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N Chirmule

Publications and source records attributed to N Chirmule.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Role of E4 in eliciting CD4 T-cell and B-cell responses to adenovirus vectors delivered to murine and nonhuman primate lungs.

Adenovirus vectors delivered to lung are being considered in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). Vectors from which E1 has been deleted elicit T- and B-cell responses which confound their use in the treatment of chronic diseases such as CF. In this study, we directly compare the biology of an adenovirus vector from which E1 has been deleted to that of one from which E1 and E4 have been deleted, following intratracheal instillation into mouse and nonhuman primate lung. Evaluation of the E1 deletion vector in C57BL/6 mice demonstrated dose-dependent activation of both CD4 T cells (i.e., TH1 and TH2 subsets) and neutralizing antibodies to viral capsid proteins. Deletion of E4 and E1 had little impact on the CD4 T-cell proliferative response and cytolytic activity of CD8 T cells against target cells expressing viral antigens. Analysis of T-cell subsets from mice exposed to the vector from which E1 and E4 had been deleted demonstrated preservation of TH1 responses with markedly diminished TH2 responses compared to the vector with the deletion of E1. This effect was associated with reduced TH2-dependent immunoglobulin isotypes and markedly diminished neutralizing antibodies. Similar results were obtained in nonhuman primates. These studies indicate that the vector genotype can modify B-cell responses by differential activation of TH1 subsets. Diminished humoral immunity, as was observed with the E1 and E4 deletion vectors in lung, is indeed desired in applications of gene therapy where readministration of the vector is necessary.

Adenoviridae

Characterization of the immune response after local delivery of recombinant adenovirus in murine pancreas and successful strategies for readministration.

The pancreas is an ideal organ for adenoviral gene therapy because of the high level of gene transfer that can be achieved and because of the many diseases that can potentially be treated using this technology. In this report, we characterize the immune response to direct pancreatic injection of adenovirus and we overcome some of the limitations it imposes by using immunosuppression. Direct injection of recombinant adenovirus into the pancreas leads to the production of neutralizing antibodies and to sensitized splenocytes which engage in increased cytotoxic, lymphoproliferative, and cytokine release activity when reexposed to adenovirus. Transgene expression is transient and the vector cannot be readministered. Deletion of CD4+ T helper cells improves expression over time (40% of pancreatic cells express transgene at day 28 vs. 5% in controls), and allows the vector to be readministered in the pancreas, albeit, inefficiently, when compared to naive animals. Similarly, blockade of CD40 ligand, which preserves the CD4+ T helper cell population, also improves expression over time (30% of pancreatic cells express transgene at day 28), and allows the vector to be readministered. With both approaches, neutralizing antibodies are decreased and the remaining splenocytes do not engage in activated immune responses. Thus, local delivery of the adenoviral vector induces a systemic response that prevents pancreatic readministration, even with direct injection. Blockade of CD40 ligand and T helper cell depletion are transient regimens that induce systemic immunosuppression. Until the development of newer strategies that selectively suppress adenoviral immune responses, these are viable alternatives for enhancement of pancreatic adenoviral delivery.

Adenoviruses, Human

CD4 cross-linking (CD4XL) induces RAS activation and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion in CD4+ T cells.

CD4 molecules are the primary receptors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and bind the envelope glycoprotein gp120 of HIV with high-affinity. We have previously shown that cross-linking of CD4 molecules (CD4XL) in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) results in secretion of cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), but not of interleukin-2 (IL-2) or IL-4. To investigate the intracellular signaling events associated with CD4-gp120 interaction, we incubated CD4+ T cells from peripheral blood of HIV-negative healthy donors with HIV envelope protein gp160 alone or performed CD4XL with gp160 and anti-gp160 antibody. This procedure resulted in tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular substrates p59fyn, zap 70, and p95vav and also led to ras activation, as assessed by conversion of rasGDP to rasGTP. The role of ras in CD4 signaling was further investigated using CD4+ Jurkat cells transfected with a dominant negative ras mutant. CD4+ T cells expressing dn-ras secreted significantly reduced levels of TNF-alpha in response to CD4XL. These studies indicate that interaction of HIV gp160 with CD4 molecules activates the ras pathway in T cells, which may result in the cells becoming unresponsive to subsequent stimulation.

