T cell activation antigen, CD26, as a cofactor for entry of HIV in CD4+ cells.

The CD4 molecule is essential for binding HIV particles, but is not sufficient for efficient viral entry and infection. The cofactor was shown to be dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV), also known as CD26. This serine protease cleaves its substrates at specific motifs; such motifs area also highly conserved in the V3 loops of HIV-1, HIV-2, and related simian isolates. Entry of HIV-1 or HIV-2 into T lymphoblastoid and monocytoid cell lines was inhibited by a specific monoclonal antibody against DPP IV or specific peptide inhibitors of this protease. Coexpression of human CD4 and CD26 in murine NIH 3T3 cells rendered them permissive to infection by HIV-1 and HIV-2. These observations could provide the basis for developing simple and specific inhibitors of HIV and open a possibility for vaccine development.

Characterization of a monoclonal antibody specific for the HIV-1 precursor glycoprotein.

HIV-1 infected Molt4-T4 cells provide an efficient system for the production of cellular precursor gp160 of HIV envelope glycoproteins, gp120 and gp41. The precursor gp160 was purified on an immuno-affinity column containing antibodies from sera of HIV-1-seropositive patients. The precursor gp160 was then isolated by preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Two out of four Balb/c mice, immunized with these purified preparations of gp160, developed specific circulating antibodies. A hybridoma cell line was subsequently isolated producing monoclonal antibody KL49/19 (IgG1, K) specific for gp160. This monoclonal antibody can specifically immunoprecipitate gp160, existing in HIV-1-infected cells. In an immunoblotting assay, it identifies mainly gp160 and shows a slight affinity for the mature glycoprotein, gp120. The monoclonal antibody is probably directed against an epitope in the polypeptide residue of gp160 since it can recognize a deglycosylated polypeptide of molecular weight 90,000, a product of gp160 digestion by endoglycosidase H (Endo H). It does not cross-react with any protein of HIV-2 by immunoblot or immunoprecipitation assays. By virtue of its specificity, the monoclonal antibody KL49/19 might provide a powerful probe with which to detect gp160 in cells which might partially express the HIV-1 genes.

Specific and irreversible cyclopeptide inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity of the T-cell activation antigen CD26.

The dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) activity of CD26 is characterized by its post-proline-cleaving capacity that plays an important but not yet understood role in biological processes. Here we describe a new family of specific and irreversible inhibitors of this enzyme. Taking into account the substrate specificity of DPP IV for P2-P1><-P1' cleavage, we have designed and synthesized cyclopeptides c[(alphaH2N+)-Lys-Pro-Aba-(6-CH2-S+R2)-Glyn] 2TFA- (Aba = 3-aminobenzoic acid, R = alkyl) possessing a proline at the P1 position and a lysine in the P2 position, which allows the closing of the cycle on its side chain. These molecules show a free N-terminus, necessary for binding to the CD26 catalytic site, and a latent quinoniminium methide electrophile, responsible for inactivation. Treatment of c[alphaZ-Lys-Pro-Aba-(6-CH2-OC6H5)-Glyn], obtained by peptide synthesis in solution, with R2S/TFA simutaneously cleaved the Z protecting group and the phenyl ether function and led to a series of cyclopeptide sulfonium salts. These cyclopeptides inhibited rapidly and irreversibly the DPP IV activity of CD26, with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. Further studies were carried out to investigate the effect of the modification of the ring size (n = 2 or 4) and the nature of the sulfur substituents (R = Me, Bu, Oct). Cycle enlargement improved the inhibitory activity of the methylsulfonio cyclopeptide, whereas the increase of the alkyl chain length on the sulfur atom had no apparent effect. Other aminopeptidases were not inhibited, and a much weaker activity was observed on a novel isoform of DPP IV referred to as DPP IV-beta. Thus, this new family of irreversible inhibitors of DPP IV is highly specific to the peptidase activity of CD26.

Inhibition of entry of HIV into cells by poly(A).poly(U).

Polyadenylic-polyuridylic acid referred to as poly(A).poly(U), is a synthetic double-stranded RNA that has been shown to manifest both antitumoral and immunodulatory activities. Previously, we have reported that poly(A).poly(U) inhibits HIV infection in cell cultures. Here we provide direct evidence to demonstrate that the inhibitory action of poly(A).poly(U) is through its capacity to prevent entry of HIV particles into CD4-positive T lymphocytes. Such inhibition of HIV entry is also observed in the case of other polyanions such as heparin, dextran sulfate, and poly(I).poly(C). The mechanism of inhibition appears to occur postbinding of HIV particles to the CD4 receptor molecules, because the binding of the external envelope glycoprotein of HIV-1 (gp120) is not affected significantly in the presence of poly(A).poly(U) or other polyanions. These results confirm the potential of poly(A).poly(U) as an antiviral drug against HIV infection.

Antiviral action of polyadenylic-polyuridylic acid against HIV in cell cultures.

Polyadenylic-polyuridylic acid referred to as poly(A).poly(U) is a synthetic double-stranded RNA which has been shown to manifest both antitumoral and immunomodulatory activities. Here we used this agent to demonstrate its antiviral activity against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1 and HIV-2). Treatment of cells with poly(A).poly(U) resulted in a significant delay in the development of the HIV-specific cytopathic effect characterized by the formation of syncytia and cell lysis. Furthermore, the production of virus measured by the concentration of the HIV major core protein was reduced by 90-95%. Under these experimental conditions, the synthesis of HIV proteins was reduced at least tenfold whereas the metabolism and proliferation of cells apparently were not affected. The inhibitory action of poly(A).poly(U) seems to be at the level of viral entry into cells. Combined treatment of infected cells with poly(A).poly(U) and azidothymidine (AZT) resulted in a 4-5-fold synergistic inhibitory effect. Previously, no toxicity has been observed in cancer patients with long-term treatment with poly(A).poly(U). In view of this and the significant anti-HIV effect, poly(A).poly(U) provides a potential candidate as a therapeutic drug in AIDS disease.

Membrane expression of HIV envelope glycoproteins triggers apoptosis in CD4 cells.

The cytopathic effect of HIV-1 and HIV-2 in CD4+ lymphocytes has been shown to be associated with apoptosis or programmed cell death. Using different experimental conditions, we demonstrate here that apoptosis is triggered by cell membrane expression of the mature HIV envelope glycoproteins, gp120-gp41 complex, and their interaction with CD4 receptor molecules. Viral entry alone did not induce apoptosis but virus replication was required in order to produce the gp120-gp41 complex. Indeed, expression of the HIV env gene alone in the CD4+ T cell line (CEM) was sufficient for the induction of apoptosis. In general, syncytium formation and apoptosis induction were closely associated as both events require functional envelope glycoproteins and CD4 molecules. Nevertheless, apoptosis but not syncytium formation was suppressed by a monoclonal antibody against CD4 that does not affect gp120 binding. Furthermore, single-cell killing by apoptosis was observed in infected cell cultures treated with a monoclonal antibody against gp41, which completely abolishes the formation of syncytia. These results indicate that apoptosis is not the consequence of toxic effects induced by the formation of syncytia but is triggered by the HIV envelope glycoproteins. Therefore, cell death during HIV infection in CD4+ lymphocyte cultures is due to a specific event triggered by the gp120-gp41 heterodimer complex programming death in metabolically active cells.

The HB-19 pseudopeptide 5[Kpsi(CH2N)PR]-TASP inhibits attachment of T lymophocyte- and macrophage-tropic HIV to permissive cells.

The HB-19 pseudopeptide 5[Kpsi(CH2N)PR]-TASP[psi(CH2N) indicating a reduced peptide bond], which binds the cell surface-expressed nucleolin, is a potent inhibitor of HIV infection. Here, by using primary T lymphocyte cultures and an experimental cell model to monitor HIV entry, we show that HB-19 inhibits in a dose-dependent manner both T lymphocyte- and macrophage-tropic HIV isolates. Similar positively charged control pseudopeptides have no effect on HIV infection even at high concentrations. These observations, and the fact that HB-19 has no effect on SIV-mac and HIV-1 pseudotyped with VSV envelope glycoproteins, confirm the specific nature of this inhibitor against the entry process mediated by the HIV envelope glycoproteins. Finally, association of low doses of HB-19 with beta-chemokines or AZT results in an increased inhibitory effect on HIV infection. HB-19 has no inhibitory effect when added to cells a few hours after HIV entry. On the other hand, in HB-19-pretreated cells, the inhibitory effect persists for several hours, even after washing cells to remove away the unbound pseudopeptide. Under such conditions, the attachment of HIV particles to cells is inhibited as efficiently as by neutralizing monoclonal antibodies directed against the V3 loop. In view of its specific mode of action on various HIV isolates, HB-19 represents a potential anti-HIV drug.

The V3 loop-mimicking pseudopeptide 5[Kpsi(CH2N)PR]-TASP inhibits HIV infection in primary macrophage cultures.

