Cloning and sequencing of cynomolgus macaque CCR3, GPR15, and STRL33: Potential coreceptors for HIV type 1, HIV type 2, and SIV

The characterization of several seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors, which function as co-receptors for HIV-1, HIV-2, and/or SIV, has opened up a whole new area of AIDS research. Animal models that have played a central role in the understanding of lentivirus pathogenesis and the design of novel vaccine strategies may also be invaluable in studying the role of these secondary receptors in infection and disease progression. However, since it is known that minor species-specific sequence changes in CCR3 and STRL33 affect their ability to act as coreceptors for HIV-1, HIV-2, and/or SIV, it is important to ascertain whether the relevant receptors function as expected in the animal model of choice. Many studies have been performed on the function of rhesus macaque receptors, but not on the cynomolgus macaque equivalents. Both species are used as animal models for lentivirus pathogenesis, but since there are differences in their susceptibility to viral infection, we felt it was important for information to be available for both rhesus and cynomolgus macaque receptors. The sequence of three cynomolgus macaque receptors, CCR3, GPR15, and STRL33, are presented in this sequence note. These sequences are compared with already published human and rhesus macaque homologs. Functional studies are currently being performed on these three cynomolgus macaque receptors to determine their ability to function as coreceptors for HIV-2, SIV, and/or SHIV isolates.