CD4 Antigens

Immune hyperactivation of HIV-1-infected T cells mediated by Tat and the CD28 pathway.

Human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) infection is characterized by a chronic state of immune hyperactivation in patients. Infection of human peripheral blood lymphocytes with HIV-1 in vitro resulted in increased interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion in response to T cell activation via the CD3 and CD28 receptors. Expression of the HIV-1 transactivator Tat recapitulated this phenotype and was associated with increased IL-2 secretion in response to costimulation with CD3 plus CD28. IL-2 superinduction by Tat occurred at the transcriptional level, was mediated by the CD28-responsive element in the IL-2 promoter, and was exclusively dependent on the 29 amino acids encoded by the second exon of Tat.

Anti-HIV Agents

Dual role of HIV Tat in regulation of apoptosis in T cells.

Apoptosis has been suggested to be one of the major mechanisms of depletion of CD4+ T cells in HIV-1-infected individuals. Remarkably, HIV-1-infected cells appear protected from apoptosis, whereas bystander cells show increased apoptosis in lymph nodes of infected individuals. In this work, we present evidence that the trans-activating protein of HIV-1, Tat, has a dual role in regulation of apoptosis in T cells. While addition of exogenous Tat protein induced apoptosis in uninfected T cells, T cell clones stably expressing the Tat protein were protected from activation-induced apoptosis. The addition of exogenous Tat potentiated anti-CD3 mAb, anti-Fas IgM mAb, and TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis of T cells. Pretreatment of Tat with anti-Tat Ab abrogated Tat-induced apoptosis, but did not affect anti-Fas IgM Ab-induced apoptosis. Endogenously expressed Tat was analyzed in Jurkat T cell clones transfected with either full-length tat gene (101 amino acids), or in control cells containing an empty vector. The Tat101-transfected clones were resistant to anti-CD3-induced apoptosis, when compared with cells transfected with vector alone. Furthermore, cross-linking of CD4 molecules on T cells with gp160 and anti-gp160 Ab showed markedly decreased apoptosis in Tat101 cells compared with that induced in cells transfected with vector alone. Taken together, our results indicate that HIV-1 Tat can regulate apoptosis that may contribute to the immunopathogenesis of AIDS.

Amino Acid Sequence

Signals transduced through the CD4 molecule interfere with TCR/CD3-mediated ras activation leading to T cell anergy/apoptosis.

It has been previously demonstrated that the occupancy of CD4 molecules by the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 results in marked inhibition of T cell receptor-CD3 complex (TCR/CD3) activation-induced IL-2 secretion. To elucidate the mechanism of inhibitory effects of gp160 on T cell signaling, we have investigated the intracellular biochemical events and biological output in response to anti-CD3 mAb activation of purified peripheral blood CD4+ T cells from healthy donors with and without prior exposure to HIV-1 gp160. Pretreatment with gp160 resulted in marked inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of p59(fyn), PLC-gamma1, ras activation, and TNF-alpha secretion in anti-CD3 mAb activated CD4+ T cells, and a subset of CD4+ cells underwent activation-induced cell death. The data presented here provide insight into the mechanism by which the interaction of HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins with CD4 molecules may alter TCR/CD3-activation-induced signal transduction resulting in anergy and apoptosis with consequent functional deficiency of CD4+ T cells.

Apoptosis

Envelope glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1: profound influences on immune functions.

Infection by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) leads to progressive destruction of the CD4+ T-cell subset, resulting in immune deficiency and AIDS. The specific binding of the viral external envelope glycoprotein of HIV-1, gp120, to the CD4 molecules initiates viral entry. In the past few years, several studies have indicated that the interaction of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein with cells and molecules of the immune system leads to pleiotropic biological effects on immune functions, which include effects on differentiation of CD34+ lymphoid progenitor cells and thymocytes, aberrant activation and cytokine secretion patterns of mature T cells, induction of apoptosis, B-cell hyperactivity, inhibition of T-cell dependent B-cell differentiation, modulation of macrophage functions, interactions with components of complement, and effects on neuronal cells. The amino acid sequence homologies of the envelope glycoproteins with several cellular proteins have suggested that molecular mimicry may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. This review summarizes work done by several investigators demonstrating the profound biological effects of envelope glycoproteins of HIV-1 on immune system cells. Extensive studies have also been done on interactions of the viral envelope proteins with components of the immune system which may be important for eliciting a "protective immune response." Understanding the influences of HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins on the immune system may provide valuable insights into HIV-1 disease pathogenesis and carries implications for the trials of HIV-1 envelope protein vaccines and immunotherapeutics.

AIDS Vaccines

HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins induce activation of activated protein-1 in CD4+ T cells.

Activation of CD4 positive T cells is a primary requirement for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) entry, efficient HIV replication, and progression to AIDS, Utilizing CD4 positive T cell lines and purified T cells from normal individuals, we have demonstrated that native envelope glycoproteins of HIV, gp 160, can induce activation of transcription factor, activated protein-1 (AP-1). The stimulatory effects of gp160 are mediated through the CD4 molecule, since treatment of gp160 with soluble CD4-IgG abrogates its activity, and CD4 negative T cell lines fail to be stimulated with gp160. Immunoprecipitation of the gp 160-induced nuclear extracts with polyclonal antibodies to Fos and Jun proteins indicates that AP-1 complex is comprised of members of these family of proteins. The gp160-induced AP-1 complex is dependent upon protein tyrosine phosphorylation and is protein synthesis-independent. This stimulation can also be abolished by inhibitors of protein kinase C, but it is unaffected by calcium channel blocker or cyclosporine A. This gp160 treatment adversely affects the functional capabilities of T cells: pre-treatment of CD4+ T cells with gp160 for 4 h at 37 degrees C inhibited anti-CD3-induced interleukin-2 secretion. Effects similar to gp160 were seen with anti-CD4 mAb. The aberrant activation of AP-1 by gp160 in CD4 positive T cells could result in up-regulation of cytokines containing AP-1 sites, e.g. interleukin-3 and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and concurrently lead to T cell unresponsiveness by inhibiting interleukin-2 secretion.

Base Sequence

HIV gp120 inhibits T cell activation by interfering with expression of costimulatory molecules CD40 ligand and CD80 (B71).

One mechanism of the immune suppression in HIV infection has been postulated as being caused by the interaction of HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 with CD4 molecules. Thus, pretreatment of purified peripheral blood T cells or CD4+ T cell clones with gp120 (or an anti-CD4 mAb) results in inhibition of anti-CD3 mAb-induced proliferative responses. In this study, we have analyzed the role of the interacting pairs of costimulatory molecules, CD28-B71 (CD80) and CD40 ligand (CD40L)-CD40, to elucidate further the mechanism of HIV gp120-induced inhibitory effects on T cell functions. Interactions between CD28-B71 and CD40L-CD40 were found to be essential for the anti-CD3 mAb-induced T cell proliferation, as demonstrated by up-regulation of B71 and CD40L and the ability of anti-B71 and anti-CD40L mAbs to inhibit this response. Pretreatment of CD4+ T cells with gp120 before CD3 ligation with anti-CD3 mAb resulted in failure of up-regulation of CD40L on T cells and B71 on APC. Exogenous addition of anti-CD28 mAb overcame the inhibitory effect of gp120 on anti-CD3 mAb-induced T cell proliferation. We conclude that binding of gp120 to CD4 molecules on T cells may interrupt the sequential cascade of intercellular interaction involving 1) Ag/MHC class II-TCR/CD4, 2) CD40L-CD40, and 3) B71-CD28. These studies indicate that the CD4-gp120 interaction results in dysregulation of expression of costimulatory molecules, CD40L, and B71 expression on T cells and APC, respectively, thereby contributing to the T cell hyporesponsiveness in HIV infection.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

The HIV glycoprotein gp 160 has superantigen-like properties.

HIV infection is characterized by paralysis of the immune system and a depletion of CD4+ cells. Recent studies demonstrating modulation of the V beta T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire in HIV patients have suggested that some of these effects may be the result of action by one or more superantigens encoded by the virus. In order to determine whether the HIV envelope glycoprotein, gp160, displays properties reminiscent of a superantigen, the T cell receptor V beta repertoire of T cells from healthy, seronegative individuals activated in vitro with gp160 was determined. In five individuals of disparate HLA type, activation by gp160 resulted in a marked skewing in the relative expression of a common set of V beta gene segments. This activation was HLA class II-dependent and did not require antigen processing. Surprisingly, the V beta segments affected by gp160 bore a striking similarity to those affected by the staphylococcal superantigen SEB. These observations suggest that exposure to superantigens produced by opportunistic infection might play an important role in disease progression.

Bacterial Toxins

Immunological characteristics of HIV-infected children: relationship to age, CD4 counts, disease progression, and survival.

We have evaluated immunologic markers of disease progression in 79 children perinatally infected with HIV. Laboratory testing included T lymphocyte subsets and lymphoproliferative responses (LPR) to mitogens (PHA, Con A, and PWM), antigens (Candida, Tetanus), and alloantigens (MLC). Patients were graded into grades I, II, and III based on results of CD4 counts, and into grades A, B, and C based on results of LPR, with grades I and grades A being normal, III and C being the lowest, and II and B falling in-between. CD4 counts, CD4/CD8 ratio, and lymphoproliferative responses were markedly decreased in a majority of children. Grade III CD4 counts were almost always associated with decreased LPR. A majority of the children with grade I CD4 numbers, however, also had abnormal lymphoproliferative responses. Results of laboratory testing were analyzed in relation to clinical disease progression and survival. The first AIDS defining illnesses (ADI), especially opportunistic infections (OI), was usually associated with Grade III/C results in immunologic assays. Survival was significantly decreased in children with grade III CD4 cell counts, and grade C LPR, and was poorest if these abnormalities developed within the first year of life. In this latter age group, if the CD4 counts fell to grade III, the risk for dying was at least five times greater than those children with higher CD4 counts (grades II and I); if the proliferative responses to PHA and MLC were in Grade C, the survival was 22 months. Severe immune defects in the first year of life in children with HIV infection, as assessed by CD4 counts and a battery of functional tests, predicted rapid disease progression.

Age Factors

V beta-specific activation of T cells by the HIV glycoprotein gp 160.

Studies by several groups have suggested that HIV infection in vivo results in a V beta-specific alteration of the TCR repertoire and that this might play a role in the pathogenesis of AIDS. However, there is very little agreement as to which V beta segments are affected. In order to circumvent the confounding factors present in vivo we have examined the abilities of both a crude protein extract of HIV and purified gp160 to alter the V beta repertoire of normal T cells in vitro. We find that both a crude extract of HIV as well as gp160 specifically activate T cells expressing a common set of V beta segments (V beta 3, 12, 14, 15, and sometimes V beta 17 and 20) in individuals of disparate HLA type. This set of V beta segments is remarkably similar to those recognized by staphlococcal enterotoxin B and supports the hypothesis that bacterial superantigens produced by opportunistically acquired micro-organisms could have an exacerbating effect in AIDS.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Human immunodeficiency virus Tat induces functional unresponsiveness in T cells.

Soluble proteins of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) might play a significant role in the pathogenesis of HIV infection. The addition of synthetic Tat peptides, but not that of the recombinant Nef or Vif protein, inhibited proliferative responses of CD4+ tetanus antigen-specific, exogenous interleukin-2 (IL-2)-independent T-cell clones in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Tat peptides inhibited the anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody-induced proliferative responses of both purified CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Tat did not affect proliferative responses induced by phorbol myristate acetate plus ionomycin. The Tat peptides at the concentrations used (0.1 to 3 micrograms/ml) did not affect the viability of the cells as determined by trypan blue exclusion. Treatment of Tat peptides with polyclonal Tat antibodies abrogated the inhibitory effect of Tat. Soluble Tat proteins secreted by HeLa cells transfected with the tat gene also inhibited antigen-induced proliferation of the T-cell clones. Tat inhibited the anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody-induced IL-2 mRNA expression and IL-2 secretion but did not affect IL-2 receptor alpha-chain mRNA or protein expression on peripheral blood T cells. Finally, treatment of T-cell clones with the Tat peptide did not affect the antigen-induced increase in intracellular calcium, hydrolysis of phosphatidyl inositol to inositol trisphosphate, or translocation of protein kinase C from the cytosol to the membrane. These studies demonstrate that the mechanism of the Tat-mediated inhibition of T-cell functions involves a phospholipase C gamma 1-independent pathway.

