CT135 mediates the resistance of to primate interferon gamma stimulated immune defenses.

Evading host innate immune defenses is a critical feature of infections, and the mechanisms used by to subvert these pathways are incompletely understood. We screened a library of chimeric mutants for genetic factors important for interference with cell-autonomous immune defenses. Mutant strains with predicted truncations of the inclusion membrane protein CT135 were susceptible to interferon gamma-activated immunity in human cells.

Intracellular Islatravir-Triphosphate in Dried Blood Spots and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Pig-Tailed Macaques.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between intracellular islatravir-triphosphate (ISL-TP) in paired peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and dried blood spots (DBS). Three pig-tailed macaques (PMs) were dosed with a single intravaginal extended-release ISL-etonogestrel film for a period of 31 days. After extraction and quantification, repeated measures correlation (r) was assessed between log-transformed DBS and PBMC ISL-TP concentrations.

Evaluation of the Pig-Tailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina) as a Model of Human Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Carriage.

nasal carriage is a common condition affecting both healthy and immunocompromised populations and provides a reservoir for dissemination of potentially infectious strains by casual contact. The factors regulating the onset and duration of nasal colonization are mostly unknown, and a human-relevant animal model is needed. Here, we screened 17 pig-tailed macaques () for carriage, and 14 of 17 animals tested positive in the nose at one or both screening sessions (8 weeks apart), while the other 3 animals were negative in the nose but positive in the pharynx at least once.

Persistence, immune response, and antigenic variation of Mycoplasma genitalium in an experimentally infected pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina).

Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted pathogen associated with several acute and chronic reproductive tract disease syndromes in men and women. To evaluate the suitability of a pig-tailed macaque model of M. genitalium infection, we inoculated a pilot animal with M.

Incorporation of the HIV-1 microbicide cyanovirin-N in a food product.

An urgent need exists for HIV-1 microbicides. Here, we describe the in vivo testing of lactic acid bacteria bioengineered to secrete cyanovirin-N. We fed pigtail macaques a yogurt formulation that used bioengineered strains as a starter culture.

The formulated microbicide RC-101 was safe and antivirally active following intravaginal application in pigtailed macaques.

Background: RC-101 is a congener of the antiretroviral peptide retrocyclin, which we and others have reported is active against clinical HIV-1 isolates from all major clades, does not hemagglutinate, and is non-toxic and non-inflammatory in cervicovaginal cell culture. Herein, film-formulated RC-101 was assessed for its antiviral activity in vitro, safety in vivo, retention in the cervix and vagina, and ability to remain active against HIV-1 and SHIV after intravaginal application in macaques.

Methodology/principal Findings: RC-101 was formulated as a quick-dissolving film (2000 µg/film), retained complete activity in vitro as compared to unformulated peptide, and was applied intravaginally in six pigtailed macaques daily for four days.

A summary of preclinical topical microbicide vaginal safety and chlamydial efficacy evaluations in a pigtailed macaque model.

Background: The development of topical microbicides represents a new and exciting field in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, and it is especially important that candidate products undergo rigorous preclinical safety and efficacy testing before advancing to clinical trials.

Methods: We have developed a standardized protocol for preclinical vaginal safety and efficacy assessment of topical microbicide candidates in a nonhuman primate model. Over 7 years of funding under an NIH contract, we evaluated a total of 28 test compounds for vaginal safety (via colposcopy, vaginal pH, and microflora) and 9 compounds for efficacy against cervical chlamydial infection.

Lactobacillus crispatus capsules: single-use safety study in the Macaca nemestrina model.

Background: Lactobacillus crispatus is a part of the normal vaginal microflora of humans.

Goal: The goal of this study was to assess whether a capsule containing an H2O2-producing strain of L crispatus (CTV-05) would alter the vaginal microflora and/or epithelial tissues when applied intravaginally in the pig-tailed macaque model.

Study Design: Ten sexually mature female Macaca nemestrina were assessed at baseline for quantitative vaginal microbiology and vaginal pH and with colposcopy.

Rectal applications of nonoxynol-9 cause tissue disruption in a monkey model.

Background: Efforts to develop topical microbicide products have all but ignored evaluation for rectal use.

Goal: The goal of this study was to assess the effects of multiple rectal applications of Conceptrol (containing 4% nonoxynol-9) on flora and mucosal tissues in the pig-tailed macaque model.

Study Design: Monkeys (8 per group) received daily rectal applications of Conceptrol, placebo gel, or no product, for 3 days.