No T-cell tyrosine protein kinase signalling or calcium mobilization after CD4 association with HIV-1 or HIV-1 gp120

The lectin jacalin induces phosphorylation of ERK and JNK in CD4+ T cells

The CD4 molecule plays an essential role in mediating the transduction of intracellular signals by functioning as a coreceptor for the complex T cell receptor/CD3 and also acts as the primary receptor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Several authors have shown evidence that jacalin, a plant lectin, binds to CD4 and inhibits in vitro HIV infection. We analyzed jacalin-induced intracellular signaling events in CD4(+) T cells and have shown that cell activation resulted in tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular substrates p56(lck), p59(fyn), ZAP-70, p95 (vav), phospholipase C-gamma1, and ras activation, as assessed by conversion of ras guanosine 5'-diphosphate to ras guanosine 5'-triphosphate. We further examined extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and c-jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation following stimulation with jacalin. The data indicate that the kinetics of JNK phosphorylation is delayed. Optimum phosphorylation of ERK2 was observed by 10 min, and that of JNK was observed by 30 min. Pretreatment with gp120 followed by stimulation with jacalin resulted in marked inhibition of all of the aforementioned intracellular events. The data presented here provide insight into the intracellular signaling events associated with the CD4 molecule-jacalin-gp120 interactions and HIV-induced CD4(+) T cell anergy. Jacalin may be used as a possible tool for the study of CD4-mediated signal transduction and HIV-impaired CD4(+) T cell activation.

Ligation of human CD4 interferes with antigen-induced activation of primary T cells

The CD4 molecule functions to enhance T cell activation when it is co-aggregated with the T cell receptor for antigen (TCR) by MHC class II antigenic peptide complexes. However, independent ligation of CD4 has been shown to negatively effect signaling through the TCR in vitro. The interaction between the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 and CD4 is a central event in the pathogenesis of AIDS and may contribute to immune deficiency via both direct and indirect mechanisms, including lytic infection of T cells and induction of CD4 signaling events resulting in apoptosis and anergy. Analysis of the consequences of interactions between CD4 and gp120 have yielded contradictory results presumably because most of these studies have focused on T cell clones of questionable relevance to the in vivo target of the virus. Here, we analyzed the effects of CD4 ligation on freshly isolated cells of human CD4 transgenic mice, and show that huCD4 preligation, in the absence of human CXCR4, has an inhibitory effect on both early and late T cell activation events. CD4 signaling negatively regulates the response to antigen, as well as to anti-TCR mAb. In addition, we show here that this negative signal requires the cytoplasmic tail of CD4. These results suggest that in HIV infected patients the interaction of gp120 with CD4 induces unresponsiveness of CD4+ T cells to subsequent activation by antigen.

A G1 cell cycle arrest induced by ligands of the reovirus type 3 receptor is secondary to inactivation of p21ras and mitogen-activated protein kinase

The reovirus type 3 S1 gene product (type 3 hemagglutinin; HA3) is the viral protein responsible for binding to a mammalian cell-surface receptor. It has been shown that HA3 binding to its receptor inhibits cell growth, even in the continuous presence of serum mitogens. Here, receptor-mediated signal transduction leading to growth arrest was studied after binding with synthetic or recombinant ligands in the absence of viral infection. Receptor ligation caused rapid inactivation of p21(ras), a decrease in Raf phosphorylation and in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) enzymatic activity, and G1 cell cycle arrest. Transfection and expression of constitutively active v-Has-ras prevented the G1 arrest, indicating that inactivation of p21(ras) is causative. Interestingly, v-Has-ras expression also decreased the efficiency of reoviridae replication, suggesting that inactivation of p21(ras) signals is required at some step of the viral cycle. This study may define new mechanisms regulating cell growth and support the approach of using viral proteins to identify and study cellular receptors. Synthetic receptor ligands with antiproliferative properties may be useful in drug development with the aim of blocking mitosis.

Do endogenous cannabinoids contribute to HIV-mediated immune failure?

The failure of the immune system to mount a successful attack on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an old enigma for AIDS research. The high mutational capacity of HIV, which unremittingly confuses the immune system, is a major factor in immune failure. But this alone cannot fully explain the certain and inescapable failure of the immune system, leading to full-blown AIDS. Here, we propose the hypothesis that endogenous cannabinoids, derived mostly from macrophages, might participate in the general failure of the immune system in HIV-infected individuals.

G-Protein-coupled receptors and Fcgamma-receptors mediate activation of Akt/protein kinase B in human phagocytes

Activation of the serine/threonine kinase Akt, also called protein kinase B (PKB), was investigated in human neutrophils. Stimulation of the cells with the chemoattractant fMet-Leu-Phe or the chemokines IL-8 and GROalpha leads to the rapid and transient activation of PKB. Maximum PKB activation correlates with the well documented kinetics of respiratory burst and exocytosis. Wortmannin, a selective inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI 3-kinases) in neutrophils, abrogates PKB activation. Similarly homo and heterotypic cross-linking of FcgammaIIA and FcgammaIIIB causes a transient activation of PKB that is sensitive to wortmannin treatment. Kinase activity measurements in immunoprecipitates from lysates of the myelocytic GM-1 cells or GM-1/CXCR1 cells, which are transfected with the IL-8 receptor 1, confirmed the transient activation of PKB observed in neutrophils. Stimulation of human monocytes with the CC chemokine RANTES (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted) also results in the activation of PKB. Preincubation of monocytes and neutrophils with Bordetella pertussis toxin inhibits fMet-Leu-Phe and RANTES-stimulated PKB activation, demonstrating that coupling of the receptors to heterotrimeric Gi-protein is required. The data show, that activation of PKB by Gi-protein-coupled receptors is mediated by PI 3-kinase and suggest that PKB is a constituent of neutrophil activating pathways.

