Expression of killer inhibitory receptors on cytotoxic cells from HIV-1-infected individuals

Dysfunction of cytotoxic activity of T and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes is a main immunological feature in patients with AIDS, but its basis are not well understood. It has been recently described that T and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity can be regulated by HLA killer inhibitory receptors (KIR). In this work, we have determined on cytotoxic T cells and NK cells from HIV-1-infected individuals the expression of the following KIR molecules: p58, p70, and ILT2 (immunoglobulin-like family KIR) as well as CD94 and NKG2A (C-lectin-type family KIR). With some exceptions, no significant changes were found on the expression of immunoglobulin-like KIR in either CD8+ or CD56+ cells. Interestingly, the percentages of CD8+ and CD56+ cells expressing CD94 were significantly increased in these individuals. We also show that, in vitro, IL-10 up-regulates CD94 expression on CD8+ and CD56+ cells obtained from normal individuals, suggesting that the augmented expression observed in HIV-infected individuals could be related to the high levels of IL-10 previously described in HIV-1-infected individuals.     

The good and evil of complement activation in HIV-1 infection

The complement system, a key component of innate immunity, is a first-line defender against foreign pathogens such as HIV-1. The role of the complement system in HIV-1 pathogenesis appears to be multifaceted. Although the complement system plays critical roles in clearing and neutralizing HIV-1 virions, it also represents a critical factor for the spread and maintenance of the virus in the infected host. In addition, complement regulators such as human CD59 present in the envelope of HIV-1 prevent complement-mediated lysis of HIV-1. Some novel approaches are proposed to combat HIV-1 infection through the enhancement of antibody-dependent complement activity against HIV-1. In this paper, we will review these diverse roles of complement in HIV-1 infection.     

A decreased production of IL12 in vitro is associated with isolation of cytopathic HIV-1 strains in HIV-1-infected patients

The changes in type 1 (IL12, IFNγ, IL2) and type 2 (IL4, IL10) cytokine profiles may be associated with virological parameters of progression of the disease in HIV-1-infected patients. The production of cytokines was studied in LPS + PHA-activated whole-blood culture in HIV-1-infected individuals at different stages of the disease. The association was investigated between IL12p40 and IL12p70 profiles and other cytokines (IFNγ, IL4, IL10), as well as the isolation of cytopathogenic HIV-1 strains. The phenotype of HIV strains was studied by a micromethod based on P4 cell line, allowing detection of cytopathic effects of HIV-1 isolates (syncytium-induction and cell-killing without syncytium induction). The individual variations in IL12p40 and IL12p70 production were limited in the healthy controls. Low values were observed in HIV-1-infected patients. The production of IL12 (p40 and p70) and the IL12p70/IL4 ratio and the IFNγ/IL4 ratio were significantly lower in patients with cytopathic isolates compared with patients with noncytopathic isolates, and a correlation was obtained between the values of IL12 (IL12p40 and IL12p70) and those of IFNγ/IL4 ratio. There was no increase in the secretion of IL4 and IL10 in patients with cytopathic strains compared with other patients. The results indicate a decreased production of type 1 cytokines (IL12, IFNγ) in the presence of a relatively preserved production of type 2 cytokines (IL4, IL10) in HIV-1-infected patients. In conclusion, the defect of production of IL12 by whole blood is associated with virological correlates of progression of HIV-1 disease. J. Med. Virol. 55:209–214, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Laboratory control values for CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes. Implications for HIV-1 diagnosis.

With the advent of standard flow cytometric methods using two-colour fluorescence on samples of whole blood, it is possible to establish the ranges of CD3, CD4 and CD8 T lymphocyte subsets in the routine laboratory, and also to assist the definition of HIV-1-related deviations from these normal values. In 676 HIV-1-seronegative individuals the lymphocyte subset percentages and absolute counts were determined. The samples taken mostly in the morning. The groups included heterosexual controls, people with various clotting disorders but without lymphocyte abnormalities as well as seronegative homosexual men as the appropriate controls for the HIV-1-infected groups. The stability of CD4% and CD8% values was demonstrated throughout life, and in children CD4 values less than 25% could be regarded as abnormal. The absolute counts of all T cell subsets decreased from birth until the age of 10 years. In adolescents and adults the absolute numbers (mean +/- s.d.) of lymphocytes, CD3, CD4 and CD8 cells were 1.90 +/- 0.55, 1.45 +/- 0.46, 0.83 +/- 0.29 and 0.56 +/- 0.23 x 10(9)/l, respectively. In patients with haemophilia A and B the mean values did not differ significantly. In homosexual men higher CD8 levels were seen compared with heterosexual men and 27% had an inverted CD4/CD8 ratio but mostly without CD4 lymphopenia (CD4 less than 0.4 x 10(9)/l). However, some healthy uninfected people were 'physiologically' lymphopenic without having inverted CD4/CD8 ratios. When the variations 'within persons' were studied longitudinally over a 5-year period, the absolute CD4 counts tended to be fixed at different levels. As a marked contrast, over 60% of asymptomatic HIV-1+ patients exhibited low CD4 counts less than 0.4 x 10(9)/l together with inverted CD4/CD8 ratios. Such combined changes among the heterosexual and HIV-1-seronegative homosexual groups were as rare as 1.4% and 3%, respectively. For this reason, when the lymphocyte tests show less than 0.4 x 10(9)/l CD4 count and a CD4/CD8 ratio of less than unity, the individuals need to be investigated further for chronicity of this disorder, the signs of viral infections such as HIV-1 and other causes of immunodeficiency.     

Murine polymorphonuclear leukocytes synthesize and secrete the third component and factor B of complement

Complement proteins in serum are synthesized mostly by hepatocytes and many other cell-types have also been shown to synthesize complement in various tissues. However, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) have never been reported to secrete complement. This paper demonstrates the synthesis and secretion of C3 and factor B by murine peritoneal exudate PMNs elicited with OK432 (Streptococcus preparation). Using [35S]methionine incorporation and immunoprecipitation, C3 and factor B produced by PMN are found to be antigenically and physically identical to macrophage C3 and factor B. ELISA analysis reveals that culture supernatant of PMN--free of macrophage contamination--contains C3 antigen, and both flow cytometric analysis and immunoperoxidase staining also demonstrate the presence of intracellular C3 using special precautions to eliminate non-specific staining. The role of complement produced by PMN is currently unknown, but it is very important to take this new finding into consideration for further clarification of the roles of complement in extravascular inflammatory sites.     

Analysis of lymphocyte cell death and apoptosis in HIV-2-infected patients.

Recent evidence suggests that T cell apoptosis could be involved in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. As the progression of HIV-2 associated disease appears to be slower than that of HIV-1, we investigated whether there were differences in the degree of T cell death and apoptosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures from patients with HIV-1 or HIV-2 infection. PBMC from healthy controls (n = 28) and patients infected with HIV-1 (n = 26: asymptomatic (ASY)/persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL), n = 16; and AIDS-related complex (ARC)/AIDS n = 10) or HIV-2 (n = 30: ASY/PGL, n = 16; ARC/AIDS, n = 14) were cultured in the absence or presence of mitogens (PHA, PWM) or superantigen (SEB). After 48 h, cell death (CD) was assessed by trypan blue exclusion and in some patients programmed cell death (PCD) was quantified in flow cytometry by measuring the percentage of hypodiploid nuclei corresponding to fragmented DNA, after treating the cells with a propidium iodide hypotonic solution. HIV-1 and HIV-2 ARC/AIDS patients and ASY/PGL HIV-1+ patients had significant increases in cell death percentages compared with controls, both in unstimulated and stimulated lymphocyte cultures. However, HIV-2+ ASY/PGL patients did not exhibit significant increases of cell death in unstimulated cultures. In addition, the comparison between HIV-1 and HIV-2 infected subjects in similar stages of disease, showed no significant differences in CD in the ARC/AIDS patients, although ASY/PGL HIV-2 infected subjects had lower levels of CD than the HIV-1+ ASY/PGL (3.4% +/- 0.6 s.e.m. versus 6.8% +/- 1.1 s.e.m., P < 0.01). PCD was significantly increased both in ASY/PGL (14.3% +/- 2.2 s.e.m., n = 8, P < 0.005) and in ARC/AIDS (25.3% +/- 4.5 s.e.m., n = 9, P < 0.001) HIV-1+ patients compared with healthy controls (5.8% +/- 1.7 s.e.m., n = 11). This contrasts with HIV-2 infected subjects where the ASY/PGL patients (10.0% +/- 2.8 s.e.m., n = 6) did not differ significantly from healthy controls, although ARC/AIDS patients (27.2% +/- 4.2 s.e.m., n = 9, P < 0.001) had significantly increased levels of PCD. In conclusion, this is the first report describing the occurrence of spontaneous and activation-induced lymphocyte death by apoptosis in HIV-1 infected subjects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Immunodominant HIV-1-specific HLA-B- and HLA-C-restricted CD8+ T cells do not differ in polyfunctionality

HIV-1 specific HLA-B-restricted CD8+ T cell responses differ from HLA-C-restricted responses in antiviral effectiveness. To investigate possible reasons for these differences, we characterized the frequency and polyfunctionality of immmunodominant HLA-B*57/B5801- and HLA-Cw*07-restricted CD8+ T cells occurring concurrently in nine study subjects assessing IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, MIP-1β, and CD107a by flow cytometry and analyzed sequence variation in targeted epitopes. HLA-B*57/5801 and HLA-Cw*07 restricted CD8+ T cells did not differ significantly in polyfunctionality (p = 0.84). Possession of three or more functions correlated positively with CD4+ T cell counts (r = 0.85; p = 0.006) and monofunctional CD8+ T cells inversely correlated with CD4 cell counts (r = −0.79; p = 0.05). There were no differences in polyfunctionality of CD8+ T cells specific to wildtype versus mutated epitopes. These results suggest that loss of polyfunctionality and increase in monofunctional HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cells are associated with disease progression independent of restricting HLA allele. Furthermore, sequence variation does not appear to significantly impact CD8+ T cell polyfunctionality in chronic HIV-1 infection.     

Human hepatoma cells transmit surface bound HIV-1 to CD4 T cells through an ICAM-1/LFA-1-dependent mechanism

Background

During the viremic phase of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection, hepatocytes are likely to be constantly exposed to circulating virions. Knowing that a contact between hepatocytes and CD4⁺ T lymphocytes is favoured by the local slow blood flow present within the liver, we hypothesize that hepatic cells can act as a viral reservoir and thus contribute to HIV-1 propagation.

Results

We report that human hepatoma cells bind and internalize HIV-1 particles. Infection of CD4⁺ T cells was found to be much more efficient following a contact with virus-loaded hepatocytes than with cell-free virus. Additional studies suggest that infection of CD4⁺ T cells in trans with hepatocytes carrying virus is primarily due to surface bound HIV-1 particles and relies on LFA-1/ICAM-1 interactions.

Conclusion

This work represents the first demonstration by which circulating CD4⁺ T cells can be potentially infected with HIV-1 through a contact with hepatocytes in the liver.     

慢性HIV-1感染人群血浆不同中和能力及与有关因素的研究

目的 探讨安徽省既往献血的HIV慢性感染人群血浆中和能力及其与CD4、病毒载量的关系.方法 从安徽省既往献血的294位HIV慢性感染人群静脉抽血,EDTA抗凝后进行血浆和外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)的分离、CD4和病毒载量的检测,采用拥有共享序列的临床分离病毒1597株和实验室株SF33病毒两种病毒分别做血浆的中和试验.用200TCID50病毒感染TZM-bl细胞,通过加入不同稀释度血浆,用Luciferase Assay System检测血浆的中和能力并计算中和50%的病毒进入细胞的血浆浓度(EC50).结果 294位患者血浆针对HIV-1实验株SF33和临床分离株1597的中和能力间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),针对实验株的中和能力明显高于临床分离株,91%患者血浆对HIV-1实验株SF33具有一定的中和抗体,其中EC50>500的抗体水平较高的血浆占33%,对临床分离株1597的中和抗体阳性率为79%,其中EC50>500的占7%.方差分析显示,血浆中和能力在CIM不同水平之间没有显著差异.294位HIV-1B'亚型感染的血浆病毒载量(1g)平均为4.40(2.60～6.46).方差分析显示,血浆对SF33的中和能力在不同病毒载量水平之间有显著差异,病毒载量不同的各组血浆针对1597病毒的中和能力之间差异无统计学意义.经Spearman's B相关分析,对SF33株的中和水平与病毒载量呈正相关,对1597株的中和水平与病毒载量的相关性没有统计学意义.在病毒载量1g<4的患者中,10.53%血浆样品的EC50高于500;在病毒载量1g≥5的患者中,6.46%血浆样品的EC50高于500.结论 HIV-1慢性感染人群的血浆对实验株SF33的中和能力随着病毒复制能力的提高而增加,但对临床分离株1597的中和能力未见相关性.     

Co-ligation of mouse complement receptors 1 and 2 with surface IgM rescues splenic B cells and WEHI-231 cells from anti-surface IgM-induced apoptosis

Recent studies have shown that complement receptors play important roles in both T-dependent and T-independent B lymphocyte responses to low doses of antigen (Ag) in vivo. Complement activation by either the classical or alternative pathway results in the covalent binding of C3 molecules to Ag in forms that ligate complement receptors type 1 (CR1) and 2 (CR2). We hypothesized that C3-bound Ag might cross-link CR2 and/or CR1 with surface (s)IgM and alter the signal that would be transduced through sIgM by Ag binding alone. One result of the altered signal could be the rescue of B lymphocytes from apoptosis that would otherwise be induced by the binding of certain types of Ag alone. We find that co-cross-linking of mouse CR2 and CR1 with sIgM rescues both resting B cells and WEHI-231.7 cells from apoptosis induced by sIgM ligation in a fashion similar to that found using soluble mouse CD40 ligand (mCD40L). Anti-CR2/CR1-mediated rescue requires co-cross-linking of the receptors with sIgM, and has an additive effect on mCD40L-mediated apoptosis rescue. Based on these results, it is likely that the CR2/CR1-derived signal is cooperative with T cell-derived signals such as CD40L and interleukiin-4.     

Phenotypic and functional characterization of lymphocytes derived from normal and HIV-1-infected human lymph nodes.

Lymph nodes are the major site of cell-to-cell transmission and replication of HIV-1. Trafficking of CD4+ T lymphocytes into lymph nodes provides a continual supply of susceptible target lymphocytes, and conversely, recruitment of CD8+ T lymphocytes may be critical for the host response that attempts to control HIV-1 replication. The present study was undertaken as no detailed assessment of lymphocyte subpopulations in HIV-1-infected lymph nodes has previously been reported. Peripheral blood and single-cell suspensions prepared from lymph nodes of patients with HIV-1 and control subjects were analysed using three-colour flow cytometry. Approximately 80% of the lymphocytes in control lymph nodes were CD3+ T lymphocytes, of which over 65% were CD4+. The majority of the CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes obtained from both lymph nodes and blood of control subjects were immunologically naive (CD45RA+). By contrast, in HIV-1-infected patients there was a significant reduction in the proportion of CD4+ T lymphocytes and an expansion of the CD8+ T lymphocyte subset in both lymph nodes and peripheral blood. Furthermore, a high proportion of these T lymphocytes displayed a marker for immunological memory (CD45RO+). T lymphocytes derived from HIV-1-infected lymph nodes also showed altered expression of the adhesion molecules, L-selectin and very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), but not leucocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1). In an in vitro adhesion assay, lymphocytes from HIV-1-infected nodes were significantly more adhesive than control lymphocytes on fibronectin, as well as recombinant human intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) substrates. This combination of altered lymphocyte subpopulations in the HIV-1-infected lymph nodes, as well as enhanced adhesion phenotype and function, suggests that T lymphocyte traffic to lymph nodes in HIV disease may be an important determinant of pathogenesis.     

Lack of in vivo compartmentalization among HIV-1 infected naïve and memory CD4 T cell subsets

Viral compartmentalization between naïve and memory CD4⁺ T cell subsets has been described, but only for individuals who were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). We present here an extensive analysis of the viral quasispecies residing in the naïve, central and effector memory CD4⁺ T cell subsets in a number of therapy naïve individuals and representing an array of HIV-1 subtypes. We longitudinally analyzed subset-specific infection and evolution in a subtype B infected individual who switches from CCR5 to dual CCR5/CXCR4 coreceptor usage. We show that the central memory subset, the predominantly infected subset, harbors a more diverse viral population compared to the others. Through sequence analysis of the env C2V3 region we demonstrate a lack of viral compartmentalization among all subsets. Upon coreceptor switch we observe a pronounced increase in the infection level of the naïve population. Our findings emphasize the importance of all CD4⁺ T cell subsets to viral evolution.     

T cell proliferation and apoptosis in HIV-1-infected lymphoid tissue: impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

T cell turnover was studied in situ in tonsillar lymphoid tissue (LT) from HIV-1-infected individuals during 48 weeks of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and compared to that of HIV-1-negative controls. Prior to therapy, CD4 cell proliferation (%CD4+ Ki67+) and apoptosis (%CD4+ TUNEL+) were increased in HIV-1-infected LT and both parameters correlated with tonsillar viral load. CD8 cell proliferation (%CD8+ Ki67+) was increased 4- to 10-fold, mainly in the germinal centers. Apoptotic CD8+ T cell levels (%CD8+ TUNEL+) were raised preferentially in the tonsillar T cell zone. The frequency of CD8+ Ki67+ and CD8+ TUNEL+ T cells correlated with tonsillar viral load and with the fraction of CD8(+) T cells expressing activation markers. During HAART, CD4 cell turnover normalized while CD8 cell turnover was dramatically reduced. However, low level viral replication concomitant with slightly elevated levels of CD8 cell turnover indicated a persistent cellular immune response in LT. In conclusion, enhanced T cell turnover may reflect effector cells related to HIV-1 infection.     

In vitro production of B cell growth factor and B cell differentiation factor by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and bronchoalveolar lavage T lymphocytes from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

The activation of B lymphocytes and formation of immune complexes have been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). To investigate the mechanisms of activation of B lymphocytes, we studied the production of B cell growth factor (BCGF) and B cell differentiation factor (BCDF) in patients with IPF and those with interstitial pneumonia associated with collagen vascular diseases (IP-CVD), in comparison with healthy controls. Culture supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with IPF induced more IgM and IgA production by B lymphocytes than those from healthy controls, indicating a higher production of BCDF in the patients. Culture supernatants of T lymphocytes obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) of patients with IPF induced higher proliferation of B lymphocytes than those from healthy controls, indicating a higher production of BCGF. An increase in production of BCGF and BCDF was not observed in patients with IP-CVD. In the light of these results, it was suggested that there may be an imbalance in T lymphocyte subsets that release lymphokines like BCGF and BCDF in patients with IPF, and that the subsets may differ between blood and BALF. It remains to be elucidated whether the activation of B lymphocytes depending on T lymphocytes determines the development of disease in IPF.     