The V3 loop-mimicking pseudopeptide 5[Kpsi(CH2N)PR]-TASP [psi(CH2N) representing a reduced peptide bond], which presents pentavalently the tripeptide Kpsi(CH2N)PR, is a potent inhibitor of HIV entry. By its capacity to bind specifically protein components on the cell surface, 5[Kpsi(CH2N)PR]-TASP blocks the attachment of virus particles to permissive CD4+ cells. Here, the inhibitory effect of 5[Kpsi(CH2N)PR]-TASP was investigated in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) infected by the monocytotropic HIV-1(Ba-L) isolate. We show that 5[Kpsi(CH2N)PR]-TASP inhibits HIV-1(Ba-L) infection in a dose-dependent manner, with more than 90% inhibition at 2 microM concentration. On the other hand, the control 5[QPQ]-TASP construct and the monovalent Kpsi(CH2N)PR tripeptide have no effect even at high concentrations. Under such experimental conditions, the biotin-labeled 5[Kpsi(CH2N)PR]-TASP, but not the Kpsi(CH2N)PR construct, binds specifically to the surface of MDMs and forms a stable complex with the cell surface-expressed nucleolin, as has been demonstrated to be the case in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Infection of MDMs by HIV-1(Ba-L) could also be inhibited by beta-chemokines RANTES and MIP-1beta. Interestingly, association of low concentrations of 5[Kpsi(CH2N)PR]-TASP and beta-chemokines results in a synergistic inhibitory effect on HIV infection compared with the effect observed with each reagent alone. The inhibitory effect of 5[Kpsi(CH2N)PR]-TASP in primary macrophage cultures point out its potential as an anti-HIV drug in cells, which are the natural viral targets.

Further characterization of DPP IV-beta, a novel cell surface expressed protein with dipeptidyl peptidase activity.

By using a CD26 negative human lymphoblastoid cell line (C8166), here we describe the characterization of a cell-surface protein which manifests CD26-like dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) activity. This protein, referred to as DPP IV-beta, shows a higher KM value for Gly-Pro-pNA than CD26 (0.31 mM compared to 0.11 mM, respectively). In addition, DPP IV-beta was found not to bind 125I-labeled adenosine deaminase (a property of human CD26). Gel filtration experiments using extracts from C8166 and MOLT4 (a CD26 positive human T cell line) cells, revealed that the apparent molecular mass of DPP IV-beta is 82 kDa, whereas that of CD26 is 110 kDa. In order to conveniently differentiate both activities, a new family of inhibitors, that selectively blocks peptidase activity associated to CD26, has been developed.

The level of CD26 determines the rate of HIV entry in a CD4+ T-cell line.

We have reported that CD26 could serve as a cofactor of CD4 in HIV entry. Recently, more evidence has been provided for the implication of CD26 in HIV entry, replication and cytopathic effect. Along with, we have demonstrated that the level of CD26 may determine the rate of HIV-envelope induced-apoptosis. The role of CD26 in HIV entry was further investigated using CEM T-cell line. Clones were established by transfection, expressing different levels of CD26. Entry, infection and cytopathic effect were monitored in several independent clones, and were found to be delayed in clones CD26-Low and CD26-SuperHigh compared to clones CD26-High. The delay was most significant in clones CD26-AntiSense, without any apparent cytopathic effect. These results demonstrate that relatively enhanced levels of CD26 contribute to an increased virus infection. Furthermore, they illustrate that CD26-SuperHigh clones manifest a phenotype similar to CD26-Low clones. This point out the critical role of CD26 in the rate of HIV entry and its cytopathic effect, two events which are initiated by the interaction of HIV envelope glycoproteins with cell-surface CD4.

CD26 as a positive regulator of HIV envelope-glycoprotein induced apoptosis in CD4+ T cells.

The membrane-expressed HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein complex, gp120/gp41, has been shown to be responsible for the initiation of cell killing by apoptosis in CD4+ T cells. By using two experimental approaches we demonstrate that CD26, independent of its DPP IV activity, appears to be implicated in this function of the gp120/gp41 complex to initiate apoptosis.

Characterization of monoclonal antibody specific for human alpha interferon.

A mouse hybridoma cell line has been isolated, which secretes a monoclonal antibody specific of human leukocyte (alpha) interferon. The antibody secreted by the hybridoma belongs to the IgG1 class. It neutralizes biological activities (cellular and antiviral) of alpha interferon. Mass production of the antibody in ascitic fluid has been obtained. A convenient method of purification of the IgG from the ascitic fluid on DEAE-Trisacryl M is described.