CD4 Cross-Linking (CD4XL) Induces RAS Activation and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Secretion in CD4+ T Cells

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

CD4 Cross-Linking (CD4XL) Induces RAS Activation and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Secretion in CD4+ T Cells

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

HIV-1 envelope protein, gp120, has no effects on inositol phosphate production and metabolism in the Jurkat T-cell line either in the presence or absence of receptor stimulation

We have used HPLC techniques to investigate the effects of gp120 upon inositol phosphate turnover in Jurkat E6-1 CD4+ T-cells, to pursue previous reports that this viral coat protein: (a) inhibits receptor-activated inositol phosphate release; (b) stimulates basal inositol phosphate release; (c) inhibits inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase. Treatment of cells with up to 10 microg/ml gp120 from between 10 min and 24 h was without effect upon inositol phosphate turnover in both basal cells, and in C305 and OKT3 stimulated cells. This is the first report that biologically competent gp120 does not affect any aspect of inositol phosphate turnover in either basal or receptor-activated lymphocytes.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection abolishes CD4-dependent activation of ZAP-70 by inhibition of p56lck

The effect of early human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection in vitro on proximal signal transduction events in primary peripheral blood lymphocytes was investigated with respect to CD4-mediated costimulation of CD3/T cell-receptor signalling. Tyrosine phosphorylation profiles induced by CD4 and CD3 + CD4 ligation were profoundly abrogated in virally infected cells, although CD4 receptor expression remained intact during early infection. Furthermore, the association of the tyrosine kinase p56lck with the CD4 receptor was reduced in virally infected cells. The downmodulation of CD4-mediated CD3 signalling coincided with the subsequent inhibition of the activity and tyrosine phosphorylation of the downstream kinase ZAP-70 in virally infected cells. The observed virally mediated cosignalling defects during early infection may account for the inhibition of distal signal events and thus contribute to HIV pathogenesis, such as reduced immune response to antigenic exposure, anergy, and apoptosis.

Binding of HIV-1 to its receptor induces tyrosine phosphorylation of several CD4-associated proteins, including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Cell surface CD4 molecules are known to be important in several physiological responses of T lymphocytes. The use of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) particles or purified gp120 molecules as CD4 cross-linking agents has been shown to result in a cascade of intracellular biochemical events. In addition, we and other have provided evidence suggesting that virus-mediated CD4 multimerization can lead to modulation of HIV-1 long terminal repeat-dependent activity and virus production. We were thus interested in measuring the effect of HIV-1 particles on intracellular tyrosine-phosphorylation levels, mostly of CD4-associated proteins. Using the T cell line CEM-T4, we observed that HIV-1 induces an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of four major proteins physically complexed to the CD4 molecule. Immunoblot analysis permitted the identification of two of these proteins, p56lck and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) p85 alpha. No concomitant variation in the level of these two CD4-associated proteins was observed after HIV-1-induced CD4 cross-linking. To our knowledge, this is the first report linking HIV-1-mediated CD4 multimerization to an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of the PI 3-kinase complex. The four CD4-associated molecules described in this report are most likely implicated in virus-induced CD4-linked signaling events.

gp120 is present on the plasma membrane of apoptotic CD4 cells prepared from lymph nodes of HIV-1-infected individuals: an immunoelectron microscopic study

OBJECTIVE

To study whether free gp120 can be detected on the plasma membranes of apoptotic CD4+ T lymphocytes in lymph nodes from HIV-positive patients.

METHODS

Lymph-node cell suspensions prepared from three HIV-positive patients were studied by pre-embedding, double-immunogold-labeling to identify cell type, determine cell morphology, and detect the presence of bound gp120 molecules. Cells were classified by their surface antigens as helper/inducer T lymphocytes (CD4+), cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes (CD8+), B cells (CD20+), and total lymphocytes [CD45+, leukocyte common antigen (LCA)+].

RESULTS

gp120 colabelled with both apoptotic and normal CD4+ T lymphocytes and LCA+ cells, but not with either apoptotic or normal CD8+ T lymphocytes or B cells. gp120 was more often identified on apoptotic than on normal CD4+ T lymphocytes. The gp120 and CD45 label were often colocalized. HIV particles were not identified to be associated with or budding from either normal or apoptotic lymphocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Free gp120 is found bound to CD4+ T cells in lymph nodes of HIV-infected individuals and potentially mark them for premature death by apoptosis.

