approximately 77 000single-nucleus transcriptomes of the lung, liver,kidney, and cerebral cortex in rhesus macaques(Macaca mulatta) infected with SARS-CoV-2 and healthy controls. Integrated analysis of the multiorgan dataset suggested that the liver harbored the strongest global transcriptional alterations. We observed prominent impairment in lung epithelial cells, especially in AT2 and ciliated cells, and evident signs of fibrosis in fibroblasts. These lung injury characteristics are similar to those reported in patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Furthermore, we found suppressed MHC class I/II molecular activity in the lung, inflammatory response in the liver, and activation of the kynurenine pathway,which induced the development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Analysis of the kidney dataset highlighted tropism of tubule cells to SARS-CoV-2, and we found membranous nephropathy(an autoimmune disease) caused by podocyte dysregulation. In addition, we identified the pathological states of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the cerebral cortex, providing molecular insights into COVID-19-related neurological implications. Overall, our multi-organ single-nucleus transcriptomic survey of SARS-CoV-2-infected rhesus macaques broadens our understanding of disease features and antiviral immune defects caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection,which may facilitate the development of therapeutic interventions for COVID-19.

Phenotype and Function of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells from Chinese Rhesus Macaques

Dendritic cells （DCs） play a pivotal role in linking the innate immunity and acquired immunity in responses to pathogen. Non-human primates such as Chinese Rhesus Macaque （CRM） are the favorable models for preclinical study of potential therapeutic drugs, vaccines and mechanisms of human diseases. However, the phenotypical characterization of monocyte-derived dendritic cells （MDDCs） from CRM has not been elucidated. Monocytes from CRM were cultured with GM-CSF and IL-4 in RPMI-1640. Six days later, these cells were differentiated with typical dendritical morphology. CDllc and DC-SIGN were highly expressed. The immature MDDCs expressed the low levels of CD25, CD80, CD83, moderate CD40, CD86, and high MHC. After stimulation, the mature MDDCs increased expression of mature molecules CD25 and CD83, co-stimulatory molecules such as CD80, CD86 and CD40, and kept a high level of MHC. The capacity of endocytosis decreased with maturation. The mature MDDCs have strong ability of inducing allogeneic T cell proliferation and producing IL-12. In conclusion, we have characterized the phenotype and ultimate function of MDDCs from CRM for the first time.

Pathogenic analysis of coxsackievirus A10 in rhesus macaques

Coxsackievirus A10(CV-A10)is one of the etiological agents associated with hand,foot and mouth disease(HFMD)and also causes a variety of illnesses in humans,including pneumonia,and myocarditis.Different people,particularly young children,may have different immunological responses to infection.Current CV-A10 infection animal models provide only a rudimentary understanding of the pathogenesis and effects of this virus.The characteristics of CV-A10 infection,replication,and shedding in humans remain unknown.In this study,rhesus macaques were infected by CV-A10 via respiratory or digestive route to mimic the HFMD in humans.The clinical symptoms,viral shedding,inflammatory response and pathologic changes were investigated in acute infection(1–11 day post infection)and recovery period(12–180 day post infection).All infected rhesus macaques during acute infection showed obvious viremia and clinical symptoms which were comparable to those observed in humans.Substantial inflammatory pathological damages were observed in multi-organs,including the lung,heart,liver,and kidney.During the acute period,all rhesus macaques displayed clinical signs,viral shedding,normalization of serum cytokines,and increased serum neutralizing antibodies,whereas inflammatory factors caused some animals to develop severe hyperglycemia during the recovery period.In addition,there were no significant differences between respiratory and digestive tract infected animals.Overall,all data presented suggest that the rhesus macaques provide the first non-human primate animal model for investigating CV-A10 pathophysiology and assessing the development of potential human therapies.

