Spontaneous and natural cytotoxicity receptor-mediated cytotoxicity are effector functions of distinct natural killer subsets in hepatitis C virus-infected chimpanzees.

In humans, CD16 and CD56 are used to identify functionally distinct natural killer (NK) subsets. Due to ubiquitous CD56 expression, this marker cannot be used to distinguish between NK cell subsets in chimpanzees. Therefore, functional analysis of distinct NK subsets during hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has never been performed in these animals. In the present study an alternative strategy was used to identify four distinct NK subsets on the basis of the expression of CD16 and CD94. The expression of activating and inhibiting surface receptors showed that these subsets resemble human NK subsets. CD107 expression was used to determine degranulation of the different subsets in naive and HCV-infected chimpanzees. In HCV-infected chimpanzees increased spontaneous cytotoxicity was observed in CD94(high/dim) CD16(pos) and CD94(low) CD16(pos) subsets. By contrast, increased natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR)- mediated degranulation after NKp30 and NKp44 triggering was demonstrated in the CD94(dim) CD16(neg) subset. Our findings suggest that spontaneous and NCR-mediated cytotoxicity are effector functions of distinct NK subsets in HCV-infected chimpanzees.

Whole blood stimulation with Toll-like receptor (TLR)-7/8 and TLR-9 agonists induces interleukin-12p40 expression in plasmacytoid dendritic cells in rhesus macaques but not in humans.

Macaques provide important animal models in biomedical research into infectious and chronic inflammatory disease. Therefore, a proper understanding of the similarities and differences in immune function between macaques and humans is needed for adequate interpretation of the data and translation to the human situation. Dendritic cells are important as key regulators of innate and adaptive immune responses. Using a new whole blood assay we investigated functional characteristics of blood plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), myeloid dendritic cells (mDC) and monocytes in rhesus macaques by studying induction of activation markers and cytokine expression upon Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation. In a head-to-head comparison we observed that rhesus macaque venous blood contained relatively lower numbers of pDC than human venous blood, while mDC and monocytes were present at similar percentages. In contrast to humans, pDC in rhesus macaques expressed the interleukin (IL)-12p40 subunit in response to TLR-7/8 as well as TLR-9 stimulation. Expression of IL-12p40 was confirmed by using different monoclonal antibodies and by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Both in humans and rhesus macaques, TLR-4 stimulation induced IL-12p40 expression in mDC and monocytes, but not in pDC. The data show that, in contrast to humans, pDC in macaques are able to express IL-12p40, which could have consequences for evaluation of human vaccine candidates and viral infection.

TRIM5 allelic polymorphism in macaque species/populations of different geographic origins: its impact on SIV vaccine studies.

Tripartite motif 5α (TRIM5α) is a potent antiretroviral immune factor present in the cytoplasm of cells of most tissue types. The rhesus macaque TRIM5 gene has been shown to display polymorphism, with different variants being divided into three groups (TRIM5(TFP), TRIM5(Q), and TRIM5(CypA)), which may have divergent retroviral effects on infection. Along with rhesus macaques, cynomolgus macaques are also used in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection studies. As a consequence, TRIM5 genotyping of these animals will contribute to interpreting the outcome of such studies. The present communication covers Burmese, Chinese, and a large cohort of Indian-origin rhesus macaques, and describes the first large cohort study on TRIM5 polymorphism in outbred cynomolgus macaques. We demonstrate the presence of the TRIM5(TFP) group in cynomolgus macaques. In addition, we have re-evaluated historical samples of rhesus macaques challenged with SIV(mac251), a virus that has been reported to be partially suppressed by particular rhesus macaque TRIM5 variants.