Binding of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 to CD4 induces association of Lck and Raf-1 and activates Raf-1 by a Ras-independent pathway

We have analyzed CD4-mediated signaling during the early stages of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Binding of purified HIV-1 virions or recombinant HIV-1 glycoprotein gp120 to CD4 receptors resulted in association and tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of tyrosine kinase Lck and serine/threonine kinase Raf-1. The association between Lck and Raf-1 was mediated by stimulation of the CD4 receptors, since it was abolished by preincubation of the virus with soluble CD4 and was not detected in CD4-negative A201 T cells. However, the Lck-Raf-1 association was restored in A201 cells permanently transfected with human CD4 cDNA and stimulated with anti-CD4 antibodies. In addition, a catalytically active Lck was required for the association of Lck and Raf-1. Surprisingly, the CD4-mediated signaling, induced by the HIV-1 binding, did not result in stimulation of the Ras GTP-binding activity or its association with Raf-1, indicating that the signaling pathway generated by the HIV-1 binding is not identical to the classical Ras/Raf-1 pathway. Furthermore, overexpression of activated Raf-1 in Jurkat T cells stimulated the HIV long terminal repeat promoter activity and significantly enhanced HIV-1 replication. This suggests that the Lck-Raf-1 pathway, rapidly stimulated by the binding of HIV-1 or gp120 to CD4 receptors, may play an essential role in the transcriptional activation of the integrated HIV-1 provirus as well as in its pathogenicity.

Molecular biology of human immunodeficiency virus type-1

Tremendous progress has been made in our understanding of the multiplication and pathogenesis of the human immunodeficiency virus, the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). To block virus multiplication several targets in the life cycle of the virus have already been identified for which antiviral drugs can be developed and gene therapy can be envisaged as a possible treatment or cure of AIDS. The combination of several therapies might be needed for effective treatment. Prevention of HIV infections through effective vaccines still awaits novel, unconventional strategies.

Repression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat-driven gene expression by binding of the virus to its primary cellular receptor, the CD4 molecule

We have previously postulated that the binding of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) to cell surface CD4 induces signal transduction pathways that down-modulate production of progeny virions in acutely infected T cells (M. Tremblay, S. Meloche, S. Gratton, M. A. Wainberg, and R.-P. Sékaly, EMBO J. 13:774-783, 1994). To evaluate the possibility that CD4 cross-linking might indeed affect viral gene expression, we have introduced a molecular construct made of the luciferase reporter gene placed under the control of the regulatory elements of HIV-1 in several CD4-positive T-cell lines. We found that cross-linking of CD4 with defective HIV-1 particles and heat-inactivated viruses inhibits long terminal repeat-dependent luciferase expression. Experiments revealed that the gp120-CD4 interaction was necessary to repress HIV-1 long terminal repeat-dependent luciferase activity. The cytoplasmic domain of CD4 was also found to be required for this effect to occur. The virus-mediated signal transduction was shown to be mediated via p56lck-dependent and -independent pathways. These results indicate that the earliest event in the HIV-1 replicative cycle, namely, the binding of the virus to its cellular receptor, can lead to signal transduction culminating in down-modulation of viral gene expression. Thus we propose that defective viruses could regulate the pathogenesis of HIV disease as they constitute the vast majority of circulating HIV-1 particles.

HIV induces activation of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase by interacting with T cell CD4 surface molecules

T cell surface CD4 molecules act as co-receptors that amplify the T cell receptor (TcR)/CD3-induced signal transduction by a mechanism that requires the interaction of CD4 with p56lck tyrosine kinase (Veillette et al.; Nature 1989 338:257). Here, we demonstrate that in the absence of TcR signaling, heat-inactivated HIV-1 (HIV-HI) also elicits a cascade of events generally considered to convey a positive signal, such as protein tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. These results contribute to understand better the control that HIV may exert on its own replication or on T cell apoptosis by modulating the activation status of its target cells through its interaction with T cell surface CD4 molecules.

Anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody reduces the dose of cyclophosphamide required to induce tolerance to H-2 haplotype identical skin allografts in mice

Cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced tolerance which consists of a single i.p. injection of 200 mg/kg CP 2 days after priming with 1 x 10(8) donor spleen cells (SC), leads to long-lasting donor-specific skin allograft tolerance in H-2 compatible, multiminor antigen incompatible, murine strain combinations. In this system, the optimal dose of CP has been suggested to be 200 mg/kg, however, such a dose of CP causes strong myelosuppression. In the present study, we therefore attempted to reduce the dose of CP by administering anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) before donor cell priming in this tolerance-inducing system. When C3H/He (C3H; H-2k, Mls-1b) mice were injected i.p. with 200 micrograms anti-CD4 mAb on day -3, 1 x 10(8) AKR/J (AKR; H-2k, Mls-1a) SC plus 3 x 10(7) bone marrow cells (BMC) i.v. on day -2 and then 100 mg/kg CP i.p. on day 0, a long-lasting donor-specific skin allograft tolerance was established; furthermore, the decreases in the number of leukocytes and the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) in the peripheral blood were all less in the C3H mice treated with this new combined protocol than in the C3H mice injected with 200 mg/kg CP following the previous protocol. In the periphery of these tolerant mice, the number of donor-reactive V beta 6+CD4+ T cells decreased and mixed chimerism was observed on both days 14 and 80. On the other hand, in the mice injected with AKR SC, BMC plus 100 mg/kg CP without anti-CD4 mAb, the number of V beta 6+CD4+ T cells decreased on day 14, and then recovered by day 80 when the mixed chimerism disappeared. These results therefore suggest that the combined use of anti-CD4 mAb with CP can reduce the dose of CP without affecting the efficiency of inducing donor-specific tolerance, probably due to the enhancement of the destruction effect of donor-reactive T cells by CP.

The role of CD4 in HIV envelope-mediated pathogenesis

There is now compelling evidence that env-CD4 interactions are central to several complex pathogenic mechanisms in HIV-1 infection. In addition to mediating virus attachment to CD4+ cells, the high affinity interaction of env protein with CD4 is also important in initiating both syncytium formation and syncytium-independent cytopathic effects. In addition, shed gp120 can bind to CD4 on noninfected cells and interfere with the function of these cells while at the same time rendering the cells susceptible to destruction by ADCC, by CD4+ CTLs or by programmed cell death induced by cross-linking of CD4 with gp120 and anti-gp120 followed by cellular activation. Although all of these mechanisms have been demonstrated to operate in vitro, it remains unclear how important each mechanism is in vivo. Nevertheless, the central role of env-CD4 interactions in all of these pathogenic mechanisms highlights the importance of developing effective low molecular weight inhibitors of this reaction.

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

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

A receptor that subserves reovirus binding can inhibit lymphocyte proliferation triggered by mitogenic signals

A novel surface receptor complex involved in inhibition of T-cell proliferation is described. Biochemical isolation revealed two non-covalently associated proteins of about M(r) 65,000 (p65) and 95,000 (p95). These polypeptides may be related. The p65 form is expressed after cellular activation and replication and is recognized by monoclonal antibody (mAb) 87.92.6 or reovirus hemagglutinin as unnatural ligands. The p95 species is associated with tyrosine kinase enzymatic activity. Receptor ligation results in rapid alteration of the phosphotyrosine content of cellular substrates, and this activity correlates with antiproliferative effects. The inhibition of proliferation is a time-dependent reversible arrest at the G1-S phase of the cell cycle. Activation through the T-cell receptor, protein kinase C, or addition of cytokines does not reverse the antiproliferative effect. This receptor complex may define novel features of T-cell proliferation.

gp120-induced programmed cell death in recently activated T cells without subsequent ligation of the T cell receptor

In most individuals, HIV infection is characterized by a progressive decline in the number of peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes, and while the number of CD4+ cells is within the normal range, defects in immune function are detectable. To date neither the decline in function nor the decline in cell number have been satisfactorily explained. Here we describe a mechanism which may contribute to the immunodeficiency and decline in CD4+ cell numbers in HIV-infected individuals. We show that recently activated T cells are susceptible to apoptosis when exposed to HIV gp120 in the presence of anti-gp120 antibody.

An octapeptide analogue of HIV gp120 modulates protein tyrosine kinase activity in activated peripheral blood T lymphocytes

Following infection with HIV, patients exhibit lymphocyte dysfunction before the loss of CD4+ T cells. The major HIV surface glycoprotein, gp120, can modulate lymphocyte function in vitro; however, the mechanism by which gp120 affects T lymphocyte signal transduction is controversial. We have used Peptide T, a synthetic octapeptide derived from a conserved, CD4 binding region of gp120, to examine gp120-related modulation of lymphocyte signal transduction. Activation of lymphocytes through the T cell receptor (TCR) in collaboration with cell surface accessory molecules results in rapid increases in tyrosine phosphorylation, probably through the recruitment and activation of src-family protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) such as lck and fyn which have been implicated in mediating the proximal signalling events mediated through the TCR. To identify potential mechanisms by which gp120 could modulate the function of T lymphocytes, we determined the effect of Peptide T on normal, activated peripheral blood lymphoblasts. Treatment of normal, activated peripheral blood lymphoblasts with Peptide T (10(-9) M) for 60 min transiently reduced levels of protein tyrosine phosphorylation (ptyr). Reduction in levels of cellular ptyr was associated with transient inhibition of the activity of total cellular and CD4-associated p56lck kinase activity (80%). Peptide T also induced a small delayed reduction in the p59fyn activity (up to 42%). Despite the decrease in total cellular ptyr levels, pp60c-src kinase activity was increased 11-fold following treatment with Peptide T. Peptide T pretreatment also induced tyrosine phosphorylation of a 48-kD CD4-associated protein, indicating that Peptide T may have multiple effects. Peptide T did not alter the levels of total cellular p56lck enzyme, nor did it directly inhibit the activity of purified p56lck. These results are consistent with a Peptide T-dependent modulation of PTK regulation, and support the potential of gp120 to interfere with T lymphocyte signal transduction in activated T lymphocytes.

Induction of apoptosis in uninfected lymphocytes by HIV-1 Tat protein

Infection by human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) is typified by the progressive depletion of CD4 T lymphocytes and deterioration of immune function in most patients. A central unresolved issue in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pathogenesis is the mechanism underlying this T cell depletion. HIV-1 Tat protein was shown to induce cell death by apoptosis in a T cell line and in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells from uninfected donors. This Tat-induced apoptosis was inhibitable by growth factors and was associated with enhanced activation of cyclin-dependent kinases.

Virus receptors: implications for pathogenesis and the design of antiviral agents

A virus initiates infection by attaching to its specific receptor on the surface of a susceptible host cell. This prepares the way for the virus to enter the cell. Consequently, the expression of the receptor on specific cells and tissues of the host is a major determinant of the route of entry of the virus into the host and of the patterns of virus spread and pathogenesis in the host. This review emphasizes the virus-receptor interactions of human immunodeficiency virus, the rhinoviruses, the herpesviruses, and the coronaviruses. These interactions are often found to be complex and dynamic, involving multiple sites or factors on both the virus and the host cell. Also, the receptor may play an important role in virus entry per se in addition to its role in virus binding. In the cases of human immunodeficiency virus and the rhinoviruses, ingenious approaches to therapeutic strategies based on inhibiting virus attachment and entry are under development and in clinical trials.

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) CD4 receptor and its central role in promotion of HIV-1 infection

Interactions between the viral envelope glycoprotein gp120 and the cell surface receptor CD4 are responsible for the entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) into host cells in the vast majority of cases. HIV-1 replication is commonly followed by the disappearance or receptor downmodulation of cell surface CD4. This potentially renders cells nonsusceptible to subsequent infection by HIV-1, as well as by other viruses that use CD4 as a portal of entry. Disappearance of CD4 from the cell surface is mediated by several different viral proteins that act at various stages through the course of the viral life cycle, and it occurs in T-cell lines, peripheral blood CD4+ lymphocytes, and monocytes of both primary and cell line origin. At the cell surface, gp120 itself and in the form of antigen-antibody complexes can trigger cellular pathways leading to CD4 internalization. Intracellularly, the mechanisms leading to CD4 downmodulation by HIV-1 are multiple and complex; these include degradation of CD4 by Vpu, formation of intracellular complexes between CD4 and the envelope precursor gp160, and internalization by the Nef protein. Each of the above doubtless contributes to the ultimate depletion of cell surface CD4, although the relative contribution of each mechanism and the manner in which they interact remain to be definitively established.

Indirect mechanisms of HIV pathogenesis: how does HIV kill T cells?

Although twelve years have passed since the identification of HIV as the cause of AIDS, we do not yet know how HIV kills its target, the CD4+ T cell, nor how this killing cripples the immune system. Prominent theories include direct killing of infected CD4+ T cells by the action or accumulation of cytopathic viral DNA, transcripts or proteins, or by virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and indirect killing of uninfected CD4+ T cells (and other immune cells) by autoimmune mechanisms, cytokines, superantigens, or apoptosis. In the past year, studies have provided tantalizing clues as to why infected cells may not die and how these infected cells kill innocent bystander cells.

HIV-1 proteins in infected cells determine the presentation of viral peptides by HLA class I and class II molecules and the nature of the cellular and humoral antiviral immune responses--a review

The goals of molecular virology and immunology during the second half of the 20th century have been to provide the conceptual approaches and the tools for the development of safe and efficient virus vaccines for the human population. The success of the vaccination approach to prevent virus epidemics was attributed to the ability of inactivated and live virus vaccines to induce a humoral immune response and to produce antiviral neutralizing antibodies in the vaccinees. The successful development of antiviral vaccines and their application to most of the human population led to a marked decrease in virus epidemics around the globe. Despite this remarkable achievement, the developing epidemics of HIV-caused AIDS (accompanied by activation of latent herpesviruses in AIDS patients), epidemics of Dengue fever, and infections with respiratory syncytial virus may indicate that conventional approaches to the development of virus vaccines that induce antiviral humoral responses may not suffice. This may indicate that virus vaccines that induce a cellular immune response, leading to the destruction of virus-infected cells by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), may be needed. Antiviral CD8+ CTLs are induced by viral peptides presented within the peptide binding grooves of HLA class I molecules present on the surface of infected cells. Studies in the last decade provided an insight into the presentation of viral peptides by HLA class I molecules to CD8+ T cells. These studies are here reviewed, together with a review of the molecular events of virus replication, to obtain an overview of how viral peptides associate with the HLA class I molecules. A similar review is provided on the molecular pathway by which viral proteins, used as subunit vaccines or inactivated virus particles, are taken up by endosomes in the endosome pathway and are processed by proteolytic enzymes into peptides that interact with HLA class II molecules during their transport to the plasma membrane of antigen-presenting cells. Such peptides are identified by T-cell receptors present on the plasma membrane of CD4+ T helper cells. The need to develop viral synthetic peptides that will have the correct amino acid motifs for binding to HLA class I A, B, and C haplotypes is reviewed. The development of HIV vaccines that will stimulate, in an uninfected individual, the humoral (antibody) and cellular (CTL) immune defenses against HIV and HIV-infected cells, respectively, and may lead to protection from primary HIV infection are discussed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Engagement of the CD4 receptor inhibits the interleukin-2-dependent proliferation of human T cells transformed by Herpesvirus saimiri

Infection with Herpesvirus saimiri, a tumor virus of non-human primates, transformed human CD4+ T cell clones to permanent interleukin (IL)-2-dependent growth without need for restimulation with antigen and accessory cells. The IL-2-dependent proliferation of these cells was dramatically inhibited by soluble anti-CD4 whole antibodies, F(ab')2 and Fab fragments, and also by gp 120 of human immunodeficiency virus. The inhibition was not due to cell death and could be overcome by high concentrations of exogenous IL-2. Cell surface expression of CD4, and to a lesser degree the density of the IL-2 receptor alpha chain, were reduced upon anti-CD4 treatment. After long lasting (> 12 h) incubation with anti-CD4, abundance and activity of CD4-bound p56lck were diminished while the free fraction of p56lck remained unchanged. Since IL-2 binding to its receptor activated only the CD4-bound fraction of p56lck, the IL-2-induced p56lck activity was diminished after long-term CD4 ligation. Taken together, our results suggest a cross talk between CD4- and IL-2 receptor-mediated signaling via p56lck.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and human hematopoietic progenitor cells

Besides a progressive depletion of CD4+ T-lymphocytes, other peripheral blood cytopenias, (granulocytopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia) are frequently observed in HIV-1 seropositive individuals, especially in patients with overt AIDS. Various experimental evidences suggest that HIV-1 could play a direct role in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 related peripheral blood cytopenias, affecting the survival/proliferation capacity of hematopoietic progenitors. CD34+ human hematopoietic progenitors, however, are substantially not susceptible to HIV-1 infection either in vitro and in vivo and their defects seem rather related to an alteration of bone marrow and peripheral blood microenvironments due to the presence of soluble HIV-1 specific products.

HIV-1 gp120-dependent induction of apoptosis in antigen-specific human T cell clones is characterized by 'tissue' transglutaminase expression and prevented by cyclosporin A

We investigated the effect of cyclosporin (CsA) on HIV-gp120-dependent induction of cell death by apoptosis of human T cell clones specific for influenza virus haemagglutinin and restricted by HLA-DR1. Preincubation of the clones with gp120 induced a large inhibition of their proliferation which was paralleled by the induction of apoptosis. Exposure to the specific antigen alone was able to trigger apoptosis in a significant fraction of cells, this effect was potentiated by pretreatment with gp120. Apoptosis was characterized by the typical morphological changes and by the expression of 'tissue' Transglutaminase (tTG), one of the few characterized effector elements of programmed cell death. Interestingly, the tTG protein induction was detectable within the first 24 hours following the gp120 treatment and preceded the appearance of the typical apoptotic phenotype. Noteworthy, CsA treatment prevented the gp120-dependent induction of apoptosis by blocking the activation of the Ca(2+)-dependent effector elements such as tTG.

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase and PI 4-kinase binding to the CD4-p56lck complex: the p56lck SH3 domain binds to PI 3-kinase but not PI 4-kinase

CD4 serves as a receptor for major histocompatibility complex class II antigens and as a receptor for the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral coat protein gp120. It is coupled to the protein-tyrosine kinase p56lck, an interaction necessary for an optimal response of certain T cells to antigen. In addition to the protein-tyrosine kinase domain, p56lck possesses Src homology 2 and 3 (SH2 and SH3) domains as well as a unique N-terminal region. The mechanism by which p56lck generates intracellular signals is unclear, although it has the potential to interact with various downstream molecules. One such downstream target is the lipid kinase phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), which has been found to bind to activated pp60src and receptor-tyrosine kinases. In this study, we verified that PI 3-kinase associates with the CD4:p56lck complex as judged by the presence of PI 3-phosphate generated from anti-CD4 immunoprecipitates and detected by high-pressure liquid chromatographic analysis. However, surprisingly, CD4-p56lck was also found to associate with another lipid kinase, phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI 4-kinase). The level of associated PI 4-kinase was generally higher than PI 3-kinase activity. HIV-1 gp120 and antibody-mediated cross-linking induced a 5- to 10-fold increase in the level of CD4-associated PI 4- and PI 3-kinases. The use of glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins carrying Lck-SH2, Lck-SH3, and Lck-SH2/SH3 domains showed PI 3-kinase binding to the SH3 domain of p56lck, an interaction facilitated by the presence of an adjacent SH2 domain. PI 4-kinase bound to neither the SH2 nor the SH3 domain of p56lck. CD4-p56lck contributes PI 3- and PI 4-kinase to the activation process of T cells and may play a role in HIV-1-induced immune defects.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1-associated CD4 downmodulation

This chapter discusses human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) associated with CD4 downmodulation. It also discusses the structure and function of CD4 and p56^lck and factors involved in hiv-1-associated cd4 downmodulation. There are, at present, at least three HIV-1 gene products known to be involved in cell surface CD4 downmodulation. These are Nef, Vpu, and gp160. Whereas Nef is expressed during the early phase of HIV-1 gene expression, both Vpu and gp160, which appear to act coordinately, are expressed during the late phase. This functional convergence of HIV-1 proteins on cell surface CD4 downmodulation, whether specific or nonspecific in activity, suggests that this event is of critical importance in the life cycle of HIV-1. Further elucidation of the mechanisms that underlie CD4 cell surface downmodulation may lead to the development of novel strategies aimed at preventing such events, and potentially to the development of new therapeutic approaches.

Different proliferative response of human and chimpanzee lymphocytes after contact with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120

T cell functional defects are a common aspect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Moreover, it has been suggested that indirect mechanisms are involved in CD4+ cell depletion. Unresponsiveness to proliferative stimuli of lymphocytes incubated with HIV particles or with viral proteins is well documented. Nevertheless, drawing a clear picture of the anergy phenomenon is difficult because of several unresolved and controversial questions. Here we report that recombinant gp120 induces anergy in T helper lymphocytes cultured with different stimuli. The proliferative responses to interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, anti-CD2, anti-CD3 and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate are inhibited. Moreover, anergic cells show a different distribution in cell cycle phases as compared to control cells, leading us to suggest that the progression in the cell cycle is hampered and that a pre-mitotic block takes place. Furthermore, since chimpanzees are susceptible to HIV-1 infection without showing immunodeficiency signs, we analyzed the proliferation of chimpanzee lymphocytes without observing anergy in cells preincubated with gp120. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that anergy plays an important role in HIV infection in vivo.

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase and PI 4-kinase binding to the CD4-p56lck complex: the p56lck SH3 domain binds to PI 3-kinase but not PI 4-kinase

CD4 serves as a receptor for major histocompatibility complex class II antigens and as a receptor for the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral coat protein gp120. It is coupled to the protein-tyrosine kinase p56lck, an interaction necessary for an optimal response of certain T cells to antigen. In addition to the protein-tyrosine kinase domain, p56lck possesses Src homology 2 and 3 (SH2 and SH3) domains as well as a unique N-terminal region. The mechanism by which p56lck generates intracellular signals is unclear, although it has the potential to interact with various downstream molecules. One such downstream target is the lipid kinase phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), which has been found to bind to activated pp60src and receptor-tyrosine kinases. In this study, we verified that PI 3-kinase associates with the CD4:p56lck complex as judged by the presence of PI 3-phosphate generated from anti-CD4 immunoprecipitates and detected by high-pressure liquid chromatographic analysis. However, surprisingly, CD4-p56lck was also found to associate with another lipid kinase, phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI 4-kinase). The level of associated PI 4-kinase was generally higher than PI 3-kinase activity. HIV-1 gp120 and antibody-mediated cross-linking induced a 5- to 10-fold increase in the level of CD4-associated PI 4- and PI 3-kinases. The use of glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins carrying Lck-SH2, Lck-SH3, and Lck-SH2/SH3 domains showed PI 3-kinase binding to the SH3 domain of p56lck, an interaction facilitated by the presence of an adjacent SH2 domain. PI 4-kinase bound to neither the SH2 nor the SH3 domain of p56lck. CD4-p56lck contributes PI 3- and PI 4-kinase to the activation process of T cells and may play a role in HIV-1-induced immune defects.

Regulation of CD4-p56lck-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) and phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI 4-kinase)

CD4 serves as a receptor for MHC class II antigens and as a receptor for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) viral coat protein gp120. It is coupled to the protein-tyrosine kinase p56lck, an interaction necessary for an optimal response of certain T cells to antigen. Although anti-CD4 crosslinking may increase lck activity, the effects of HIV-1 gp120 have been controversial. Activated protein-tyrosine kinases are known to associate with certain intracellular proteins possessing src-homology regions (SH-2 domains) such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase). In this paper, we demonstrate that the CD4:p56lck complex associates with significant amounts of phosphatidylinositol (PI) kinase activity. High pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of the reaction products demonstrated the presence of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI 3-P) and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI 4-P), thus indicating that PI 3 and PI 4 kinases associate with CD4-p56lck. The p85 subunit of PI 3-kinase was also detected in anti-CD4 immunoprecipitates by immunoblotting with anti-p85 antiserum. Significantly, p56lck binding to CD4 appears to be necessary for the detection of lipid kinase activity associated with p56lck. Also, anti-HIV gp120 and anti-CD4 crosslinking induced a 10-15-fold increase in levels of both PI 3- and PI 4-kinase activity in anti-CD4 precipitates. Stimulation of CD4-p56lck-linked PI kinases by crosslinked HIV-1 gp120 may play a role in HIV-1-induced immune defects.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag protein binds to cyclophilins A and B

Retroviral Gag protein is capable of directing the assembly of virion particles independent of other retroviral elements and plays an important role early in the infection of a cell. Using the GAL4 two hybrid system, we screened a cDNA expression library and identified two host proteins, cyclophillins (CyPs) A and B, which interact specifically with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag polyprotein Pr55gag. Glutathione S-transferase-CyP fusion proteins bind tightly to Pr55gag in vitro, as well as to the HIV-1 capsid protein p24. Cyclosporin A efficiently disrupts the Gag-CyPA interaction and less efficiently disrupts the Gag-CyPB interaction. The Gag-CyP interaction may be important for the HIV-1 life cycle and may be relevant to the pathology caused by this immunosuppressive virus.

