RESUMEN

One of the parameters characterizing leukemia is an increase in the peripheral blood cell numbers. As a deregulation of homeostasis, this pathological process might result from an alteration of different parameters modulating cell dynamics. In this context, we studied homeostasis during infection of sheep infected by bovine leukemia virus (BLV). In this experimental model, we demonstrated that the cell death rates are increased after BLV infection and that the spleen exerts a key role in this process. We next proposed, elaborated and tested a novel therapeutic approach based on activation of viral expression. Finally, we summarized our observations in a recapitulative model.

Asunto(s)

Leucosis Bovina Enzoótica/virología , Leucocitos Mononucleares/patología , Animales , Apoptosis , Bovinos , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/farmacología , Virus de la Leucemia Bovina , Ovinos , Ácido Valproico/farmacología

RESUMEN

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the etiological agent of a lymphoproliferative disease in cattle. This retrovirus can also be experimentally transmitted to sheep, in which the pathology is more rapid and more frequent. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the BLV virus and more particularly on its role in lymphocyte homeostasis and induction of pathogenesis. This system has been informative for understanding pathogenesis induced by human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1).