Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effect of EKM gene therapy in SHIV animal models. Methods Seven rhesus monkeys were selected and screened by serological test to ensure that they were free of SIV , SRV , STLV and BV infection. PBMC were collected for isolating CD4+T and proliferate ex vivo and transduce EKM gene. When cell culture was over, the cells(transduced or not transduced) was harvested and re-infused the cells into rhesus macaques. Finally, all rhesus monkeys were inoculated with SHIV-KB9. Blood samples were collected at different time according to the time schedule, and used for blood composition anaysis, and prepare both plasma and PBMC for viral RNA detection by RT-PCR and FACS / EKM gene copy assay, respectively. Results The viral load peak was put off 11 days contrast to model group and about 2 weeks late according to documents, the level of plasma viremia was lower than model group, CD4+T cell count and CD4/CD8 ratio were stable. All animals did not involved in AIDS at the end of this experiment. Conclusion Re-infusing the transduced cells into monkeys can delay the viral load peak, and the level of plasma viremia was lower than model group, which is no obvious difference between control group and experimental group, the exact effect of EKM will be researched further.

Key words: EKM gene, AIDS, Laboratory rhesus monkey, SHIV-KB9