Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and TNF-related molecules in HIV-1+ individuals: relationship with in vitro Thl/Th2-type response

We examined the secretion and expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of TNF-α and TNF-related molecules with regard to Th1/Th2-type cytokine production. In 76 HIV⁺ patients at different disease stages and in 25 controls we measured cytokine (TNF-α/β, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IL-2, IL-4, IL-10), and activation marker secretion (sCD4, sCD8, sCD30) in phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated and unstimulated PBMC cultures by ELISA, and membrane-bound TNF-α and CD30 expression by flow cytometry. We found an expansion of the TNF system in HIV⁺ individuals, that positively correlated with TNF-α, IFN-γ and sCD8, probably representing activation of the cytotoxic compartment. In advanced disease these correlations disappeared, and TNF-α and TNF-related molecules positively correlated with IL-10. Our results are in line with the hypothesis that an expanded TNF system is immunopathological in conjunction with Th2-type immunity in the advanced stage of disease and with the inexorable progression to disease seen when both IL-10 and TNF-α are elevated.     

A Mixed Th1/Th2 Cell Cytokine Response Predominates in Systemic Onset Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: Immunoregulatory IL-10 Function

The immune response identified by the induction of Th1/Th2 cells plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory and immune disorders. We have determined that in children with systemic onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) constitutively and after stimulation with various antigensin vitroinduce a higher secretion of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10 with a characteristic deficiency of IL-2 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). This cytokine pattern is a representative of a mixed Th1/Th2 cell response in JRA. The CD3/CD28 costimulatory molecule was found to be a potent inducer of IL-4 and IL-10 secretion. PBMC-derived augmented IL-10 secretion was inhibited by exogenous Th1 cell type recombinant cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γ). Although IL-10 inhibits PBMC-induced proinflammatory IL-1α and tumor necrosis factor-α secretion, it had no major effect on IL-6 production. The finding of a distinctly enhanced mixed Th1/Th2 cell response cytokine (IL-4 and IL-10) pattern in JRA provides a framework for developing strategies for immunologic intervention in this rheumatic disorder in children.     

European genotype of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRSV) infects monocyte-derived dendritic cells but does not induce Treg cells

The aim of this study was to characterize the immune responses of DCs after infection with four different EU strains of PRRSV and whether they show any ability to immunomodulate T cells activation. Our results show that all EU strains can efficiently infect and replicate in DCs. Nevertheless, SLA-II levels remained unaltered in DC infected by all EU PRRSV strains, whereas SLA-I expression was only reduced when strain 2992 was used. IL-10 production was induced by three EU PRRSV strains, being strain 2992 the highest inducer. However, no induction of Treg cells, measured by CD25 and Foxp3 expression on lymphocytes co-cultured with infected DCs, was found. TGF-β induction was not detected in DC infected with any EU strain tested. In conclusion, DCs infected with EU PRRSV strains exhibited an unbalanced ability to stimulate T cell response and was strain dependent. However, Treg cells were not induced, at least in vitro.     

感冒双解合剂对流感病毒FM1感染小鼠肺部炎性损伤的影响

目的： 探讨治疗流行性感冒临床有效方剂感冒双解合剂对肺部炎性损伤的影响，从而探讨感冒双解合剂抗流感炎性损伤的作用机制。方法: 以流感病毒亚洲甲型鼠肺适应株（FM1）感染小鼠为模型，采用HE染色法观察小鼠肺组织的炎性病理改变，采用双抗体夹心ABC-ELISA法观察感冒双解合剂干预治疗后小鼠肺组织肿瘤细胞因子-α(TNF-α)、γ-干扰素(IFN-γ)、白细胞介素-10 (IL-10)含量的变化。结果: 流感病毒感染小鼠后，感染模型组小鼠肺组织显示为重度间质性肺炎的病变，感冒双解合剂组肺病理改变较感染模型组炎症表现减轻，显示为轻度间质性肺炎病变。感染模型组TNF-α、IFN-γ、IL-10的蛋白表达高于正常空白组，两者比较，差异显著（P<0.05或P<0.01）；感冒双解合剂组TNF-α、IFN-γ的表达较之感染模型组降低，IL-10的表达较之感染模型组升高，差异显著（P<0.05或P<0.01）。结论: 感冒双解合剂可能通过抑制炎性细胞因子TNF-α和IFN-γ的表达，提高抗炎因子IL-10的表达水平，减轻炎性损伤的作用。     