ELISPOT方法检测SIVmac239感染猴特异性细胞免疫水平

目的为了完善现有的SIV/恒河猴模型,掌握恒河猴被SIV感染后体内细胞免疫应答状态,为评价HIV疫苗提供方法和数据上的参考,我们测定了SIV感染猴体内病毒特异性的细胞免疫水平。方法实验前选出4只无SIV、STLV、SRV/D和B病毒感染的恒河猴,用SIVmac239病毒液静脉感染实验猴,使用RT-PCR、流氏细胞术和ELISPOT等方法,监测SIVmac239病毒在恒河猴体内复制情况、感染猴的外周免疫损伤情况和细胞免疫情况,持续测定一年。结果实验结果显示IFN-γELISPOT方法能有效的评估实验猴的细胞免疫情况,IFN-γELISPOT结果和CD4+T细胞数无相关性,与血浆病毒载量稍有相关。结论本实验明确了SIVmac239感染中国恒河猴体内CTL的基本趋势和范围,了解了外周血病毒载量、外周免疫损伤与细胞免疫状况之间的联系,完善了SIV/SAIDS模型评价指标,为使用此模型评价抗病毒药物或疫苗提供了基础条件。

SHIV-KB9感染中国恒河猴动物模型的建立

目的为了进一步确证SHIV-KB9感染中国恒河猴的病毒浓度范围,测试动物对病毒的适应性,明确该动物模型的可重复性。方法实验前采集猴血清并进行血清学检查。选出4只无SIV、STLV、SRV/D和B病毒感染的恒河猴,分别用10倍系列稀释的病毒液静脉感染实验猴,使用流氏细胞术、血常规、病毒分离、DNA-PCR和RT-PCR等方法确定实验猴是否被感染,以及感染后恒河猴体内病毒复制和免疫细胞损伤情况。结果实验猴的血浆病毒载量、病毒分离结果、CD4+/CD8+比值和CD4+T细胞数等证实,4.8×105 copies/mL以上浓度的SHIV-KB9病毒液能成功感染中国恒河猴。结论本研究进一步明确了SHIV-KB9感染中国恒河猴的有效病毒浓度范围,确定了SHIV-KB9病毒感染中国恒河猴的病毒学、免疫学的测定指标,成功的建立了SHIV-KB9/中国恒河猴动物模型。

SARS-CoV感染布氏田鼠、Lewis大鼠和恒河猴引起的病理变化

目的研究SARS-CoV感染布氏田鼠、Lewis大鼠和恒河猴后引起的病理学、免疫学变化及病毒复制与外排情况变化特点及作为动物模型的可行性。方法SARS病毒感染布氏田鼠、Lewis大鼠和恒河猴,用病毒分离和RT-PCR方法检测病毒复制与外排;用ELISA检测特异性抗体;用光学显微镜对动物的各脏器进行病理观察研究。结果在SARS-CoV感染的3种动物肺组织均出现与人类SARS疾病相似的病理改变,均可检测到病毒核酸和特异性IgG抗体的存在。结论恒河猴、Lewis大鼠和布氏田鼠感染SARS-CoV后,均能在一定程度上再现人类SARS患者的病理特征,其中恒河猴的病理改变更近似于人类患者,故以恒河猴为模型可能对研究SARS发病机制和疫苗评价更为理想。

SHIV1157ipd3N4中国恒河猴细胞适应株静脉感染中国恒河猴有效浓度的确定

目的确定SHIV1157ipd3N4静脉途径感染中国恒河猴的有效病毒浓度,明确SHIV1157ipd3N4感染实验猴体内病毒复制和免疫损伤情况。方法 10只正常中国恒河猴分成6组,分别用10倍系列稀释的病毒液1 mL静脉感染,测定血浆病毒载量,CD4+/CD8+,CD4+T淋巴细胞绝对数,分析感染后恒河猴体内病毒复制和免疫损伤情况。结果 5TCID50/mL以上浓度的SHIV1157ipd3N4能通过静脉途径感染中国恒河猴。结论该实验的成功进行为SHIV/中国恒河猴疾病及评价模型的建立奠定了良好的基础,为今后使用此模型评价抗病毒药物或疫苗提供了条件。

