Figure 6

Decreased plasma IgA levels despite a strong increase in BAFF levels. (A) Plasma IgA levels were measured in SIV-infected macaques before infection (Pre; filled diamonds) and every 7 dpi (open circles). Results are expressed in mg/mL and bars represent median levels. Significant differences between groups are shown (*p < 0.05). (B-C) APRIL and BAFF levels were measured in plasma from SIV-infected macaques, before (Pre: filled diamonds) and every 3 dpi (open circles). Results are expressed in pg/mL (BAFF) and ng/mL (APRIL), and bars represent median levels. Significant differences between groups are shown (*p < 0.05, **p < 0.01). (D) Correlation between BAFF levels and plasma viral load (Log10 pVL) is shown. (E) Ileum sections from control macaques (upper panel) and macaques infected for 14 days (lower panel) were stained with anti-CD20 (B-cells, left panels) or anti-BAFF (Buffy2, middle and right panels) mAb. Original magnification: x200 for CD20, x100 and x400 for Buffy2.