Protection from HIV-1 envelope-bearing chimeric simian immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) in rhesus macaques infected with attenuated SIV: consequences of challenge.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether prior infection with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)BK28 protects macaques from subsequent exposure to an HIV-1 envelope chimeric SIV (SHIV). Also, to determine the consequences of viral challenge on CD4 numbers and virus load on the current SIV infection. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 12 mature outbred Macacca mulatta were studied. Four naive controls and four previously infected with attenuated SIVBK28 were challenged with SHIV; four naive controls were not infected with SHIV. Sampling occurred twice monthly, and monthly thereafter. Changes in virus load, CD4 and CD8 populations were monitored. Highly sensitive and specific discriminative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to distinguish between virus populations. RESULTS: SHIV readily infected challenged control animals, which developed a peak in virus load and a decline in CD4+ cell numbers. In controls, viral load declined and CD4 cell numbers rose to near normal levels after seroconversion. In contrast, in SIV-infected animals there was only a minor increase in viral load in only two out of four animals, 100-1000-fold lower than in naive animals. Interestingly, a decline in CD4 cells occurred in all four SIV-infected animals after SHIV challenge, which appeared more pronounced than in animals infected by SHIV alone. One SIV-infected animal which had low CD4 cell numbers at the time of SHIV challenge, developed a further decline in CD4 cells with a rising viral load. Discriminative PCR did not reveal SHIV in the challenged SIV animals. Interestingly the increase in viral load was due to SIV and not SHIV. CONCLUSIONS: Broad protection of animals previously infected with live attenuated SIV was demonstrated with protection from subsequent infection with HIV-1 envelope-bearing chimeric SIV. Subsequent exposure in cases with low CD4 cell numbers reveal the possibility of activation of the vaccine strain with the possible risk of inducing disease progression.

A clinically relevant HIV-1 subunit vaccine protects rhesus macaques from in vivo passaged simian-human immunodeficiency virus infection.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether immunization with recombinant HIV-1 envelope protein derived from a clinical isolate could protect macaques from infection with an in vivo passaged chimeric simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV). DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 16 animals were studied from which three groups of four animals were immunized with vaccine formulations of the CC-chemokine receptor-5-binding recombinant gp120 of HIV-1W6.1D. Four weeks after the last immunization, all 16 animals were intravenously challenged with in vivo passaged SHIV derived from the same HIV-1 group B clinical isolate (W6.1D) as the vaccines. RESULTS: Vaccine protection from infection was demonstrated in 10 out of 12 macaques immunized with recombinant gp120. Complete protection from infection was achieved with all of the animals that received the SBAS2-W6.1D formulation, a potent inducer of both T-cell and humoral immune responses. Partial protection was achieved with SBAS1-W6.1D, a formulation based on immunomodulators known to induce T-cell responses in humans. In vaccinated animals that were infected, virus load was reduced and infection was delayed. CONCLUSIONS: In a relatively large number of primates, vaccine efficacy was demonstrated with a clinically relevant HIV-1 vaccine. These results reveal that it is possible to induce sterilizing immunity sufficient to protect from infection with SHIV which was passaged multiple times in vivo. Our findings have implications for current HIV-1 clinical vaccine trials and ongoing efforts to develop safe prophylactic AIDS vaccines.

Rat interleukin-2 immunoglobulin M fusion proteins are cytotoxic in vitro for cells expressing the IL-2 receptor and can abolish cell-mediated immunity in vivo.

A hybrid cDNA coding for a fusion protein between rat interleukin 2 (IL-2) and a truncated heavy chain from rat immunoglobulin M (IgM) was constructed. The rat IL-2 and rat IgM CH2-3-4 hybrid gene was subcloned into a vector (PKCR6) for expression of the fusion molecule in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Cells transfected with the hybrid cDNA secrete multimeric forms of the fusion protein (IL-2-Mu). Size analysis of the construct revealed that the majority (95%) of the secreted proteins have a high mw (> 500 kDa). The IL-2-Mu construct bind specifically to cells bearing the IL-2 receptors (IL-2R) with a binding affinity around 5 nM. The specific binding to IL-2R leads to T cell proliferation or, if rabbit complement is added, to T cell lysis. Multimeric forms (> 500 kDa) of the fusion protein mediate complement-dependent lysis but trigger only weak proliferation when compared with the low-mw forms (< 500 kDa). In contrast, the latter only efficiently mediate T cell proliferation without inducing complement-dependent lysis. After intravenous administration of CHO supernatant containing IL-2-Mu, or purified IL-2-Mu proteins into rats, the fusion proteins disappeared from the circulation with a t1/2 of 1 hr. The circulating IL-2-Mu constructs in the rat serum retained their capacity to induce complement-dependent lysis of IL-2R-bearing T cells in vitro. Furthermore, the IL-2-Mu construct was able to suppress the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction (an IL-2R, T helper cell-dependent event) in mice. A weak immune response (antirat IL-2-Mu antibodies) was observed when rats received multiple daily injections of the construct.

