Role of microbiome in anti-alpha4beta7 antibody efficacy in SIV-infected rhesus macaques

Captive Indian-origin rhesus macaques were depleted of CD8 cells and infected with SIVmac251. Daily combination antiretroviral therapy and antibody infusions (anti-alpha4beta7: n=5; IgG: n=4) every three weeks were initiated at week 2 post-infection. Combination antiretroviral therapy was discontinued at week 14. Infusions were discontinued at week 23. Fecal samples were taken at baseline, week 2, week 14, and week 23 were collected and frozen. DNA was isolated and 16S rRNA sequencing performed.