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Experiment Table
CD4+ T lymphocyte counts and viral RNA
Neutralizing Antibody Assays
Peptide-binding Assays
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When they looked at the levels of CD4+ lymphocytes and viral RNA levels in subject 798 the researchers found highly characteristic patterns seen for an immune system struggling to contain an immunodeficiency virus. At first the viral RNA levels dropped precipitously as the immune cells sensitized to the viral epitopes quickly wiped out the population. But even once RNA levels dropped to undetectable quantities the virus was still replicating. Soon in subject 798 just like in so many others before the viral levels soon shot up again, smashing the high T lymphocyte population and causing a huge decline in CD4 cells. Although the levels of virus were not as high as before, they were enough to wear down the immune system, causing its eventual collapse. By graphing the quantity of CD4 cells and viral RNA over time the scientists were able to compare both graphs to each other and see how every gain by the virus led to the continuing decline of the body.
CD4 levels and Viral RNA counts are shown only for Monkey 798 Graph 1. CD4+ lymphocyte count..
The above graph is for monkey 798. It demonstrate that high levels of CD4 cells in the blood until week 36, where the count drops precipitously and never recovers. What effect would a low T lymphocyte population have on the body?
Graph 2 Viral RNA levels.
Now look at the counts of viral RNA, there's a definite trend here too... This graph demonstrates the progression of viral replication in monkey 798 as determined by levels of viral RNA found in blood samples. The dotted line represents the limits of sensitivity of this assay at 500 copies of viral RNA per ml. At week 24, there is a noticeable increase in the levels of viral RNA detected. The levels continued to increase or maintain high values through 48 weeks post inoculation.
What does this data tell us about the health of this monkey?
What is the significance of both graphes taken together?
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