猴免疫缺陷病毒(SIV)在艾滋病模型恒河猴组织中的分布和载量测定

目的研究当艾滋病恒河猴模型的血浆病毒载量处于低水平或阴性时,猴免疫缺陷病毒（simian immunodeficiency viruses,SIV）在宿主组织中的分布情况。方法SIVmac251感染恒河猴10只,定期检测其血浆载量,感染病毒平均高峰时间第14天时,活检取淋巴结。选取感染18个月后病毒载量最低水平和阴性的2只艾滋病猴（SAIDS）,经安死术后取淋巴结、脾、肝、肺、肾、脑等组织,用原位杂交和实时荧光定量PCR的方法检测病毒在组织中的分布和组织中的病毒载量。结果感染后14d,10只猴血浆病毒载量达到10^7copies/mL,淋巴结组织病毒载量为10^5-10^8copies/g,原位杂交方法在腹股沟淋巴结中检测到强阳性斑点。感染后第18个月的2只猴,血浆病毒载量下降并维持不高于10^2copies/mL水平或阴性,但组织分布不尽相同,在肠系膜淋巴结、肾上腺、海马回、空肠、脾脏等组织中检测到10^5-10^6copies/g的病毒载量,于一只猴的脑积液中检测到10^3copies/mL的病毒载量。用原位杂交的方法在肠系膜淋巴结和空肠中检测到强阳性斑点,其它组织中未检测到阳性斑点。结论实验证实SAIDS猴在血浆病毒载量低甚至阴性时,病毒在不同组织中仍有分布,有些组织中甚至出现高病毒载量,提示在制备SIV/SAIDS模型中,尤其在药物筛选和疫苗评价时,应考虑组织病毒载量指标的测定和药物、疫苗对组织病毒的治疗清除作用的评价。

SARS恒河猴动物模型比较病理学研究

目的综合对比 SARS 患者和恒河猴动物模型的病理学改变,为恒河猴动物模型应用于阐明 SARS 病变机制等研究提供理论依据。方法 SARS 病毒感染8只恒河猴,在感染后不同时间安乐死动物,应用光镜、组织化学、免疫组化法对动物的各脏器进行观察研究,并与人类 SRAS 患者的病理改变进行比较。结果人类 SARS 患者的主要病理变化主要包括肺部病变,免疫器官损伤及全身中毒性脏器损伤三方面,恒河猴动物模型出现的病理改变基本符合人类 SARS 病变特点。结论SARS 病毒感染的恒河猴具有类似人类 SARS 的病理改变,可以作为 SARS 发病机制等研究的模型动物。

SHIV-KB9感染中国源恒河猴后IFN-γ分泌性T细胞的反应分析

选取ELISPOT方法测定SHIV-KB9感染中国源恒河猴后PBMC中病毒特异性IFN-γ分泌细胞的频数.通过对4只动物的检测分析,发现记忆性T细胞分泌IFN-γ的能力与血浆中病毒载量呈负相关.但与印度源恒河猴相比,总体反应强度较弱,可能与中国源恒河猴遗传背景有关.由此为SHIV/中国源恒河猴模型的细胞免疫背景提供数据支持,也为今后利用此模型进行AIDS发病机制研究、药物筛选和疫苗评价奠定一定的基础.

SARS-CoV动物模型研究之中国现状

目的综合对比SARS-CoV感染的恒河猴、布氏田鼠及Lewis大鼠的病理学、免疫学以及病毒的复制与外排情况的变化,来探讨此三种动物在建立SARS模型上的特点。方法SARS病毒感染8只恒河猴、9只Lewis大鼠和20只布氏田鼠,在感染后不同时间安乐死动物,应用光镜对动物的各脏器进行病理观察研究;用病毒分离和RT-PCR方法检测病毒外排与复制的情况;用ELISA法检测动物产生特异性抗体情况。结果在SARS-CoV感染恒河猴、Lewis大鼠和布氏田鼠后,肺组织均出现一定的与人类SARS疾病相似的病理改变,在动物体内均可检测到活病毒或病毒核酸,并可检测到特异性IgG抗体的存在。在病死率上布氏田鼠最高;在病毒的复制与外排方面恒河猴的检出率最高,持续时间最长;在抗体产生情况上恒河猴与Lewis大鼠基本相似;在病理变化上恒河猴病变最重且最为复杂,与人类SARS疾病的病理变化最为接近。结论布氏田鼠,Lewis大鼠,特别是恒河猴动物模型可以用于SARS发病机制、疫苗和药物的研发,恒河猴动物模型是目前研究SARS疾病最理想的动物模型。

How does the motor relearning program improve neurological function of brain ischemia monkeys?