The involvement of Kupffer cells and liver endothelial cells in the clearance of large sized soluble IgA aggregates in rats.

These findings suggests that AIgA is bound both by KC and EC in normal situations. Because of the great phagocytic capacity of KC, the contribution of EC in handling AIgA in normal rats is minimal. However, when KC are defect or absent (as after Cl2MDP treatment), the handling of AIgA by EC may become of mayor importance, i.e. it will take over the phagocytic function of KC. Studies concerning a possible receptor on EC involved in binding of AIgA are in progress.

Comparison of intranasal with targeted lymph node immunization using PR8-Flu ISCOM adjuvanted HIV antigens in macaques.

The rapidly spreading HIV epidemic requires a vaccine that elicits potent mucosal immunity to halt or slow transmission. Induction of these responses will depend on the use of appropriate adjuvants and targeting of the mucosal immune system. Previously, immune stimulating complexes (ISCOM) have shown great potency as adjuvant in the induction of mucosal responses in mice and systemic responses in non-human primates. In this study, HIV formulated in PR8-Flu ISCOM adjuvant was applied to immunize rhesus macaques against HIV; targeting the mucosa either via intranasal (IN) application or via targeted lymph node immunization (TLNI). While, strong systemic, HIV specific, cytokine, lymphoproliferative, and antibody responses were induced via the TLNI route, the IN application generated only low responses. Furthermore, all four animals immunized via TLNI developed vaginal IgA antibodies against gp120. In conclusion, in contrast to what has been demonstrated in mice, the IN application of PR8-Flu ISCOM did not induce strong immune responses in rhesus macaques unlike those immunized by the TLNI route.

Experimental norovirus infections in non-human primates.

Noroviruses, with Norwalk virus as the prototype strain, are the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in people of all ages. Limited information on the immunology of Norovirus infections has been obtained by studies both in the natural setting and in experimentally infected volunteers. Interpretation of these studies is difficult due to the lack of information on the history of Norovirus exposure and the cross-reactivity of antibodies. An animal model for Norovirus infections would be important to study the immune response, e.g., for vaccine assessment. In the present study the susceptibility of common marmosets, cotton top tamarins, cynomolgus, and rhesus macaques to Norovirus infection was tested. Following oral inoculation, low level replication may have occurred in common marmosets and cotton top tamarins but not in cynomolgus macaques, based on short-term viral shedding; neither clinical symptoms nor antibody responses were observed in these species. In contrast, rhesus macaques were found susceptible to Norwalk virus infection as one animal shed virus for a longer period of time and developed Norwalk virus specific IgM and IgG responses. Further research on Norovirus susceptibility in rhesus macaques may yield an animal model to study the immune response and pathogenesis after Norovirus infection.

CD8+ cell-mediated immune responses: relation to disease resistance and susceptibility in lentivirus-infected primates.

Immune responses mediated by CD8+ lymphocytes have been correlated with protection from HIV infection and disease progression in humans and nonhuman primates. The CD8+ cell population is heterogeneous in terms of biological function and phenotype. We have undertaken a review of the current state of knowledge of subtypes of CD8+ cells and their role in immune responses directed to HIV and related primate lentiviruses. Differences in the pathogenesis of lentivirus infections in various primate hosts were examined and the possible roles of the various subpopulations of CD8+ lymphocytes in the resistance and/or susceptibility to lentivirus-related disease were compared.

Immunoglobulin A: interaction with complement, phagocytic cells and endothelial cells.

Deposits of IgA together with complement (C) in different organs support the hypothesis that IgA can trigger inflammatory mechanisms. Some inflammatory mechanisms may be caused by activation of C and phagocytic cells. Therefore, it is essential to understand the interaction of IgA with C and phagocytic cells. Studies will be described demonstrating that polymeric human serum IgA is able to activate the alternative pathway of C and that the activating principle is located in the intact F(ab')2 portion of the molecule. Activation of C is dependent on the molecular composition of IgA, as derived from results obtained with rat monoclonal IgA antibodies. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that polymeric IgA (pIgA) and dimeric IgA (dIgA) are potent activators of C in a homologous rat model, whereas monomeric IgA (mIgA) has a very poor C-activating potential. The interaction of IgA with phagocytic cells induces phagocytosis and release of H2O2 by granulocytes, which may contribute to tissue damage. Little is known about the clearance mechanism of IgA. It is shown in this report that Kupffer cells and C play an important role in the clearance of IgA immune complexes (IC). Clearance of large-sized IgA IC occurs via different receptors present on Kupffer cells. Finally, a new aspect will be described: the interaction of IgA with endothelial cells. Rat liver endothelial cells are able to eliminate IgA IC from the circulation via specific receptors when no Kupffer cells are present. These observations may contribute to our knowledge on diseases such as IgA nephropathy and Henoch-Schönlein purpura. The studies summarized and presented here illustrate the inflammatory potential of IgA.

Deposition of IgA is associated with macrophage influx in the kidney of rats.

In the present study we treated rats with N-nitrosodimethylamine (DMN) or D-galactosamine (GALN) to achieve increased circulating IgA levels in rats. GALN-treated rats showed a six-fold increase in serum IgA levels after the first intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, whereas a 10-fold increase after a second i.p. injection of GALN was seen. DMN-treated rats showed a three-fold increase in serum IgA levels. No differences were observed in IgG and IgM levels between treated and non-treated rats. Sequential renal biopsies analysed by immunofluroescence exhibited mesangial deposits of IgA with different intensities of C3 deposition. Rats treated with GALN showed more IgA deposition in the kidney than DMN-treated rats. The IgA deposition together with C3 was more prominent in rats treated with GALN than in rats treated with DMN. The deposition of C3 together with IgA was associated with an influx of monocytes as detected by ED-1, an antibody directed against a rat monocyte marker. These studies provide evidence that an increase in serum IgA levels is associated with deposition of IgA in the kidney and that IgA has an inflammatory potential.

Complement enhances the elimination of soluble aggregates of IgG by rat liver endothelial cells in vivo.

In the present study, we have investigated the role of complement (C) and possible C receptors present on rat liver endothelial cells (EC) in the clearance and tissue distribution of soluble aggregates of IgG (AIgG). To study the effect of elimination of AIgG by EC in vivo, Kupffer cell (KC)-depleted rats were used, with or without an intact C system (These rats will be referred to throughout this report as EC-rats.) In EC-rats with an intact C system, clearance of AIgG (2000-3000 kDa, 20-27 IgG molecules/aggregate) occurred in a biphasic manner with a first T 1/2 (T1) of 9.4 +/- 2.3 min and a second T 1/2 (T2) of 44.7 +/- 16.0 min. In EC-rats without an intact C system [cobra venom factor (COVF)-treated group], clearance of AIgG was significantly delayed with a T1 of 25.3 +/- 9.9 min (p < 0.005) and a T2 of 124.5 +/- 18.4 min (p < 0.001). There were less degradation products of AIgG in the circulation in EC-rats treated with COVF as compared to EC-rats with an intact C system. Eight minutes after injection, 27.5 +/- 11.6% of the injected AIgG was found in the livers of EC-rats while 15.1 +/- 3.2% was found in the livers of the COVF-treated group. Double immunofluorescence studies indicated that AIgG in the liver was associated with EC in the rats with an intact C system. Clear deposits of C3 and lesser amounts of C1q accompanied the deposition of AIgG. In COVF-treated EC-rats, AIgG together with C1q was also associated with EC but no detectable C3 was seen. These data suggest clearance of AIgG via Fc and C receptors present on EC in vivo.

Clearance kinetics and tissue distribution of aggregated human serum IgA in rats.

