Equal levels of gp120 retention and neutralization resistance of phenotypically distinct primary human immunodeficiency virus type 1 variants upon soluble CD4 treatment

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) variants passaged in T-cell lines, often called laboratory isolates, are potently neutralized by soluble CD4 (sCD4), whereas primary HIV-1 variants are highly resistant to sCD4 neutralization. Previously, it was demonstrated that the domain from V1 to V3 of the HIV-1 gp120 molecule contains one of the major determinants of sCD4 neutralization sensitivity, and the same region has also been implicated as influencing syncytium-inducing (SI) capacity and T-cell-line tropism. To determine possible differences in sCD4 neutralization sensitivity between phenotypically distinct primary HIV-1 variants, a panel of non-syncytium-inducing (NSI) and SI HIV-1 variants was studied. Primary NSI and SI HIV-1 variants appeared to be equally resistant to sCD4 neutralization. Consistent with this observation, sCD4 did not induce gp120 shedding from either primary NSI or SI HIV-1 variants at 37 degrees C. Thus, it is not the potential of certain primary HIV-1 variants to infect T-cell lines but rather their adaptation to T-cell lines that is reflected in specific properties of the viral envelope which influence sCD4 neutralization sensitivity.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor enhances the susceptibility of macrophages to infection by human immunodeficiency virus and reduces the activity of compounds that inhibit virus binding

The effects of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) on CD4 receptor expression, susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) infection, and anti-HIV activity of dextran sulfate and soluble-CD4 were studied in cultured, human primary macrophages. M-CSF stimulated macrophage cells to express the CD4 receptor, and this resulted in an increase of both the number of CD4+ cells and the density of the receptor on the cell surface. M-CSF also significantly enhanced the susceptibility of macrophage cells to HIV infection. Interestingly, the anti-HIV activity of dextran sulfate and soluble-CD4 (two compounds that interfere with HIV-CD4 binding with different mechanisms) was reduced 100-fold and fivefold, respectively, in M-CSF-treated macrophages. Human blood concentrations of M-CSF are reported to be similar to those used in this work (1,000 U/mL); thus, it is conceivable that also in vivo this cytokine may modify the susceptibility of macrophages to HIV and the ability of dextran sulfate and soluble CD4 to inhibit HIV replication. These results suggest that the in vitro study in M-CSF-treated macrophages of promising drugs inhibitors of HIV-CD4 binding could provide further insights into the potential efficacy of these compounds in patients.

Sulfated polyanions prevent HIV infection of lymphocytes by disruption of the CD4-gp120 interaction, but do not inhibit monocyte infection

Sulfated polyanions (SPs) bind variably to lymphocyte-expressed CD4 and inhibit binding of monoclonal antibodies to the first two domains of CD4. To further define this interaction, soluble recombinant CD4 (sCD4; four extracellular domains), its truncated amino-terminal two-domain derivative, and three linear peptide analogues spanning residues 6-60 (6-24, 20-40, 41-60) in the first domain were investigated for SP binding. Dextran sulfate (DXS) (500 kDa), polyvinyl sulfate, fucoidan, and carrageenan-kappa, each immobilized on carboxymethyl cellulose fibers, bound strongly to both the two-domain and four-domain recombinant CD4 molecules (similar to that observed with native CD4), whereas dextran sulfate (5 kDa), chondroitin 6-sulfate, and pentosan sulfate bound relatively poorly. No peptide binding to SPs was observed. Recombinant gp120 bound poorly (< 10%) to all of the immobilized polyanions, except pentosan sulfate (17%), for which some binding was noted. Binding of radiolabeled V3 loop peptide to SPs was slightly greater, with 20-30% binding to polyvinyl sulfate, dextran sulfate (500 kDa), and pentosan sulfate. Competitive binding studies demonstrated the predominance of sCD4 rather than rgp120 binding to SPs and supported previous data demonstrating a binding site for DXS (500 kDa) on the first domain of CD4 adjacent to the gp120 binding site and recognized by OKT4C and E monoclonal antibodies. Hence disruption of the CD4-gp120 interaction is probably responsible for most of the observed antiviral activity of SPs toward HIV infection of lymphocytes. However, HIV infection and gp120 binding to monocytes was unaffected by SPs, probably because SPs were unable to block the CD4-gp 120 interaction in monocytes.

Liposome targeting to human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected cells via recombinant soluble CD4 and CD4 immunoadhesin (CD4-IgG)

HIV-infected cells producing virions express the viral envelope glycoprotein gp120/gp41 on their surface. We examined whether liposomes coupled to recombinant soluble CD4 (sCD4, the ectodomain of CD4 which binds gp120 with high affinity) could specifically bind to HIV-infected cells. sCD4 was chemically coupled by 2 different methods to liposomes containing rhodamine-phosphatidylethanolamine in their membrane as a fluorescent marker. In one method, sCD4 was thiolated with N-succinimidyl acetylthioacetate (SATA) and coupled to liposomes via a maleimide-derivatised phospholipid. In the other method, the oligosaccharides on sCD4 were coupled to a sulfhydryl-derivatised phospholipid, utilizing the bifunctional reagent, 4-(4-N-maleimidophenyl)butyric acid hydrazide (MPBH). The association of the liposomes with HIV-1-infected or uninfected cells was examined by flow cytometry. CD4-coupled liposomes associated specifically to chronically infected H9/HTLV-IIIB cells, but not to uninfected H9 cells. CD4-coupled liposomes also associated specifically with monocytic THP-1 cells chronically infected with HIV-1 (THP-1/HIV-1IIIB). Control liposomes without coupled CD4 did not associate significantly with any of the cells, while free sCD4 could competitively inhibit the association of the CD4-coupled liposomes with the infected cells. The chimeric molecule CD4-immunoadhesin (CD4-IgG) could also be used as a ligand to target liposomes with covalently coupled Protein A (which binds the Fc region of the CD4-IgG) to H9/HTLV-IIIB cells. The CD4-liposomes inhibited the infectivity of HIV-1 in A3.01 cells, and also bound rgp120. Our results suggest that liposomes containing antiviral or cytotoxic agents may be targeted specifically to HIV-infected cells.

Macrophage-tropic and T-cell line-adapted chimeric strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 differ in their susceptibilities to neutralization by soluble CD4 at different temperatures

Molecular clones of three macrophage-tropic and three T-cell line-adapted strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) were used to explore the mechanism of HIV-1 resistance to neutralization by soluble CD4 (sCD4). The three macrophage-tropic viruses, each possessing the V3 and flanking regions of JR-FL, were all resistant to sCD4 neutralization under the standard conditions of a short preincubation of the virus and sCD4 at 37 degrees C prior to inoculation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In contrast, the three T-cell line-adapted viruses, NL4-3 and two chimeras possessing the V3 and flanking regions of NL4-3 in the envelope background of JR-FL, were all sCD4 sensitive under these conditions. Sensitivity to sCD4 neutralization at 37 degrees C corresponded with rapid, sCD4-induced gp120 shedding from the viruses. However, when the incubation temperature of the sCD4 and virus was reduced to 4 degrees C, the three macrophage-tropic viruses shed gp120 and became more sensitive to sCD4 neutralization. In contrast, the rates of sCD4-induced gp120 shedding and virus neutralization were reduced for the three T-cell line-adapted viruses at 4 degrees C. Thus, HIV resistance to sCD4 is a conditional phenomenon; macrophage-tropic and T-cell line-adapted strains can be distinguished by the temperature dependencies of their neutralization by sCD4. The average density of gp120 molecules on the macrophage-tropic viruses exceeded by about fourfold that on the T-cell line-adapted viruses, suggesting that HIV growth in T-cell lines may select for a destabilized envelope glycoprotein complex. Further studies of early events in HIV-1 infection should focus on primary virus strains.

Differential regulation of cellular tropism and sensitivity to soluble CD4 neutralization by the envelope gp120 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Using recombinant and mutant viruses generated between two human immunodeficiency virus type 1 isolates that display differences in cell tropism and sensitivity to soluble CD4 neutralization, we show that these two properties of the virus are regulated by different mechanisms. Whereas there is an association between V3 loop conformation and a particular cellular tropism, soluble CD4 neutralization sensitivity appears to be determined by amino acid differences in the C2 domain of the envelope gp120 that modulate the stability of gp120-gp41 association. Our findings further illustrate the importance of functional interactions among different regions of the envelope gp120 in regulating the biological phenotypes of human immunodeficiency virus and suggest that additional probing of the V3 loop with monoclonal antibodies may identify specific structural features of this loop that determine cell tropism.

Synthetic peptides of human CD4 enhance binding of immunoglobulins to monocyte/macrophage cells. II. Mechanisms of enhancement

We have previously shown that a synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acid residues 21-49 of the first extracellular domain of human CD4 binds immunoglobulins (Ig) and antibody: antigen (Ab:Ag) complexes, and greatly enhances the uptake of aggregated Ig by monocyte/macrophage U937 cells. In this report, we investigated the mechanisms of enhanced uptake, and the contribution of different receptors present on the surface of monocyte/macrophage cells to this phenomenon. Our results indicate that both Fc receptor (FcR) and cell surface CD4 participate in the enhanced uptake of Ig promoted by the synthetic peptide of CD4. The involvement of these two receptors was demonstrated in experiments using monoclonal antibodies to FcR and CD4, as well as monosialoganglioside GM1, a substance known to modulate surface CD4. The participation of CD4 was further confirmed using the CD4 monocyte/macrophage cell line MM-6. Together, the results of these experiments indicate that surface CD4 may cooperate with FcR in handling aggregated Ig and Ab:Ag complexes. The implications of these findings for immunoregulation by Ab:Ag and idiotype:anti-idiotype (Id:anti-Id) complexes, and infection of macrophages by HIV, are discussed.

Amino acid residues that flank core peptide epitopes and the extracellular domains of CD4 modulate differential signaling through the T cell receptor

Hen egg lysozyme 52-61-specific CD4+ T cells responded by interleukin 2 (IL-2) secretion to any peptide containing this epitope regardless of length of NH2- and COOH-terminal composition. However, CD4- variants could only respond to peptides containing the two COOH-terminal tryptophans at positions 62 and 63. Substitutions at these positions defined patterns of reactivity that were specific for individual T cells inferring a T cell receptor (TCR)-based phenomenon. Thus, the fine specificity of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-peptide recognition by the TCR was dramatically affected by CD4 and the COOH-terminal peptide composition. Peptides that failed to induce IL-2 secretion in the CD4- variants nevertheless induced strong tyrosine phosphorylation of CD3 zeta. Thus, whereas the TCR still recognized and bound to the MHC class II-peptide complex resulting in protein phosphorylation, this interaction failed to induce effective signal transduction manifested by IL-2 secretion. This provides a clear example of differential signaling mediated by peptides known to be naturally processed. In addition, the external domains of CD4, rather than its cytoplasmic tail, were critical in aiding TCR recognition of all peptides derived from a single epitope. These data suggest that the nested flanking residues, which are present on MHC class II but not class I bound peptides, are functionally relevant.

HIV-2 and SIV infection of nonprimate cell lines expressing human CD4: restrictions to replication at distinct stages

Mouse, rat, rabbit, cat, and mink cell lines expressing human CD4 restrict entry of HIV-1 strains at the cell surface. We now report that CD4+ cat and rabbit cell lines are permissive to cell fusion induced by several HIV-2 and SIV strains. CD4+ rat and mouse cells are only sensitive to HIV-2 and SIV fusion in the presence of active amphotericin B. HIV-2 and SIV replicate in CD4+ cat and CD4+ mink cells, but not in the CD4+ rabbit, rat, or mouse cells. These latter cell lines poorly express a transfected DNA molecular clone of HIV-2 DNA. CD4+ rat cells are sensitive to entry by HIV-2 (HTLV-1) pseudotypes and also to HIV-2 if amphotericin B is present. Early reverse transcription then occurs without subsequent viral gene expression, but the fusion-sensitive CD4+ rabbit cells are not permissive for HIV-2 reverse transcription. Our observations demonstrate (i) that the cat and mink cell lines express everything required except human CD4 for entry and replication by several HIV-2 and SIV strains and (ii) that distinct postpenetration blocks to viral replication are evident in rabbit and rodent cell lines.

Native oligomeric human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein elicits diverse monoclonal antibody reactivities

We synthesized and purified a recombinant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope (Env) glycoprotein, lacking the gp120/gp41 cleavage site as well as the transmembrane domain, that is secreted principally as a stable oligomer. Mice were immunized with separated monomeric and oligomeric HIV-1 Env glycoproteins to analyze the repertoire of antibody responses to the tertiary and quaternary structure of the protein. Hybridomas were generated and assayed for reactivity by immunoprecipitation of nondenatured Env protein. A total of 138 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were generated and cloned, 123 of which were derived from seven animals immunized with oligomeric Env. Within this group, a significant response was obtained against the gp41 ectodomain; 49 MAbs recognized epitopes in gp41, 82% of which were conformational. The influence of conformation on gp120 antigenicity was less pronounced, with 40% of the anti-gp120 MAbs binding to conformational epitopes, many of which blocked CD4 binding. Surprisingly, less than 7% of the MAbs derived from mice immunized with oligomeric Env recognized the V3 loop. In addition, MAbs to linear epitopes in the C-terminal domain of gp120 were not obtained, suggesting that this region of the protein may be partially masked in the oligomeric molecule. A total of 15 MAbs were obtained from two mice immunized with monomeric Env. Nearly half of these recognized the V3 loop, suggesting that this region may be a less predominant epitope in the context of oligomeric Env than in monomeric protein. Thus, immunization with oligomeric Env generates a large proportion of antibodies to conformational epitopes in both gp120 and gp41, many of which may be absent from monomeric Env.

Differences in CD4 dependence for infectivity of laboratory-adapted and primary patient isolates of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

CD4 is known to be an important receptor for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection of T lymphocytes and macrophages. However, the limiting steps in CD4-dependent HIV-1 infections in vivo and in vitro are poorly understood. To address this issue, we produced a panel of HeLa-CD4 cell clones that express widely different amounts of CD4 and quantitatively analyzed their infection by laboratory-adapted and primary patient HIV-1 isolates. For all HIV-1 isolates, adsorption from the medium onto HeLa-CD4 cells was inefficient and appeared to be limiting for infection in the conditions of our assays. Adsorption of HIV-1 onto CD4-positive peripheral blood mononuclear cells was also inefficient. Moreover, there was a striking difference between laboratory-adapted and primary T-cell-tropic HIV-1 isolates in the infectivity titers detected on different HeLa-CD4 cells. Laboratory-adapted HIV-1 isolates infected all HeLa-CD4 cell clones with equal efficiencies regardless of the levels of CD4, whereas primary HIV-1 isolates infected these clones in direct proportion to cellular CD4 expression. Our interpretation is that for laboratory-adapted isolates, a barrier step that preceeds CD4 encounter was limiting and the subsequent CD4-dependent virus capture process was highly efficient, even at very low cell surface concentrations. In contrast, for primary HIV-1 isolates, the CD4-dependent steps appeared to be much less efficient. We conclude that primary isolates of HIV-1 infect inefficiently following contact with surfaces of CD4-positive cells, and we propose that this confers a selective disadvantage during passage in rapidly dividing leukemia cell lines. Conversely, in vivo selective pressure appears to favor HIV-1 strains that require large amounts of CD4 for infection.

Viral multiplicity of attachment and its implications for human immunodeficiency virus therapies

The multiplicity of attachment (MOA) of a virion in any particular time interval is the average number of cellular attachment opportunities that must be blocked to keep the virion in suspension. MOA is usually proportional to incubation time and cell concentration. Low MOA (like low multiplicity of infection) is required for reproducible assay of adsorptive blockers, and high MOA by itself can produce spurious synergies between adsorptive blockers, e.g., soluble CD4 (sCD4) and some antibodies. Poliovirus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) data show that viral neutralization conforms quantitatively to MOA and kinetic theory over large ranges of incubation times and target cell concentrations. Extrapolating sCD4 data beyond conditions achievable in vitro to those in vivo predicts that sCD4 concentrations above the strain-specific sCD4-gp120 dissociation constant are required to block lymphoid HIV significantly, in at least semiquantitative agreement with clinical results. The extrapolation is applicable to humoral neutralization data as well. MOA analysis also indicates that although completely stopping the attachment of individual virions to cells may still be an effective therapeutic strategy against established HIV infection, merely retarding attachment probably is not. The concept of MOA holds great promise for improving the therapeutic relevance of in vitro data and can be applied to any infectious agent, to many processes that impair or enhance infection steps, and to many assay end points, not just infection.

[The determination of the antigenic activity of recombinant virus-specific polypeptides from the herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and their use in immunoenzyme analysis]

The structural and nonstructural recombinant proteins of HSV type 1 and type 2 were expressed in E. coli by fusion with cro-beta-galactosidase proteins. These proteins containing amino acid sequences of ICP4, ICP27, ICP47, ICP22, major capsid protein and major DNA-binding proteins of HSV types 1 and 2 reacted in immunoblotting with the corresponding anti-HSV sera from hyperimmune rabbits. The nonstructural recombinant proteins can be used for enzyme immunoassay detection of HSV1 or HSV2 type-specific antibodies in sera from patients with acute HSV infection.

[The antiviral action of recombinant forms of the human T-lymphocyte CD4 receptor]

A recombinant protein containing the first 179 N-terminus amino acids of human T-lymphocyte CD4-receptor was synthesized in E. coli cells. This recombinant protein was shown to interact with OKT4A and Leu3a monoclonal antibodies competing with HIV gp120 glycoprotein for binding with the native CD4 receptor. Experiments in vitro in human T-lymphocyte cultures showed that the recombinant CD4-protein in concentrations of 1 to 10 micrograms/ml inhibited the virus-induced syncytium formation, HIV replication in cell culture, synthesis of HIV reverse transcriptase and other virus-specific proteins, that is, behaved as a HIV inhibitor.

HIV-1 induces tumour necrosis factor and IL-1 gene expression in primary human macrophages independent of productive infection

Cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and IL-1 beta may play a role in immunopathogenesis of AIDS. We studied early effects (0.5-48 h) of monocytotropic (ADA) or lymphotropic (IIIB) strains of HIV-1 on TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta mRNA expression in primary human macrophages by a semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Three-day-old monocyte-derived macrophages were exposed either to tissue culture supernatants containing virus (at multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.) of 0.05) or to control supernatants free of virions and gp120. ADA strain, but not IIIB, replicated in primary tissue culture-differentiated macrophages (TCDM). Soluble CD4 (sCD4) was used to inhibit binding of both strains to macrophages. We found that TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta gene expression was induced by both strains 0.5-3 h after addition of virus, and that enhanced expression of both cytokines was inhibited by sCD4. We conclude that CD4-dependent binding to the cell surface is sufficient to enhance TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta mRNA, whereas productive viral replication in primary human macrophages is not required. Therefore, similar pathways regulate gene expression of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta by macrophages during initial infection by HIV-1 in vitro.

gp120-independent fusion mediated by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp41 envelope glycoprotein: a reassessment

In a natural context, membrane fusion mediated by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoproteins involves both the exterior envelope glycoprotein (gp120) and the transmembrane glycoprotein (gp41). Perez et al. (J. Virol. 66:4134-4143, 1992) reported that a mutant HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein containing only the signal peptide and carboxyl terminus of the gp120 exterior glycoprotein fused to the complete gp41 glycoprotein was properly cleaved and that the resultant gp41 glycoprotein was able to induce the fusion of even CD4-negative cells. In the studies reported herein, mutant proteins identical or similar to those studied by Perez et al. lacked detectable cell fusion activity. The proteolytic processing of these proteins was very inefficient, and one processed product identified by Perez et al. as the authentic gp41 glycoprotein was shown to contain carboxyl-terminal gp120 sequences. Furthermore, no fusion activity was observed for gp41 glycoproteins exposed after shedding of the gp120 glycoprotein by soluble CD4. Thus, evidence supporting a gp120-independent cell fusion activity for the HIV-1 gp41 glycoprotein is currently lacking.

Increase in soluble CD4 binding to and CD4-induced dissociation of gp120 from virions correlates with infectivity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Mutations in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gp41, previously shown to confer an enhanced replicative capacity and broadened host range to the ELI1 strain of HIV-1, were analyzed for their biochemical effects on envelope structure and function. The tendency of purified virions to release their extracellular gp120 component, either spontaneously or after interacting with soluble CD4 (CD4-induced shedding) was assessed. A single amino acid substitution in part of the CD4 binding site of gp120 (Gly-427 to Arg) enhanced both spontaneous and CD4-induced shedding of gp120 from virions, while a single change in the fusogenic region of gp41 (Met-7 to Val) affected only CD4-induced shedding. Although each codon change alone conferred increased growth ability, virus with both mutations exhibited the most rapid replication kinetics. In addition, when both of these mutations were present, virions had the highest tendency to shed gp120, both spontaneously and after exposure to soluble CD4. Analysis of CD4 binding to virion-associated gp120 showed that the changes in both gp120 and gp41 contributed to increased binding. These results demonstrated that the increased replicative capacity of the ELI variants in human CD4+ cell lines was associated with altered physical and functional properties of the virion envelope glycoproteins.

[The antiviral action of recombinant receptorotoxins based on the diphtheria toxin and the human T-lymphocyte CD4-receptor]

A number of vectors expressing in E. coli hybrid proteins (receptorotoxins) composed of diphtheria toxin lacking the C-terminal region and CD4-receptor fragment including N-terminal region of the natural protein have been constructed. The receptorotoxins consisting of the CD4 fragment in their N-terminal region were more stable. These recombinant receptorotoxins were cultured with HIV-infected Hut-78 cells and were shown to block HIV infection in vitro.

The effects of high-dose recombinant soluble CD4 on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 viremia

In vitro, low-passage clinical human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates require up to 1000 times greater serum levels of recombinant soluble CD4 (rsCD4) than have ever been given. To determine if sufficient serum levels of rsCD4 provide in vivo inhibition of HIV-1, 4 HIV-1 plasma-viremic subjects were given single-dose boluses of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mg/kg intravenous rsCD4. Plasma HIV-1 cultures were done after infusion. Three subjects demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in plasma HIV-1 viremia. The inhibitory effect of rsCD4 on plasma HIV-1 viremia was associated with the in vitro ID90-95 of the isolate, not the ID50. These data demonstrate that extremely high doses of rsCD4 inactivate cell-free HIV-1 in vivo and suggest that high doses of rsCD4 may have some short-term therapeutic utility, such as with accidental or occupational HIV-1 exposure.

Conformational changes induced in the envelope glycoproteins of the human and simian immunodeficiency viruses by soluble receptor binding

We have investigated the molecular basis of biological differences observed among cell line-adapted isolates of the human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2) and the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in response to receptor binding by using a soluble form of CD4 (sCD4) as a receptor mimic. We find that sCD4 binds to the envelope glycoproteins of all of the HIV-1 isolates tested with affinities within a threefold range, whereas those of the HIV-2 and SIV isolates have relative affinities for sCD4 two- to eightfold lower than those of HIV-1. Treatment of infected cells with sCD4 induced the dissociation of gp120 from gp41 and increased the exposure of a cryptic gp41 epitope on all of the HIV-1 isolates. By contrast, neither dissociation of the outer envelope glycoprotein nor increased exposure of the transmembrane glycoprotein was observed when sCD4 bound to HIV-2- or SIV-infected cells. Moreover, immunoprecipitation with sCD4 resulted in the coprecipitation of the surface and transmembrane glycoproteins from virions of the HIV-2 and SIV isolates, whereas the surface envelope glycoprotein alone was precipitated from HIV-1. However, treatment of HIV-1-, HIV-2-, and SIV-infected cells with sCD4 did result in an increase in exposure of their V2 and V3 loops, as detected by enhanced antibody reactivity. This demonstrates that receptor binding to the outer envelope glycoprotein induces certain conformational changes which are common to all of these viruses and others which are restricted to cell line-passaged isolates of HIV-1.

Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its analogs on human immunodeficiency virus infection in monocytes/macrophages

We have investigated the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] and several potent vitamin D3 analogs [1,25(OH)2-16-ene-23-yne-D3; 1,25(OH)2-16-ene-23-yne-26,27-F6-D3] on productive infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in human macrophages. Macrophages derived from the peripheral blood were either pretreated with the vitamin D3 analogs, washed, and exposed to HIV (pre-infection treatment) or were infected with HIV, washed, and cultured with the vitamin D3 compounds (post-infection treatment). After three days of HIV-infection, levels of p24 antigen were measured. Pretreatment of macrophages with either 1,25(OH)2D3 or 1,25(OH)2-16-ene-23-yne-26,27-F6-D3 (pre-infection treatment) increased productive HIV infection about 3.5-fold; 1,25(OH)2-16-ene-23-yne-D3 increased levels about 4.7-fold. In contrast, exposure of HIV infected macrophages to the vitamin D3 compounds (post-infection treatment) did not affect levels of HIV production compared to untreated controls. Soluble CD4 completely inhibited productive HIV infection of macrophages pretreated with vitamin D3 analogs. Also, the vitamin D3 compounds slightly decreased CD4 expression on macrophages. The mechanism of enhanced productive HIV infection by the vitamin D3 compounds is unclear, but can not be explained by either alteration of CD4 expression or entry into cells by a CD4-independent route. These studies may have implications for both the basic biology of HIV infectious production and possibly clinical treatment of AIDS patients.

Costimulatory properties of the human CD4 molecule: enhancement of CD3-induced T cell activation by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 through viral envelope glycoprotein gp120

This study was designed to investigate the T cell costimulatory activity of ligands binding to different regions on the human CD4 molecule. We assayed the costimulatory properties of a panel of CD4 MAbs, intact HIV, and viral envelope glycoproteins in CD3-induced activation of resting T cell subpopulations. Our data using MAbs reveal epitope-specific variations in the functional activities of CD4 MAbs under specific conditions in which CD3 and CD4 molecules are co-cross-linked. We show that both naive and memory CD4+ T cell subsets are susceptible to CD4-mediated costimulation, which overcomes the functional differences between the two cell populations in responsiveness to CD3 MAbs. We show for the first time that, analogous to CD4 MAbs, preparations of HIV and viral envelope glycoprotein gp120 are also potent costimulators of T cell proliferation and IL-2 production. On the basis of these results we propose possible mechanisms for polyclonal cell activation in the course of HIV infection and suggest that viral inhibitory and costimulatory effects may together disrupt the normal balanced function of the immune system, leading to AIDS.

Increased anti-HIV-1 activity of CD4 CDR3-related synthetic peptides by scrambling and further structural modifications, including D-isomerization and dimerization

We recently showed that S1, a sequence-scrambled form of CD4 CDR3-related synthetic peptide, has more potent inhibitory activities on HIV-1 replication and HIV-1-induced syncytium formation than the original form. In this study, a series of derivatives of S1 were synthesized and their anti-HIV-1 activities were evaluated. A D-isomer was as potent as S1, and a homodimer was 10- to 18-fold more potent than S1. The increased antiviral activity of the dimer peptide was related to alpha-helix formation, as detected by circular dichroism.