The motor relearning program can significantly improve various functional disturbance induced by ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. However, its mechanism of action remains poorly understood. In injured brain tissues, glial fibrillary acidic protein and neurofilament protein changes can reflect the condition of injured neurons and astrocytes, while vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor changes can indicate angiogenesis. In the present study, we induced ischemic brain injury in the rhesus macaque by electrocoagulation of the M1 segment of the right middle cerebral artery. The motor relearning program was conducted for 60 days from the third day after model establishment. Immunohistochemistry and single-photon emission CT showed that the numbers of glial fibrillary acidic protein-, neurofilament protein-, vascular endothelial growth factor- and basic fibroblast growth factor-positive cells were significantly increased in the infarcted side compared with the contralateral hemisphere following the motor relearning program. Moreover, cerebral blood flow in the infarcted side was significantly improved. The clinical rating scale for stroke was used to assess neurological function changes in the rhesus macaque following the motor relearning program. Results showed that motor function was improved, and problems with consciousness, self-care ability and balance function were significantly ameliorated. These findings indicate that the motor relearning program significantly promoted neuronal regeneration, repair and angiogenesis in the surroundings of the infarcted hemisphere, and improve neurological function in the rhesus macaque following brain ischemia.

恒河猴H5N1禽流感病毒性肺炎模型建立及其发病机制

目的：探讨H5N1病毒（AF148678/ACGoose/Guangdong/11961H5N1）感染恒河猴诱发自初期至恢复期过程肺炎的机制。方法以 H5N1病毒液经鼻滴入恒河猴，染毒后第0h、12h、1d、2d、3d、4d、6d、10d、12d和14d采血作血液学和流感特异抗体检测。染毒后第1、3、6、14 d分别剖杀1只恒河猴，取气管支气管淋巴结、肺、心、肝、肾、大脑及小脑进行病毒分离、滴定、病理及免疫组化检测并观察感染后临床表现。结果猴感染后出现发热、呼吸困难，食欲下降等。病毒仅在肺组织复制，主要侵犯下呼吸道的肺泡上皮细胞和肺巨噬细胞。感染后第1～3d引起暂时性的严重肺炎，主要为中性粒细胞浸润；第6 d后逐渐恢复，以巨噬细胞浸润为主；第14 d后以 T 淋巴细胞浸润为主，肺组织呈恢复期状态。结论下呼吸道是H5N1病毒感染主要攻击的对象，这可能是H5N1病毒在人与人之间传递的障碍之一，其发病可能经过病毒侵入、复制阶段及免疫损伤阶段。

H5N1型禽流感病毒感染非人灵长类动物的观察

目的观察H5N1型禽流感病毒对中国非人灵长类动物的易感性并建立动物模型。方法将病毒通过滴鼻接种实验猴,观察感染后动物的临床症状,采血、咽拭子及各器官组织进行血清学、病原学及病理学检查,记录抗体变化、病毒分离情况及病理学改变。结果感染后动物表现轻度食欲下降、一过性体温升高及外周血白细胞减少,肺组织病毒分离及RT-PCR阳性,病理检查感染急性期动物肺组织表现为间质性肺炎,肺泡间隔增宽,充血出血明显,肺泡受压变形,间质及肺泡内有大量炎细胞浸润,符合病毒性肺炎的改变,感染后14 d动物血清IgG抗体水平较感染前升高4倍。结论H5N1病毒可感染非人灵长类动物,可以作为感染模型进行H5N1病毒的发病机制、疫苗评价、药物筛选等研究。