小鼠皮下感染着色芽生菌病皮损中局部细胞免疫功能研究

目的 利用小鼠皮下着色芽生菌病模型,研究在不同的病程发展阶段其T细胞免疫功能的变化.方法 足垫局部皮下注射法建立小鼠的裴氏着色霉感染的着色芽生菌病模型,通过免疫组织化学技术,检测正常小鼠足垫皮肤皮损局部细胞因子IFN-γ、IL-4、IL-10、TNF-α的表达并作为对照组,观察免疫正常组和环磷酰胺免疫抑制处理的免疫抑制组小鼠分别在感染上述真菌后7 d、30 d时,皮损局部细胞因子水平变化,并与对照组比较.结果 在着色芽生菌病小鼠模型中,第7天时,免疫正常组IL-4、TNF-α和IL-10较正常对照组均出现了显著的升高(P＜0.01),表现为Th1和Th2型细胞免疫均增强的模式,并以Th2型为主;30 d时IL-10表达显著下降(P＜0.01),与同期正常对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P=0.52),IFN-γ、TNF-α水平比7 d时显著升高(P＜0.01),表现为Th2型细胞免疫减弱Th1型占主导的模式.免疫功能受损组第7天时IL-10、IL-4的水平升高与其他两组相比差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01),IFN-γ表达水平则明显下降(P＜0.01),TNF-α的表达与正常对照组相比差异无统计学意义(P=0.39),表现为Th2型细胞免疫增强Th1功能受抑模式;30 d时,IL-10表达水平较7 d时显著减少,但仍然高于同期的免疫正常组和正常对照组,IFN-γ、TNF-α水平显著升高(P＜0.01),但却低于免疫正常组,表现为Th2型免疫模式渐弱Th1功能逐渐增强模式.结论 在不同免疫状态下小鼠着色芽生菌病感染的过程中,随着病情好转存在由Th2型细胞免疫为主导转化为Th1型细胞免疫功能占主导的过程,免疫抑制下主要表现为Th1反应受抑制,Th1型细胞因子在控制着色芽生菌病的发展过程中具有关键性的保护作用,Th2型细胞因子则可能与感染的发展进程相关.     

Insect venom immunotherapy induces interleukin-10 production and a Th2-to-Th1 shift,and changes surface marker expression in venom-allergic subjects

The current study was carried out to elucidate the immunoregulatory changes induced by venom immunotherapy (VIT) in bee or wasp allergic subjects. All subjects included in this study had a history of severe systemic allergic reactions to stings of the respective insect as well as positive skin tests with the respective venom or venom-specific IgE in the sera. Parameters assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) before and after initiation of VIT (rush therapy reaching a maintenance dose of 100 μg venom injected subcutaneously within 1 week) were expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45RA, CD45R0, interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (R)α, IL-4R, IL-12R, FcσRII, CD40, and CD40 ligand (CD40L), cells producing interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-10 after stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate + ionomycin in the presence of monensin measured by flow cytometry; secretion of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 measured by ELISA (IFN-γ and IL-10 were additionally measured by PCR), and proliferation after stimulation with the respective venom. Significant decreases were observed after VIT for proliferative response to venom and venom + IL-4, IL-4 secretion, FcσRII, CD40, and CD40L expression. Significant increases were observed after VIT for IFN-γ concerning the amount secreted and the number of producing cells, and IL-10. IL-10 was mainly produced by CD4⁺ cells that were negative for IFN-γ, but some double-positive (IL-10 and IFN-γ) cells were always detected. Addition of blocking anti-IL-10 antibodies, but not isotype control antibodies, prevented down-regulation of proliferation (but not IL-4 secretion) and further enhanced IFN-γ secretion after VIT. These data indicate that in insect venom allergic subjects, VIT not only induces a rapid shift in cytokine expression from Th2 to Th1 cytokines, but also leads to induction of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10, which may be important for the limitation of potentially harmful allergen-specific Th1 responses. The described changes in cytokine expression may be responsible for subsequent increases in allergen-specific IgG and decreases in IgE production, as well as suppressive activity observed in earlier studies.     

