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Biomedical subjects

W J Morrow

Publications and source records attributed to W J Morrow.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Induction of antigen-specific class I-restricted cytotoxic T cells by soluble proteins in vivo.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are induced specifically against viral and tumor antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex class I molecules on the surface of infected or transformed cells. Intracellular synthesized antigens are processed and associated with class I antigens within cells before presentation on the cell surface. Because of this special requirement for CTL induction, exogenous soluble antigens do not, in general, induce specific CTL responses. To overcome this problem, various laboratories have resorted to the use of vaccinia virus and other replicating expression vectors for intracellular antigen delivery leading to the stimulation of humoral and cell-mediated immunity to specific proteins. However, for human use it is safer to use purified and defined antigens for inducing immune responses. Using soluble ovalbumin and human immunodeficiency virus glycoprotein gp120, we have explored the possibility of using an antigen formulation consisting of squalane and Tween 80 to elicit antigen-specific CTL responses in mice. We have demonstrated that this antigen formulation is a potent inducer of CD8+, class I-restricted, antigen-specific CTLs. The CTL priming induced by soluble antigen in squalane/Tween 80 resembles the reported response to the vaccinia recombinant containing human immunodeficiency virus envelope protein and by splenocytes cytoplasmically loaded with soluble ovalbumin. The ramifications of these findings for vaccine development are discussed.

Adjuvants, Immunologic

Two major groups of neutralizing anti-gp120 antibodies exist in HIV-infected individuals. Evidence for epitope diversity around the CD4 attachment site.

The aim of this study was to dissect neutralizing anti-gp120 antibody populations in seropositive asymptomatic individuals. Murine anti-Id mAb were raised against polyclonal affinity-purified human anti-gp120 antibodies. These anti-Id mAb were used to fractionate anti-gp120 antibodies from a pool of HIV-positive sera into idiotypically distinct anti-gp120 antibody (Id+Ab) preparations. Immunochemical and neutralization studies indicated that all Id+Ab that neutralized HIV-1 in vitro interacted with either the V3 loop or the CD4 attachment site of gp120. The V3-specific Id+Ab neutralized HIV-1 in a strain-restricted manner. Id+Ab specific for the CD4 attachment site exhibited different spectra of neutralizing activities against multiple strains of HIV-1. This finding indicates that multiple, antigenically diverse epitopes reside around the CD4 attachment site of gp120. Significantly, depletion of the Id+Ab from affinity-purified total anti-gp120 antibodies abrogated most of the neutralizing activities of these antibodies, suggesting that neutralizing anti-gp120 antibodies consist of two major specificities, either to the V3 region or to the CD4 attachment site. The understanding of specificities and neutralizing activities of different anti-gp120 antibodies in seropositive healthy individuals will be helpful for designing effective vaccines and immunotherapeutic strategies for AIDS.

Animals

Anti-idiotype monoclonal antibody elicits broadly neutralizing anti-gp120 antibodies in monkeys.

Murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were raised against human, polyclonal, anti-gp120 antibodies (Ab1) and were selected for binding to broadly neutralizing anti-gp120 antibodies in sera positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). One anti-idiotype mAb (Ab2), 3C9, was found to be specific for human anti-gp120 antibodies directed against an epitope around the conserved CD4 attachment site of gp120. The 3C9 reactive human anti-gp120 antibodies (3C9+ Ab) neutralized MN, IIIB, RF, and four primary isolates of HIV type 1 (HIV-1). Cynomolgus monkeys were immunized with 3C9 in adjuvant to test whether this anti-idiotype mAb could induce neutralizing anti-gp120 antibodies. The results show that purified anti-anti-idiotype antibodies (Ab3) from 3C9 immune sera bind to an epitope around the CD4 attachment site of gp120SF and gp120IIIB. Furthermore, purified gp120-specific Ab3 neutralize MN, IIIB, and RF isolates. These results demonstrate that primates immunized with an anti-idiotype mAb produce broadly neutralizing anti-HIV-1 antibodies. Since this anti-idiotype mAb was selected by identifying a clonotypic marker, its biological activity can be explained as the results of clonotypic B-cell stimulation.

Animals

Murine monoclonal anti-idiotope antibody breaks unresponsiveness and induces a specific antibody response to human melanoma-associated proteoglycan antigen in cynomolgus monkeys.