特殊染色及免疫组化双重染色在恒河猴糖尿病模型中的应用

目的在链脲佐菌素(STZ)诱导恒河猴糖尿病动物模型基础上,用特殊染色、免疫组化双染方法显示胰腺等组织中的特征性病变。方法健康恒河猴5只,小剂量(30 mg/kg)多次静脉注射STZ,濒死状态时将动物安乐死。取胰腺、心脏、肾脏、脾脏、肝脏、眼球、脑等器官制成石蜡切片,用HE、PAS、Masson、天狼星红和甲苯胺蓝等方法进行特殊染色,用免疫组化双重染色法同时显示胰岛A、B细胞。结果模型动物的胰岛萎缩,数量减少。Masson染色见外分泌部间质内纤维增生。局灶性慢性肾炎,病变区肾间质纤维组织增生,部分肾小球及肾小管萎缩。天狼星红染色见脾脏中央动脉管壁增厚。免疫组化双染见胰岛A胰高血糖素表达增多,胞浆呈棕褐色。B胰岛素表达减少,胞浆粉红色。结论 HE染色结合特殊染色和免疫组化双重染色可较好地对STZ诱导糖尿病动物模型进行组织学评价。

中药注射液喘可治对艾滋病猴模型Th17和Treg平衡的影响

【目的】研究温阳补肾中药注射液喘可治对艾滋病模型猴辅助性T细胞17/调节性T细胞(Th17/Treg)平衡的影响。【方法】选用12只猴免疫缺陷病毒(SIV)慢性感染的中国恒河猴,分别连续给予肌肉注射喘可治(治疗组,剂量为0.4 mg·kg-1·d-1)及生理盐水(对照组)2个月;于治疗前、治疗第4周和第8周分别检测SIV病毒载量,采用流式细胞仪分析外周血CD4、CD8、Th17(CD4+IL-17A+)和Treg(CD25+FoxP3+)细胞动态变化。【结果】喘可治对病毒载量,CD4、CD8细胞数无明显影响,可使CD25+FoxP3+和CD25+FoxP3-细胞显著减少(P<0.05),CD4+IL-17A+显著减少(P<0.05),Th17/Treg比值略降低。【结论】喘可治可同时降低SIV慢性感染猴外周血的Th17和Treg细胞水平。

皮下注射MPTP诱导猕猴双侧慢性帕金森病模型的制作

目的探讨猕猴双侧慢性不可逆性帕金森病（PD）模型的制作方法。方法 4只猕猴分别采用不同剂量（0.1 mg/kg/d和0.4 mg/kg/d）和不同频率（每天一次和隔天一次）及不同次数皮下注射1-甲基-4-苯基-1,2,3,6-四氢吡啶（MPTP）制作PD模型,注射MPTP前后观察行为学表现并进行非人类灵长类PD评分量表（PPRS）评分。结果猕猴注射MPTP一段时间后开始出现PD症状,主要表现为倦怠、迟缓;继续给药PD症状会出现进行性快速加重导致后续动物因进食困难而死亡;若过早停止给药,则导致PD模型不稳定,动物症状可自愈。采用剂量为0.1 mg/kg/d的MPTP连续皮下注射14 d后,猕猴出现中度PD症状（PPRS评分为6~8分）时,改隔日注射一次,共4次,猕猴出现不可逆性PD症状,且可自主摄食并长期存活,是一个成功的模型。结论适量皮下注射MPTP可制作猕猴慢性、不可逆性、双侧PD模型,其更接近人PD的临床特征,且无需鼻饲喂养可长期存活。

CD32在艾滋病潜伏感染恒河猴模型的表达特征

目的通过建立SIVmac239潜伏感染恒河猴模型,研究CD32在静息型、活化型和/或记忆性CD4^(+)T细胞亚群的表达特征,并分析其作为艾滋病潜伏库标志物的可能。方法 SIVmac239慢性感染的恒河猴给予联合抗逆转录病毒疗法,建立SIVmac239潜伏感染恒河猴模型。利用该模型,检测各阶段样本中血浆病毒载量、CD4^(+)T细胞计数、CD4/CD8细胞比值,及CD32在不同CD4^(+)T细胞亚群中的表达变化。结果同感染前相比,CD32在SIV感染后处于活化状态的幼稚T细胞中表达增加,在HLA-DR^(+)CD4^(+)T细胞中表达增加,但CD32在静息型CD4^(+)T细胞和各静息型记忆性T细胞亚群的表达无显著差异。结论本研究为CD32不是艾滋病潜伏库标记物这一观点提供数据支持,并为后续艾滋病治愈研究提供信息。