In the present study the clearance kinetics and tissue distribution of human polyclonal heat-aggregated serum IgA (AIgA) of different sizes in rats was studied after intravenous administration of 125I-AIgA. The 125I-AIgA of different sizes disappeared from the circulation in a biphasic manner with an initial rapid half-life (T1/2) and a second slower T1/2. The first T1/2 was related to the size of the 125I-AIgA: high molecular weight (MW) 125I-AIgA was cleared much faster than 125I-AIgA with a low MW. Relatively more degradation products were observed in blood when high MW 125I-AIgA were injected as compared to low MW 125I-AIgA. The AIgA were mainly taken up by the liver. Eight minutes after injection of high MW 125I-AIgA, 90% of the injected dose was found in the liver, whereas less than 2% was detected in the spleen. Very little activity was detectable in other organs, such as lungs, heart and kidneys. In the present study 1-3% of the injected 125I-AIgA were found in the bile. Analysis of this material revealed that low MW 125I-AIgA were transported more efficiently to the bile than high MW 125I-AIgA. To obtain more insight into the receptors involved in the clearance of 125I-AIgA, rats were pretreated with ovalbumin or asialofetuin. The clearance of 125I-AIgA of different sizes was inhibited when rats were pretreated with asialofetuin. Pretreatment with ovalbumin had no effect on the clearance rates of 125I-AIgA. These results suggest a role for carbohydrate receptors, which recognize glycoprotein-containing galactose terminal residues on Kupffer cells, in the clearance of 125I-AIgA.

Kupffer cell depletion in vivo results in preferential elimination of IgG aggregates and immune complexes via specific Fc receptors on rat liver endothelial cells.

In the present study we have investigated the clearance kinetics and tissue distribution of monomeric (m) IgG and soluble aggregates of IgG (AIgG) and immune complexes (IC) in normal and Kupffer cell (KC) depleted rats. In normal rats, clearance of mIgG occurred in a biphasic manner with a first half-life (T1/2) (T1) of 36.3 +/- 6.3 min and a second T1/2 (T2) of 168.4 +/- 4.7 min. AIgG composed of 20-27 IgG molecules per aggregate were cleared significantly faster than mIgG with a T1 of 2.5 +/- 0.1 min and a T2 of 32.5 +/- 5.6 min. KC depletion did not have a significant effect on the clearance rate of mIgG (T1: 33.4 +/- 8.9 min; T2; 159.5 +/- 12.5 min), while clearance of AIgG was delayed significantly with T1 4.8 +/- 0.7 min and T2 41.2 +/- 3.2 min. Eight minutes after injection, 77% of AIgG was found in the liver in normal rats while 62% was found in the liver of KC-depleted rats. Double immunofluorescence studies indicated that AIgG in the liver was associated with KC and endothelial cells (EC) in normal rats. In KC-depleted rats, AIgG was strongly associated with EC. A similar staining pattern was observed when IgG-immune IC were administered. The clearance of AIgG in KC-depleted rats was inhibited fully by pre-administration of high concentrations of IgG but not by pretreatment with IgA. asialofetuin (ASFe) or ovalbumin (OVA). Aggregated F(ab')2IgG was cleared with a comparable rate to mIgG from the circulation, again suggesting Fc gamma receptor-mediated elimination of AIgG by EC. There was a reduced degradation of AIgG in rats depleted of KC as compared with normal rats. These data suggest binding and degradation of AIgG by EC in vivo.

Complement enhances the clearance of large-sized soluble IgA aggregates in rats.

In the present study the involvement of the complement system (C) in the clearance of soluble IgA aggregates in the rat was studied. Monoclonal monomeric IgA (mIgA) antibody (which does not activate C) or aggregated polymeric IgA (aIgA; which activates C) were administered intravenously to phosphate-buffered saline-treated and complement-depleted [Cobra venom factor (CVF)-treated] rats and assessed for clearance from the circulation. In control rats, mIgA was cleared in a biphasic fashion with a first half-life (T1/2) of 29.5 +/- 14.2 min and a second T1/2 of 230 +/- 176 min. No differences were observed in clearance of mIgA in CVF-treated rats as compared to PBS-treated rats. In PBS-treated rats, aIgA with a size between 20 S and 150 S disappeared very rapidly from the circulation with a first T1/2 of 1.1 +/- 0.4 min and a second T1/2 of 23.2 +/- 11.3 min. In CVF-treated rats the clearance of aIgA was significantly delayed as compared to that in control rats, namely with a first T1/2 of 7.3 +/- 2.6 min and a second T1/2 of 64.2 +/- 19.4 min. Immunohistochemical studies of the liver (which is the main site of clearance of aIgA) revealed that Kupffer cells (KC) are mainly responsible for the uptake of aIgA. Furthermore, in PBS-treated rats aIgA deposition was accompanied by C3 deposition in the KC. In CVF-treated rats, the percentage of KC containing aIgA was significantly lower during the first 16 min after aIgA administration as compared to PBS treated rats. In addition no detectable C3 was found in KC of CVF-treated rats. These results indicate that KC play an important role in the clearance of large molecular weight IgA in rats and that C facilitates the clearance of these complexes from the circulation.