The mouse monoclonal antibody MEM136 (mAb1) is directed against an epitope on human melanoma-associated proteoglycan antigen (MPG). This epitope is also present on various normal human and subhuman tissues. A monoclonal murine anti-idiotope (anti-Id) antibody (mAb2), designated I-Mel-2, was generated against MEM136 and used as a surrogate antigen for the MPG molecule. I-Mel-2 was tested in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) for its ability to induce anti-MPG humoral responses. All monkeys immunized with Ab2 developed specific anti-anti-idiotype (Ab3) responses that were capable of inhibiting binding of Ab2 to Ab1. Furthermore, I-Mel-2 immune monkey serum contained anti-MPG antibodies (Ab1') that bound to MPG-positive but not to MPG-negative melanoma cell lines. Monkeys immunized with Colo38 melanoma cells (membrane-bound MPG antigen) did not contain anti-MPG antibodies that inhibited the binding of two distinct anti-MPG mAb 125I-labeled MEM136 or 125I-labeled 225.28 to Colo38 cells. The induction of anti-MPG responses in monkeys did not cause any apparent side effects in animals, despite the fact that the MPG antigen is expressed by many normal tissues. The affinity-purified, I-Mel-2 idiotype-specific, Ab3 immunoprecipitated MPG antigen from melanoma cells. Furthermore, the I-Mel-2-induced Ab3 inhibited melanoma cell invasion in an in vitro assay, implying that these antibodies have biological significance.

Animals

Immunological characteristics of the putative CD4-binding site of the HIV-1 envelope protein.

As an extension of previous studies demonstrating the immunosuppressive properties of gp120, we have analyzed the immunological characteristics of gp120 peptides, derived principally from its putative CD4-binding site. Our studies indicate that peptides derived from this region do not stimulate proliferation of lymphocytes from HIV-seropositive donors with relatively normal numbers of CD4+ lymphocytes. No significant proliferation was observed in response to various concentrations of peptide, even in the presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2). Significant proliferation of these lymphocytes was observed in response to two recall antigens, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and tetanus toxoid (TT), and these responses were augmented by IL-2. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV-seronegative donors were cultured in the presence of TT and CMV and the peptides derived from gp120. Proliferation in the presence of these recall antigens was inhibited by these peptides in a dose-dependent manner. These studies demonstrate that at high concentrations, peptides from the putative CD4-binding site can inhibit proliferation of lymphocytes from normal donors in response to a recall antigen. The apparent immunosuppressive properties of this region highlight the pathogenic role played by HIV-1 envelope protein interactions with host cells.

Amino Acid Sequence

Synthetic peptides from a conserved region of gp120 induce broadly reactive anti-HIV responses.

In our efforts to identify products that might be used for active immunotherapy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, we have studied synthetic peptides derived from the CD4 attachment site of gp120. Two peptides have emerged with particularly interesting properties. The first (B138) is linear and spans the envelope residues 421-438; the second (1005/45) encompasses amino acids 418-445 and is cyclized by way of a disulphide bond joining its terminal cysteines. Both species have been shown to inhibit syncytial formation in a conventional bioassay, B138 being the most efficient. Both peptides elicit high titres of anti-peptide antibodies in immunized mice, rabbits and goats, with titres exceeding 1:10(5) in many cases. A substantial portion of this response is directed against gp120 as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Analysis by flow cytometry has demonstrated that the antisera are broadly reactive with multiple diverse strains of HIV. The anti-gp120 activity of the anti-peptide antiserum was further confirmed by radioimmuno-precipitation (RIP) assays. Furthermore, RIP analysis and inhibition experiments in a GD4-gp120 binding assay have revealed that anti-peptide sera contain antibodies directed against the CD4 attachment site on gp120 and interfere with this receptor-ligand interaction.

Animals

AIDS virus infection and autoimmunity: a perspective of the clinical, immunological, and molecular origins of the autoallergic pathologies associated with HIV disease.

The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a viral-induced disorder of humans that is reaching pandemic proportions. The etiologic agent responsible for AIDS is recognized as a retrovirus termed the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus is both cytotropic and cytopathic for T lymphocytes in vitro, and patients with AIDS and HIV-related conditions invariably have serious T cell abnormalities, notably a reduced number of the helper/inducer (CD4+) subpopulation. There is now a substantial body of evidence to suggest that the AIDS virus triggers a diverse range of autoimmune phenomena. The purpose of this article is to summarize the clinical and immunopathological manifestations of autoimmunity in HIV infection and to provide a perspective of the possible origins and roles autoimmune reactions play in HIV disease progression.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Design, development, and interpretation of HIV neutralization assays.

In developing therapeutic reagents for the control of HIV infection, it is necessary to screen candidate products in vitro for their ability to reduce or neutralize viral infection. Although the current literature describes numerous neutralization assays, no universally accepted standards have been adopted. In this article, we briefly review the available neutralization assays and describe in detail the methods we have selected in our laboratory for the screening and characterization of reagents with potential anti-HIV properties. After evaluating many different technical protocols and experimental procedures, we have found the syncytium inhibition and syncytial focus assays to be particularly useful and have found p24 gag antigen production to be an excellent objective measure of HIV infection under a variety of conditions. These assays proved reproducible and sensitive and are suitable for use in the majority of laboratories.

Animals

Dietary fish oil and the severity of symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

A prospective, double blind, cross over study assessing the effects of a low fat, high marine oil diet in 27 patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus has been performed. The patients were given 20 g daily of MaxEPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) or 20 g of olive oil (placebo) in matching capsules added to a standardised isoenergetic low fat diet. When individual outcome measures of the 17 patients who completed the full 34 week study were considered 14 who were receiving MaxEPA achieved useful or ideal status, whereas 13 receiving placebo were rated as worse or no change. The difference between the two types of capsule was statistically significant. No major side effects were noted, and it is suggested that dietary modification with additional marine oil may be a useful way of modifying disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Adult

Anti-idiotypic antisera raised against monoclonal antibody specific for a p24 gag region epitope detects a common interspecies idiotype associated with anti-HIV responses.