Phosphorylation of the alpha-chain of fibrinogen by a platelet kinase activity enhanced by interferon.

Treatment of patients with interferon or inducers of interferon results in an enhanced level of a protein kinase activity found in platelets (1,3). The kinase activity is responsible for the phosphorylation of a 70-72,000 molecular weight protein (72K protein) found in blood plasma. By the means of a technique based on the precipitation of this protein kinase system (the protein kinase and its substrate), we show here that the 72K protein is the alpha-chain of fibrinogen. During the coagulation process induced by thrombin, the 32P-labelled 72K protein is recovered in the clot. After incubation in the presence of thrombin, the 72K protein looses a small polypeptide of 2-3000 in molecular weight resulting a shift in its isoelectric point (pI) from 6.8-7.0 to 7.5. At the end of the coagulation process, the 32P-labelled 72K protein becomes undetectable since it gives rise to a covalently linked alpha-polymer of a high molecular weight. In accord with these results, the 72K protein could be precipitated by antibodies against human fibrinogen.

A protein kinase system from platelet rich plasma.

Treatment of platelet rich plasma (PRP) at pH 5 results in the precipitation of a protein kinase system. The protein kinase is associated with the platelet fraction and is capable of phosphorylation of several plasma proteins. Analysis of the 32P-labeled phosphoproteins by two dimensional gel electrophoresis showed the existence of three major phosphoproteins: 72K and 80K proteins with identical isoelectric points (pI) of 6.0 and another 72K protein with a pI of 6.8-7.0. This latter 72K phosphoprotein has recently been identified as the alpha-chain of fibrinogen. The identity of the other 2 proteins remains to be shown. The activity of the protein kinase is markedly enhanced by Mn2+, it phosphorylates calf thymus histone as an exogenous substrate and is independent of cAMP or cGMP. This protein kinase activity is inhibited competitively by ADP.

Specific inhibition of viral protein synthesis in HIV-infected cells in response to interferon treatment.

The mechanism of action of different types of interferons (IFN-alpha, -beta, and -gamma) against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection was investigated in chronically infected monocytoid U937 cells and during an acute infection of the T lymphoblastoid CEM cells. Two chronically infected U937 cell populations, obtained independently (referred to as type A and B cells), were analyzed for their response to IFNs. In type A cells, IFNs mainly inhibited virus particle release, whereas in type B cells, the anti-HIV effect of IFNs cells was found to be largely due to a specific inhibition of viral protein synthesis without any apparent effect on total cellular protein synthesis. Interestingly, such a differential inhibition of HIV protein synthesis could also be demonstrated in acutely infected CEM cells in response to treatment with IFN-alpha. Both in chronically infected U937 type B and acutely infected CEM cells, equivalent amounts of nuclear and cytoplasmic HIV-1 mRNA were detected in control and IFN-treated cells in spite of at least 80% inhibition of HIV protein synthesis. Analysis of the distribution of cellular and viral mRNAs on polysomes in HIV-1-infected cells demonstrated that IFN treatment induces a specific block on viral mRNA translation. These results indicate that the antiviral mechanism of IFN on later stages of HIV replication cycle may be partly due to the inhibition of HIV mRNA translation, besides an effect on virus budding or release.

Further characterization of the protein kinase activity mediated by interferon in mouse and human cells.

Interferon-treated mouse and human cells show enhanced levels of a protein kinase activity which is manifested by the phosphorylation of endogenous Mr = 67,000 and 72,000 proteins, respectively. Such kinase activity can be assayed after its partial purification on poly(I) X poly(C)-Sepharose. Under these experimental conditions, the apparent km of the kinase for ATP is 1.0 X 10(-6) M and 2.5 X 10(-6) M in enzyme fractions from mouse L-929 and human HeLa cells, respectively. The Mr = 67,000 and 72,000 proteins are phosphorylated by their serine and threonine residues, the ratio of which is modified in preparations from interferon-treated cells. Both of these phosphoproteins are composed of several subspecies with similar isoelectric points (pIs) in the range of 7.2 to 8.2. This heterogeneity is due to the number of phosphate groups per molecule of protein. Accordingly, the pIs of highly phosphorylated proteins are at a less basic pH (7.2 to 7.5). Furthermore, highly phosphorylated proteins show an increase in their apparent molecular weights compared to partially phosphorylated ones. This corresponds to an increase of Mr = 1,500. Partial proteolysis of the 32P-labeled Mr = 67,000 and 72,000 proteins by Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, alpha-chymotrypsin and thrombin, indicated that these phosphoproteins differ in their polypeptide structure. Phosphorylation of the Mr = 67,000 and 72,000 proteins in enzyme fractions from control L-929 and HeLa cells is enhanced by mixing with extracts from interferon-treated heterologous cells. Proteins, Mr = 67,000 and 72,000, therefore, may serve as suitable substrates for an exogenous kinase, thus indicating that the substrate in enzyme fractions from control cells is less phosphorylated because of a low level of kinase activity.

