Chimeric SHIV that causes CD4+ T cell loss and AIDS in rhesus macaques

: By animal to animal passage in rhesus and pig‐tailed macaques, we developed a rhesus model of HIV‐1 disease in humans. Rhesus macaques infected with a cell‐free stock of SHIVKU‐2 developed CD4+ T cell loss, primary lentiviral encephalitis and pneumonia, and AIDS. Six of nine rhesus macaques died within eight months post‐inoculation, while the remaining three are at five, five, and eight months post‐inoculation, respectively. Animals infected by either mucosal or parenteral routes of infection had a similar course of infection.