One potential strategy for the control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is immune network manipulation using anti-idiotypic antibodies: this study was undertaken to demonstrate experimentally the potential of such an approach which, in a more highly evolved form, could be used for the treatment of the acquired immune deficiency virus (AIDS) and related disorders. Anti-idiotypic antibodies were generated in rabbits against a murine monoclonal antibody identifying an epitope on the p24 gag core protein of HIV. After extensive absorption on affinity columns to remove isotype- and allotype-specific antibodies, the purified anti-idiotypic antibody preparation was shown to have specific complementarity with the immunizing mouse monoclonal antibody. This anti-idiotypic antibody was also shown to recognize a common idiotype associated with HIV-specific antibodies from both humans and chimpanzees infected with the AIDS virus. In addition a group of rats immunized with the anti-Id responded with significant antibody titers to recombinant derived p24 gag. These data indicate that at least a subpopulation of these polyclonal anti-Id antibodies structurally mimics an HIV gag region epitope and suggest that immunoregulation by anti-idiotypic antibodies may have therapeutic utility for the AIDS epidemic.

Animals

Persistent immune complexes and abnormal CD4/CD8 ratios in HIV infection.

We assessed the immunopathologic role of circulating immune complexes in human immunodeficiency virus infection by evaluating the data base and the serum bank of the San Francisco Men's Health Study, a longitudinal clinical and epidemiological investigation conducted since 1983. A group of 4,276 sera from 1,023 (including 811 homosexual/bisexual) men were tested for circulating immune complexes. We used a modification of the commercially available enzyme immunoassay test, based on monoclonal anti-C1q antibodies coupled to the solid phase, for capturing circulating immune complexes from the test serum, followed by detection of circulating immune complexes with either anti-IgG or with anti-IgM probes. Although persistent IgM and IgG circulating immune complexes were most frequently encountered in human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive homosexual/bisexual men, they were not an indicator of disease progression as assessed by abnormalities in the absolute numbers or ratios of CD4- and CD8-positive T cells, or clinical signs and symptoms of AIDS/ARC.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Revised immune network concepts.

The idiotype network concept needs to be revised in order to be in agreement with current data on protein/protein interactions, with the phenomenon of T and B cell recognition of idiotopes, and with the failure of certain anti-idiotypes to stimulate a given immune response. It is proposed that the distinction among Ab2 alpha, beta, and gamma is abandoned, as well as the concept of an internal image idiotope which mimics the three-dimensional shape of nominal antigen. In place of these definitions, the concept of "network antigen" is introduced. Network antigens are potentially the entire repertoire of anti-idiotypes. However, their biological effectiveness is controlled and established by two factors: (i) the affinity to the idiotype Ig receptor; and (ii) the preexisting regulatory network segment that controls the outcome of immune stimulation or suppression. Screening for effective idiotype therapeutic agents has to be done with panels of anti-idiotype and idiotype antibodies in order to establish correlations between idiotope expression and disease progression. Recognizing the importance of network segments will be the first step in the direction toward a rational design of idiotype-based therapies.

Humans

Long-term observation of baboons, rhesus monkeys, and chimpanzees inoculated with HIV and given periodic immunosuppressive treatment.

Baboons, rhesus monkeys, and chimpanzees were injected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and monitored for up to 4 years. Various immunosuppressive regimens were used during this time in attempts to induce development of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). No infectious virus was recovered or anti-HIV antibodies detected in the baboons and rhesus monkeys. Virus has been recovered from lymphocyte cultures of all five of the chimpanzees at intermittent periods following inoculation. The chimpanzees developed anti-HIV antibodies from 1 to 5 months after virus inoculation and had circulating antibodies that neutralized HIV. All the infected animals were capable of in vitro lymphocyte blastogenic responses to recombinant envelope and core HIV antigens. Despite immunosuppressive therapies and evidence of some immunologic abnormalities, none of the five chimpanzees has yet developed AIDS or a related disorder.

Animals

Effect of low dietary lipid on the development of Sjögren's syndrome and haematological abnormalities in (NZB x NZW)F1 mice.

A diet low in fat was found to retard the development of autoimmune disease in (NZB x NZW)F1 mice, whereas diets high in fat content were associated with more severe disease. The ability of a reduced lipid intake to ameliorate the progression of autoimmune disease was indicated by preserved lacrimal gland secretion (measured by a modified Schirmer test), decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells into the exocrine tissue, and decreased severity of immunohaemolytic anaemia as indicated by near-normal packed cell volume and reticulocyte values. These results suggest that nutritional intervention may be of some help in reducing the severity of pathological abnormalities associated with human systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome.

Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune