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Abstract:
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Recently, we proposed a mathematical model of interaction between HIV and immune system that explained a score of quantitative observations made in HIV/SIV infection. The model included cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) activated directly by virus, and those activated by virus-specific CD4 helper cells. Some viruses (HIV/SIV, LCMV) can infect helper cells. The model predicts the existence of two steady states: one with a high virus load, few helper cells, and moderate CTL number (usually observed); and another with a very low virus load, and high numbers of helper cells and CTLs. Precisely tuned external intervention, such as antiretroviral therapy or vaccine, in principle, can switch the high-virus state to the low-virus state. Here, we predict the vaccine-induced number of memory CTLs required to reach the low-viremia state for animals vaccinated against the recombinant virus SHIV.
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