Kupffer cell depletion in vivo results in clearance of large-sized IgA aggregates in rats by liver endothelial cells.

We investigated the clearance kinetics and tissue distribution of different sized IgA in normal and macrophage-depleted rats. Rats were injected iv with liposomes containing dichloromethylene diphosphonate (DMDP). DMDP treatment resulted in complete depletion of liver macrophages 24-48 h after administration. Normal and macrophage depleted rats were injected intravenously with monomeric, dimeric, polymeric or aggregated polymeric IgA (AIgA) and assessed for blood clearance and tissue distribution. In normal rats, clearance of IgA was size dependent, i.e. a faster clearance with increasing size. No differences in clearance kinetics were observed of the different sized IgA between normal and DMDP-treated rats. TCA non-precipitable radioactivity, a measure for degradation of IgA, was found in the circulation of normal and DMDP-treated rats after AIgA administration. The liver was the main organ responsible for the clearance of IgA in normal and DMDP-treated rats. Immunofluorescence studies on liver biopsies indicated that AIgA was associated with Kupffer cells in normal rats. Electron microscopical studies revealed that the AIgA was internalized and located in vesicles in Kupffer cells. In DMDP-treated rats the AIgA was associated with endothelial cells and electron microscopy studies showed that this AIgA was taken up by endothelial cells. These data show that rat liver endothelial cells are able to bind, internalize and degrade AIgA in situations where Kupffer cells are absent, and that these cells may play an important role in the handling of AIgA and IgA-immune complexes.

In vivo activation of complement by IgA in a rat model.

In this study we investigated the capacity of rat IgA to activate complement (C) in vivo in a rat model. Rat monomeric (m-), dimeric (d-) and polymeric (p-) IgA MoAbs were injected intravenously and assessed for deposition of C3 and C4 on IgA. By ELISA it was shown that both d- and p-IgA bound C3 whereas no binding of C3 by m-IgA was observed. Polymeric IgA was more efficient in binding of C3 as compared with d-IgA. However, in haemolytic assays no consistent decrease of plasma complement levels was observed except for dimeric IgA which induced a marginal consumption of AP50. When rats were pre-treated with cobra venom factor (CVF) to deplete C3, no C3 deposition was found on m-, d- or p-IgA. Neither m- nor d- or p-IgA was able to bind C4 in vivo. In agreement with the results described above, large sized polymeric IgA was shown to be taken up by Kupffer cells (KC) together with C3. No C3 was detected when rats were depleted of C using CVF. Taken together, the experimental data suggest that d- and p-IgA are able to activate C via the alternative pathway in vivo.

CCR5 targeted SIV vaccination strategy preventing or inhibiting SIV infection.

Cell-surface CCR5 is a major coreceptor with CD4 glycoprotein, mediating cellular entry of CCR5 strains of HIV-1 or SIV. We targeted the SIV CCR5 coreceptor in a combined CCR5-SIV antigen immunization strategy. Rhesus macaques were immunized i.m. with the 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) covalently linked to the CCR5 peptides, SIV gpl20 and p27. Intravenous challenge with SIV mac 8980 prevented SIV infection or decreased the viral load with the CCR5-SIV combined vaccine. CC chemokines and antibodies which block and downmodulateCCR5 were induced, as well as immune responses to the subunit SIV antigens. This novel vaccination strategy complements cognate immunity to SIV with innate immunity to the CCR5 coreceptor of SIV.