B7/CD28和ICAM-1/LFA-1共刺激信号对T及B细胞功能影响的研究

目的　研究共刺激途径Ｂ７／ＣＤ２８ 和ＩＣＡＭ１／ＬＦＡ１ 对Ｔ 细胞活化以及Ｂ 细胞效应的作用。方法　在体外建立ＡＰＣＴＢ 细胞反应系统, 用Ｂ７１ 单抗和ＩＣＡＭ１ 单抗分别阻断Ｂ７／ＣＤ２８ 和ＩＣＡＭ１／ＬＦＡ１ 共刺激途径, 利用３ ＨＴｄＲ 法检测Ｔ 细胞增殖,ＥＬＩＳＡ 法测定Ｂ 细胞分泌的抗体, 用ＲＴＰＣＲ 法检测细胞因子基因的表达。结果　Ｂ７１ 单抗和ＩＣＡＭ１ 单抗均可抑制Ｔ 细胞增殖及ＩＬ２ 的产生。Ｂ７１ 单抗可下调Ｂ 细胞抗体的产生（ Ｐ＜ ０ ．０５） , 而ＩＣＡＭ１ 单抗未见明显的抑制（ Ｐ＞ ０ ．０５） 。Ｂ７１ 单抗和ＣｓＡ 联用能阻断Ｔ 细胞增殖活性及Ｂ 细胞的效应, 而ＩＣＡＭ１ 单抗和ＣｓＡ联用则无此作用。Ｂ７１ 单抗能下调ＩＬ２ 和ＩＦＮγｍ ＲＮＡ 表达,Ｂ７１ 单抗和ＣｓＡ 联用则阻断ＩＬ２ 和ＩＦＮγｍ ＲＮＡ 表达,ＩＬ４ 和ＩＬ１０ ｍ ＲＮＡ 仍可表达。结论　Ｂ７／ＣＤ２８ 和ＩＣＡＭ１／ＬＦＡ１ 共刺激途径在Ｔ 细胞活化中具有不同的作用,Ｂ７１ 单抗和ＣｓＡ 联用可导致Ｔ 细胞功能失活即无能。     

HIV-1 infection of monocyte-derived macrophages reduces Fc and complement receptor expression.

Fc receptor (FcR) and complement receptor (CR) expression on HIV-infected monocyte-derived macrophages may be an important determinant of immune function. We studied the effects of HIV-1 infection of macrophages in vitro on FcR and CR expression. Macrophages were infected with HIV-1DV 7 days following isolation, and the expression of Fc gamma RI-III and CR3 were measured at intervals thereafter by flow cytometry. We found a reduction in receptor expression with the percentage of cells expressing FcRI 14 days post infection declining from 77% to 13%, FcRII fell from 96% to 85%, FcRIII from 45% to 9%, and CR3 from 91% to 67% 14 days following infection. As these receptors are important for macrophage function, their down-modulation may contribute to the pathogenesis of HIV-related disease.     

Phenotypical and functional evaluation of CD8+/S6F1+ T lymphocytes in haemophiliac individuals with HIV-1 infection.

In this study we investigated the distribution of the S6F1 antigen, an epitope of the lymphocyte function-associated antigen, on CD8+ T lymphocytes in a series of 15 HIV-1+ and 20 HIV-1- haemophiliac patients. MoAbs recognizing the S6F1 antigen have been claimed to distinguish between killer effectors (brightly S6F1+ stained) and suppressor cells (dimly S6F1+ stained) within the CD8+ lymphoid population. In addition, we tried to find a correlation between the spontaneous in vitro immunoglobulin synthesis from patients' peripheral blood lymphocytes and the pattern of S6F1 expression. Although the total number of double-positive CD8+/S6F1+ cells was similar in both HIV-1+ and HIV-1- haemophiliac patients, a significant increase in the CD8+/S6F1+ population bright versus dim was documented in HIV-1-infected with respect to HIV-1- haemophiliacs (bright/dim ratio 3.97 +/- 0.61 versus 0.75 +/- 0.1, respectively, P < 0.005). This finding was correlated to a significant increase in spontaneous in vitro immunoglobulin production in HIV-1+ subjects compared with control haemophiliacs (P < 0.005). Purified CD8+ lymphocytes from HIV-1+ subjects showed a reduced suppressor activity on mitogen-induced immunoglobulin production. Taken together, these data suggest that HIV-1 infection favours the generation of CD8+/S6F1+ bright cells with putative cytotoxic-associated function, leading to a progressive reduction in the number of CD8+/S6F1+ dim suppressor lymphocytes. This phenomenon may contribute to the polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia present in HIV-1+ haemophiliac patients.