Evolution of SIVmac239 following serial passaging in humanized mice

Abstract

Serial passage of SIVmac239 allows for greater understanding of the genetic changes necessary for cross-species transmission of primate lentiviruses into humans. Using humanized mice, we show that adaptive mutations continue to accumulate in SIVmac239 during four serial passages, with persistent CD4⁺ T cell decline and increases in plasma viral loads.

Keywords: HIV evolution surrogate model; SIVmac239 cross-species transmission; SIVmac239 evolution; SIVmac239 infection of humanized mice; cross-species SIV transmission; humanized mice; rhesus macaques.