TNPRC: Leukemia

Human T Cell Leukemia Virus I

Division of Microbiology

STLV and HTLV
Simian and human T cell leukemia virus (STLV and HTLV) are important pathogens causing life-long chronic infections that may lead to T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and a variety of neuromuscular diseases of humans. An animal model was developed in the Division of Microbiology using STLV which is closely related to HTLV-1. STLV was associated with abnormal lymphoproliferation and produced hyperplastic lymph nodes that were clonal outgrowths of STLVagm-infected cells similar to those seen in humans with ATLL. In addition, there was immunosuppression and widespread dissemination of a naturally occurring simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVagm). We have several species-specific isolates of STLV and are characterizing them genetically, as well as for their ability to transform lymphoid cells in vitro and for their ability to experimentally infect and cause disease in the nonhuman primate.

Collaborative studies on HTLV include the experimental transmission of human clinical isolates of HTLV-I to nonhuman primates. In certain geographic regions, HTLV co-infection of HIV-I positive individuals has a prevalence of 5-10%, and is hypothesized to increase HTLV viral expression and the risk for HTLV-associated diseases. Macaques co-infected with SIV and STLV have served as a model for this human infection and disease.







AIDS/HIV Krabbé Disease Leukemia Lyme Disease Malaria Microsporidiosis Respiratory Syncytial Virus Rotavirus Tuberculosis

The Tulane National Primate Research Center is a division of Tulane University.