Cell Division

Signals transduced through the CD4 molecule on T lymphocytes activate NF-kappa B.

We have demonstrated that native envelope glycoproteins of HIV-1, gp160 can induce activation of the transcription factor, NF-kappa B. The stimulatory effects of gp160 are mediated through the CD4 molecule, since pretreatment with soluble CD4 abrogates its activity. The gp160-induced NF-kappa B complex consists of p65, p50 and c-rel proteins. The stimulatory effect of gp160 on NF-kappa B activation is protein synthesis independent, is dependent upon protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and abrogated by inhibitors of protein kinase C. The gp160-mediated activation of NF-kappa B in CD4 positive T cells may be involved in biological effects, e.g., enhanced HIV replication, hypergammaglobulinemia, increased cytokine secretion, hypercellularity in bone marrow and apoptosis.

Antigens, CD

Envelope glycoproteins of HIV-1 interfere with T-cell-dependent B cell differentiation: role of CD4-MHC class II interaction in the effector phase of T cell help.

T-cell-dependent B cell differentiation involves two phases: an inductive phase of T cell activation followed by an effector phase, which involves stimulation of B cells by activated T cells. We have previously demonstrated that anti-CD3 mAb and antigen-induced T-cell-dependent B cell functions are inhibited by HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, gp120, at the inductive phase of T-cell-dependent B cell response. In this study we have investigated whether gp120 also inhibits the effector phase of interactions involved in T-cell-dependent-B cell differentiation response. For these studies, CD4+ T cells were first activated with antigen or pokeweed mitogen, cultured with soluble HIV-gp120 or medium for 2 hr, and washed. Coculture of gp120-treated preactivated T cells with autologous B cells resulted in impairment of IgG secretion, but did not affect IgM secretion significantly. The IgG secretion was restored by the addition of PMA (activator of protein kinase C) or forskolin (activator of adenylate cyclase), but not by the addition of ionomycin (inducer of intracellular calcium) to the T plus B cell cultures. A similar pattern of Ig secretion (IgM, no IgG) was observed with B cells of a patient with bare lymphocyte syndrome, indicating a requirement for MHC class II molecule interaction with T cells. These studies suggest that the effector phase of T-B cell interactions are impaired by gp120, and that the mechanism involves a signal transducing event(s), which is dependent upon cyclic AMP and/or protein kinase C. Furthermore, these latter reactions occur subsequent to T-B cell contact-dependent interactions at the effector phase, which involve MHC class II molecules on B cells and CD4 molecules on T cells.

Antigen Presentation

Improved specificity of in vitro anti-HIV antibody production: implications for diagnosis and timing of transmission in infants born to HIV-seropositive mothers.

In vitro anti-HIV antibody production (IVAP), initially introduced as a method for diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in infants, has been limited in its application because of poor specificity and sensitivity early in life. The aims of this study were to improve the specificity of the IVAP assay and to evaluate its sensitivity in conjunction with assays of HIV culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and p24 antigen. To prevent false-positive reactions resulting from maternal serum-derived cytophilic anti-HIV IgG, additional preculture and washing steps for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were introduced that resulted in dramatic improvement in specificity of IVAP. The sensitivity of the revised IVAP at age < 3 months in 20 infected infants was, however, only 25%; of 15 infected infants initially negative in IVAP, 13 became positive at a mean estimated age of 4.4 +/- 1.8 months. When correlated with virological assays, a failure to respond in IVAP at age < 1 month was often associated with negative virological identification, whereas a positive IVAP response at age < 3 months was always associated with positive results in all virological assays. Moreover, conversion from negative IVAP to positive responses occurred subsequent to, and not concurrently with, a positive virological identification of infected infants. The revised IVAP methodology renders this assay potentially useful as an additional tool not only for the diagnosis of HIV infection, but for estimating timing of maternal-infant HIV transmission as well.

Antibody Specificity