Interferon-mediated protein kinase activity in different fractions of mouse L-929 cells.

The interferon (IFN)-mediated protein kinase activity in extracts from mouse L-929 cells is manifested by the phosphorylation of an endogenous 67 kD molecular weight (mw) protein in the presence of double-stranded (ds) RNA. This protein kinase activity can also be assayed after partial purification on poly(I) X poly(C)-Sepharose under phosphatase-free conditions. By the use of this latter technique, here we investigated the distribution of the protein kinase activity in different cellular compartments. Most of the protein kinase activity is found in the post-ribosomal supernatant (S100) fraction, while a small portion of it is associated with the ribosomal salt wash (RSW: 0.5 M KCl eluate of ribosomal pellet) and nuclear fractions. These results are in contrast to several observations in the literature in which the protein kinase activity is thought to be associated with the ribosomal pellet. This controversy results from the conditions used for assay of the protein kinase activity. In fact, when the kinase is assayed in crude extracts supplemented with dsRNA, very little kinase activity is detectable in the S100 fraction compared to the RSW fraction. The S100 fraction contains a high level of phosphatase(s) activity which interferes with the protein kinase assay and might account for the misinterpretation observed in the literature. Some recent results have implicated a correlation between the dsRNA-dependent protein kinase responsible for the phosphorylation of the 67 kD protein and a polyamine-dependent protein kinase which phosphorylates a similar molecular weight protein, subunit of ornithine decarboxylase (Orn Dcase). Here, we show that Orn Dcase does not bind to poly(I) X poly(C)-Sepharose and polyamines do not substitute the requirement of dsRNA for the phosphorylation of the 67 kD protein.

Assay of interferon-mediated protein kinase activity from plasma and tissue extracts.

Interferon-treated mouse and human cells show enhanced levels of a protein kinase activity which is manifested by the phosphorylation of endogenous 67,000 and 72,000 Mr proteins, respectively. Enhanced levels of such kinase activity are also detectable in the plasma of patients treated with interferon and in the plasma and tissues of interferon-treated mice. A rapid and efficient method of assay for these protein kinase activities is described. The samples are first incubated with heparin (100 units/ml), which results in the inhibition of different protein kinase activities, but not the one mediated by interferon. The latter one is then assayed after partial purification on poly(rI):(rC)-Sepharose or poly(rG)-Sepharose. The protein kinase from human and mouse cells in culture and from the different tissues of mice binds specifically to poly(rI):(rC)-Sepharose. On the other hand, the protein kinase activity from both mouse and human plasma shows a higher affinity toward poly(rG)-Sepharose. These methods are successfully applied for the determination of the interferon-mediated protein kinase activity from tissue extracts and plasma.

Membrane-expressed HIV envelope glycoprotein heterodimer is a powerful inducer of cell death in uninfected CD4+ target cells.

HIV infection of CD4+ T cells in culture results in the production of virus and induction of cell killing by apoptosis. Such a cytopathic effect is observed during infection with syncytium-inducing or non-syncytium-inducing HIV isolates. Apoptosis is triggered by the interaction of the cell membrane-expressed HIV envelope glycoprotein heterodimer gp120-gp41 complex (external and transmembrane glycoprotein complex) with the CD4 receptor. Here we demonstrate an experimental model for the induction of apoptosis independent of HIV infection, using transiently transfected HeLa cells with the HIV1 env gene as effector cells and the CD4+ MOLT4-T4 T cells as target cells. Results obtained confirm that the induction of apoptosis requires the membrane expression of the two HIV env gene products, gp120 and gp41. Single amino acid point mutations of the envelope products that affect binding to the CD4 receptor or the fusion process abrogate the capacity of the gp120-gp41 complex to induce apoptosis. Interestingly, a point mutation in the V3 loop which inhibits fusion without affecting CD4 binding also results in the abrogation of apoptosis. These observations indicate that the induction of apoptosis is an intrinsic property of the cell membrane-expressed gp120-gp41 complex, and thus should be considered as one of the functions of HIV env gene products.