TJU103联合CTLA4-Ig对T细胞表型和分泌细胞因子的影响

本研究应用HLA半相合供、受者间单向混合淋巴细胞培养 (MLC )体系 ,体外检测了联合应用TJU10 3和CTLA4 Ig对供者T细胞增殖以及表型和分泌细胞因子的影响。结果显示 ,单独应用TJU10 3和CTLA4 Ig均能够降低T细胞的增殖活性 ,二者联合应用具有明显的协同抑制增殖效应 ,并能够使CD4 + CD6 9+ /CD8+ CD6 9+ 比值降低 ,Th1型细胞因子 (TNF α ,IFN γ )分泌减少 ,Th2型细胞因子 (IL 4 )分泌增加。提示TJU10 3和CTLA4 Ig联合应用能够阻断供者T细胞激活的抗原和共刺激双信号通路 ,抑制T细胞的增殖活性 ,使CD4 + CD6 9+ /CD8+ CD6 9+ 比值降低 ,并能够调节Th细胞分化 ,诱导Th细胞免疫偏离 ,使辅助性T细胞更多地向Th2细胞方向分化 ,可以作为一条预防临床HLA半相合造血干细胞移植重度移植物抗宿主病 (GVHD )的新途径     

Comparison of interferon-γ-, interleukin (IL)-17- and IL-22-expressing CD4 T cells, IL-22-expressing granulocytes and proinflammatory cytokines during latent and active tuberculosis infection

In this study, we investigated the role and expression of T helper type 17 (Th17) cells and Th17 cytokines in human tuberculosis. We show that the basal proportion of interferon (IFN)-γ-, interleukin (IL)-17- and IL-22-expressing CD4(+) T cells and IL-22-expressing granulocytes in peripheral blood were significantly lower in latently infected healthy individuals and active tuberculosis patients compared to healthy controls. In contrast, CD4(+) T cells expressing IL-17, IL-22 and IFN-γ were increased significantly following mycobacterial antigens stimulation in both latent and actively infected patients. Interestingly, proinflammatory IFN-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were increased following antigen stimulation in latent infection. Similarly, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8, IL-22 and TNF-α were increased in the serum of latently infected individuals, whereas IL-6 and TNF-α were increased significantly in actively infected patients. Overall, we observed differential induction of IL-17-, IL-22- and IFN-γ-expressing CD4(+) T cells, IL-22-expressing granulocytes and proinflammatory cytokines in circulation and following antigenic stimulation in latent and active tuberculosis.     

灭活HIV-1颗粒对人CD4+T细胞活化和全血Th1/Th2细胞因子分泌的影响

目的：体外研究AT-2灭活的HIV-1颗粒对人CD4+T细胞活化和全血(whole blood，WB) Th1/Th2细胞因子分泌的影响。方法:AT-2灭活HIV-1ⅢB型病毒颗粒，运用ELISA法测定所制备的灭活病毒中p24抗原的含量，按照1/500、1/50和1/5 (V/V)的浓度加入到WB中，以植物血凝素(phytohemagglutinin，PHA)组为阳性对照；24 h后，收集WB培养上清，运用流式微球分析法（cytometric bead array，CBA）检测WB分泌Th1 (IL-2、IFN-γ和TNF-α)和Th2 (IL-4、IL-6和IL-10)细胞因子水平；同时运用免疫荧光抗体染色技术结合流式细胞术检测WB中CD4+T细胞早期活化标记分子CD69的表达百分率。结果:我们所制备的灭活病毒中p24抗原的含量为85.5 μg/L；24 h后，空白对照组中，CD4+T细胞CD69的表达百分率为(1.62±0.63)%，PHA组为(38.82±6.00)%，HIV-1(1/500)组为(3.83±1.07)%，HIV-1(1/50)组为(5.94±0.85)%，HIV-1(1/5)组为(9.30±1.22)%；空白对照组WB培养上清中细胞因子主要为IL-6和TNF-α，PHA组中Th1和Th2细胞因子全部升高，3个浓度的HIV-1组中Th1和Th2细胞因子也全部升高。结论:AT-2灭活的HIV-1ⅢB颗粒能够明显引起WB中CD4＋T细胞活化，并上调WB培养上清中Th1和Th2细胞因子的水平，其机制可能是除了HIV-1病毒蛋白的作用外，HIV-1出胞时，许多宿主细胞来源的免疫分子整合到病毒颗粒包膜中，而模拟抗原提呈细胞，从而产生免疫调节作用。     

活动性结核病患者外周血单个核细胞中结核分枝杆菌抗原特异性多能CD4+和CD8+T淋巴细胞的特征研究

目的 研究活动性结核病患者外周血单个核细胞中结核分枝杆菌抗原特异性多能T淋巴细胞细胞因子的分泌特征.方法 利用γ干扰素释放试验和多色流式细胞术分析了13例活动性结核病患者、11例肺部感染性/肿瘤疾病患者以及14例健康对照者外周血中结核分枝杆菌抗原特异性(ESAT-6和CFP-10)CD4+Th1和CD8+Tc淋巴细胞表达细胞因子IFN-γ、TNF-α和IL-2的情况.结果 与肺部感染性/肿瘤疾病组和健康对照组相比:(1)活动性结核病组具有较低比例的分泌TNF-α+的CD4+Th1细胞、较高比例的分泌IFN-γ+和IFN-γ+TNF-α+IL-2+的CD4+Th1细胞;(2)活动性结核病组具有较高比例的分泌IFN-γ+TNF-α+IL-2+的CD8+Tc细胞.结论 实验结果提示活动性结核病患者中表达IFN-γ+TNF-α+IL-2+的多能CD4+Th1及CD8+Tc细胞,可能在区别活动性结核病与肺部感染性/肿瘤疾病方面具有一定的临床参考价值.     

Th1 cells induce and Th2 inhibit antigen-dependent IL-12 secretion by dendritic cells

Dendritic cells are the most relevant antigen-presenting cells (APC) for presentation of antigens administered in adjuvant to CD4⁺ T cells. Upon interaction with antigen-specific T cells, dendritic cells (DC) expressing appropriate peptide-MHC class II complexes secrete IL-12, a cytokine that drives Th1 cell development. To analyze the T cell-mediated regulation of IL-12 secretion by DC, we have examined their capacity to secrete IL-12 in response to stimulation by antigen-specific Th1 and Th2 DO11.10 TCR-transgenic cells. These cells do not differ either in TCR clonotype or CD40 ligand (CD40L) expression. Interaction with antigen-specific Th1, but not Th2 cells, induces IL-12 p40 and p75 secretion by DC. The induction of IL-12 production by Th1 cells does not depend on their IFN-γ secretion, but requires direct cell-cell contact mediated by peptide/MHC class II-TCR and CD40-CD40L interactions. Th2 cells not only fail to induce IL-12 secretion, but they inhibit its induction by Th1 cells. Unlike stimulation by Th1, inhibition of IL-12 production by Th2 cells is mediated by soluble molecules, as demonstrated by transwell cultures. Among Th2-derived cytokines, IL-10, but not IL-4 inhibit Th1-driven IL-12 secretion. IL-10 produced by Th2 cells appears to be solely responsible for the inhibition of Th1-induced IL-12 secretion, but it does not account for the failure of Th2 cells to induce IL-12 production by DC. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Th1 cells up-regulate IL-12 production by DC via IFN-γ-independent cognate interaction, whereas this is inhibited by Th2-derived IL-10. The inhibition of Th1-induced IL-12 production by Th2 cells with the same antigen specificity represents a novel mechanism driving the polarization of CD4⁺ T cell responses.     

Serum Th1 and Th2 cytokine balance in patients of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of bladder pre- and post-intravesical combination immunotherapy

Combination therapy with intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) plus interferon-α2b (IFN-α2b) for superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) seems to be immune-dependent and activation of Th1 immune response is required for clinical efficacy. The present study evaluates circulating serum cytokine profiles (Th1/Th2 cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2 TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10) in 41 bladder cancer patients prior to transurethral resection of tumor (TURBT) (pre-therapy), and following intravesical combination immunotherapy (post-therapy) and their association with recurrence. Mean levels of IL-2 and TNF-α were significantly reduced while IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly enhanced in pre-therapy samples as compared to controls. Mean levels of IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α were significantly increased while IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly reduced in patients after instillation of combination immunotherapy. These findings suggest that bladder cancer patients develop Th2 dominant status with deficient type 1 immune response that shows tendency to reversal following therapy.     

Helicobacter pylori-infected macrophages induce Th17 cell differentiation

Th17 cells represent a novel subset of CD4(+) T cells, which is associated with chronic inflammation. The present study evaluated Th17 cell responses to Helicobacter pylori infection in mouse model and CD4(+) T cell differentiation in response to H. pylori-infected macrophages. Th17 cells were observed in the H. pylori-infected gastric tissue. Co-culture of CD4(+) T cells with H. pylori-infected macrophages elevated IL-17 and IFN-γ secretion, up-regulated retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) and T box expressed in T cells (T-bet) expression and increased the numbers of Th17 and Th1 cells. The expression of CD40, CD80, and CD86 and the secretion of IL-6, TGF-β1, IL-23, and CCL20 were significantly increased in H. pylori-stimulated macrophages. NF-κB pathway participated in the production of IL-6, IL-23, and CCL20 from macrophages in response to H. pylori, and inhibition of NF-κB pathway of macrophages resulted in less Th17 cell differentiation. Taken together, these results suggest that H. pylori induces Th17 cell differentiation via infected macrophages.     

化学修饰的糖脂4′″-dh-iGb3对NKT细胞分泌Th1/Th2型细胞因子的影响

为研究两种i Gb3类似物(化学修饰的糖脂4′″-dh-i Gb3和4-HO-i Gb3)对NKT细胞Th1/Th2型细胞因子分泌的影响。采用流式细胞术检测经腹腔注射两种i Gb3类似物后C57BL/6小鼠脾脏NKT细胞数量的变化以及NKT细胞胞内IFN-γ和IL-4的表达水平;用Real-ti me PCR方法检测体外培养的脾脏淋巴细胞与i Gb3类似物共孵育后IFN-γ和IL-4的mRNA表达水平,并用ELISA方法检测孵育上清中IFN-γ和IL-4的含量。结果显示:与i Gb3组相比,经两种i Gb3类似物体内刺激后脾脏NKT细胞的数量都没有显著性变化。糖脂4-dh-i Gb3能够较i Gb3更强地诱导脾脏NKT细胞胞内IFN-γ的表达,也能够上调体外培养的脾脏淋巴细胞IFN-γ的mRNA水平及IFN-γ的分泌,而IL-4在所检测的各个水平上都没有显著性变化。提示化学修饰的糖脂4′″-dh-i Gb3能够诱导C57BL/6鼠脾脏NKT细胞Th1型细胞因子的分泌,而并不显著影响Th2型细胞因子的分泌,从而诱导Th1/Th2型细胞因子平衡向Th1方向偏移。     

Apical TLR ligation of intestinal epithelial cells drives a Th1-polarized regulatory or inflammatory type effector response in vitro

Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) separate the mucosal immune system from the external milieu. Under inflammatory conditions, Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression by IEC is increased. In a transwell co-culture model immune modulation by IEC upon TLR ligation was studied. Human IEC (HT-29 and T84) grown on filters were apically or basolaterally exposed to TLR4 or TLR9 ligands and co-cultured with CD3/CD28-activated healthy donor PBMC in the basolateral compartment. TLR4 ligation of IEC (HT-29) enhanced the production of TNF-α and IEC-derived MDC and decreased numbers of Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells. Neutralization of TSLP abrogated TLR4-induced TNF-α secretion. In contrast, apical TLR9 ligation of IEC (HT-29 and T84) enhanced IFN-γ and IL-10 secretion and increased the number of activated T_h1 cells. The increase in IFN-γ secretion depended on the presence of IEC. Furthermore, CD14 expression on monocytes was reduced coinciding with enhanced intracellular IL-10 and decreased TNF-α production. However, basolateral TLR9 ligand exposure of HT-29 cells resulted in enhanced IFN-γ, IL-6 and TNF-α, while IL-10 secretion remained unaltered. TLR4 and TLR9 ligands reduced IL-13 secretion in presence and absence of apically exposed IEC and enhanced IL-12 secretion in presence of IEC. These data suggest that TLR4 ligation of IEC drives an inflammatory, while apical TLR9 ligation drives a regulatory T_h1 effector immune response in vitro in a polarized manner. IEC may be important modulators of the mucosal effector immune response.     

Kinetics of Cytokine mRNA Expression in the Central Nervous System Following Lethal and Nonlethal Coronavirus-Induced Acute Encephalomyelitis

The potential role(s) of cytokines in the reduction of infectious virus and persistent viral infection in the central nervous system was examined by determining the kinetics of cytokine mRNA expression following infection with the neurotropic JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus. Mice were infected with an antibody escape variant which produces a nonlethal encephalomyelitis and compared to a clonal virus population which produces a fulminant fatal encephalomyelitis. Infection with both viruses induced the accumulation of mRNAs associated with Th1- and Th2-type cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10. Peak mRNA accumulations were coincident with the clearance of virus and there was no obvious differences between lethally and nonlethally infected mice. TNF-α mRNA was induced more rapidly in lethally infected mice compared to mice undergoing a nonfatal encephalomyelitis. Rapid transient increases in the mRNAs encoding IL-12, iNOS, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6 occurred following infection. Nonlethal infections were associated with increased IL-12, IL-1β, and earlier expression of IL-6, while lethal infections were associated with increased iNOS and IL-1α mRNA. These data suggest a rapid but differential response within the central nervous system cells to infection by different JHMV variants. However, neither the accumulation nor kinetics of induction provide evidence to distinguish lethal infections from nonlethal infections leading to a persistent infection. Accumulation of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the central nervous system of JHMV-infected mice is consistent with the participation of both cytokines and cell immune effectors during resolution of acute viral-induced encephalomyelitis.     

白细胞介素-18干预诱导的树突状细胞表型和活性研究

目的：研究白细胞介素-18（IL-18）干预诱导的树突状细胞（DC）的表型和活性。方法:自人外周血单核细胞诱导DC，第5 d起分为IL-18组、TNF-α组和IL-18+TNF-α组，分别加IL-18、TNF-α及IL-18+TNF-α促成熟，用ELISA法测定上清中IL-12含量；用流式细胞仪测定培养8 d DC的CD1a、HLA-DR、CD83及CD86的表达；用MTT法检测3组DC诱导T细胞增殖的作用。用ELISA法测定3组DC刺激T细胞分泌干扰素γ(IFN-γ)的量。结果:IL-18组与TNF-α组CD1a、HLA-DR、CD83及CD86表达无差异，IL-18+TNF-α组CD1a、CD83及HLA-DR阳性率高于IL-18组。IL-18+TNF-α组IL-12量高于IL-18组和TNF-α组(P＜0.05)。IL-18组与TNF-α组DC刺激T细胞增殖作用无差异，IL-18+TNF-α组DC的作用强于IL-18组和TNF-α组。IL-18组和TNF-α组IFN-γ量无显著差异，IL-18+TNF-α组IFN-γ的量高于IL-18组和TNF-α组(P＜0.05)。结论:IL-18干预诱导的DC高表达表面分子，具有明显的免疫刺激活性，IL-18与 TNF-α合用作用更强。     

Th2-Th1 shift with the multiantigenic formulation TERAVAC-HIV-1 in Balb/c mice

In chronic HIV infection a progressive Th1 to Th2/Th0 cytokine-profile shift is related to disease progression. One of the possible benefits of a therapeutic vaccination might be to counterbalance this phenomenon to allow viral replication control under a Th1-type immune response. TERAVAC-HIV-1 is a multiantigenic formulation vaccine candidate against HIV-1 which comprises the recombinant protein CR3 that contains T cell epitopes and the surface and nucleocapsid antigens of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Previous studies showed that such virus like particles of the HBV provide a Th1 adjuvant effect. The present studies examined the capacity of TERAVAC to elicit a Th1 response in the presence of an ongoing HIV-specific Th2-type response in Balb/c mice. To examine this issue, we injected subcutaneously the animals with CR3 or viral lysate in alum which resulted in a Th2-type response. The CR3-specific Th2-type response was verified by induction of IL-4 and IL-10 secretion in ex vivo stimulated splenocytes without secretion of IFN-γ and IgG2a antibodies in serum. Further subcutaneous and simultaneous subcutaneous-nasal immunizations of the same mice with TERAVAC promoted IFN-γ secretion and production of IgG2a antibodies in accordance with a Th1-type response. This result suggests a therapeutic benefit of this vaccine candidate in the restoration of the Th1-type HIV-specific cellular response in seropositive patients.