Haemin enhancement of glucose transport in human lymphocytes: stimulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase and activation of p56lck tyrosine kinase

Following our previous observation that haemin is mitogenic for human lymphocytes, we investigated the ability of haemin to enhance glucose uptake in these cells. We found that preincubation of human peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with haemin for 60 min increased up to 5-fold the rate of 2-deoxy-D-[1-3H]glucose uptake by the cells. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide did not inhibit the effect, and cytochalasin B completely blocked it. Among the metalloporphyrins tested (Fe-, Ni-, Co-, Zn- and Sn-protoporphyrin), only haemin (Fe-protoporphyrin) induced a marked increase in glucose uptake. Thiourea, a scavenger of oxygen free radicals, and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole inhibited haemin-induced glucose uptake. Oxidants such as H2O2 and phenylarsine oxide were previously reported to stimulate protein tyrosine phosphorylation and to enhance glucose uptake. We found that incubation of PBMC with haemin resulted in an increase in protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) activity, probably that identified as CD45. Similarly to haemin, we found that phytohaemagglutinin also enhanced PTPase activity. Haemin also activated the tyrosine kinase p56lck, which is negatively controlled by phosphorylation of Tyr-505 at the C-terminus, and increased protein tyrosine phosphorylation in these cells. Tyrphostins, specific inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, at low concentrations markedly enhanced glucose uptake and synergized with haemin in enhancing glucose uptake. At high doses, tyrphostins inhibited the effect of haemin. Taken together, we postulate that haemin enhancement of glucose uptake in human lymphocytes results from its stimulation of PTPase, followed by activation of tyrosine kinase p56lck, leading to an increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation.

Pentosan polysulfate, a potent anti HIV and anti tumor agent, inhibits protein serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases

Pentosan polysulfate, a polyanionic mucopolysaccharide, which has been shown to exert inhibitory effects on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-I) replication, inhibited the activities of protein tyrosine kinases from lymphocytes (Jurkat cells) and rat lung in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, the autophosphorylation of p56lck, a lymphocyte associated protein tyrosine kinase from Jurkat cells was also inhibited by pentosan polysulfate (100 micrograms/ml). Furthermore, the activities of protein serine/threonine kinases such as Ca2+, phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) from human platelets and the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase from skeletal muscle were also inhibited by this mucopolysaccharide. However, the activity of phosphorylase kinase was not altered. The inhibition of rat lung protein tyrosine kinase was rapid and competitive with respect to ATP with an apparent Ki value of 5-20 micrograms/ml. These results suggest that the ability of pentosan polysulfate to inhibit various protein serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases may be one of the mechanisms by which this compound exerts its inhibitory effect of HIV-I replication.

Human immunodeficiency virus gp120 and derived peptides activate protein tyrosine kinase p56lck in human CD4 T lymphocytes

Human immunodeficiency virus binds to CD4 T lymphocytes by interaction between its envelope glycoprotein gp120 and the CD4 molecule. The latter is non-covalently associated with a src-related tyrosine kinase, p56lck. CD4 cross-linking increases the activity of p56lck, leading to phosphorylation of several cellular substrates. We report here that gp160/120 increases both the autophosphorylation of p56lck and its enzymatic activity (reflected by phosphorylation of an exogenous substrate) in normal T cells and the HUT78 CD4+ T cell line. This effect was detectable 5 min after activation and persisted for 40 min in normal T cells. It did not require gp120 cross-linking and was associated with phosphorylation of tyrosine residue on several proteins, as shown by phosphotyrosine Western blot analysis. The pattern of proteins phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in response to gp120 activation was distinct from that induced by anti-CD4 antibodies. p56lck activation required its association with CD4, since p56lck activity was not modified in HUT78 T cell lines expressing a truncated or mutated form of CD4 unable to associate with p56lck. Peptides mimicking residues 418 to 434 and 449 to 464 of HIV-1 Bru gp120, regions known to participate in gp120 binding to CD4, also increased p56lck activity and triggered phosphorylation of similar substrates. Taken together, these results show that gp160/120 and derived peptides can transiently increase p56lck activity without the need for CD4 cross-linking. This activation led to a specific pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation on cellular proteins that may be of significance in the biological effects of the gp120/CD4 interaction, e.g. syncytium formation and inhibition of T cell activation.

HIV-1 gp120 receptor on CD4-negative brain cells activates a tyrosine kinase

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection in the human brain leads to characteristic neuropathological changes, which may result indirectly from interactions of the envelope glycoprotein gp120 with neurons and/or glial cells. We therefore investigated the binding of recombinant gp120 (rgp120) to human neural cells and its effect on intracellular signalling. Here we present evidence that rgp120, besides binding to galactocerebroside or galactosyl-sulfatide, specifically binds to a protein receptor of a relative molecular mass of approximately 180,000 Da (180 kDa) present on the CD4-negative glioma cells D-54, but not on Molt4 T lymphocytes. Binding of rgp120 to this receptor rapidly induced a tyrosine-specific protein kinase activity leading to tyrosine phosphorylation of 130- and 115-kDa proteins. The concentration of intracellular calcium was not affected by rgp120 in these cells. Our data suggest a novel signal transducing HIV-1 gp120 receptor on CD4-negative glial cells, which may contribute to the neuropathological changes observed in HIV-1-infected brains.

Stress stimuli-induced lymphocyte activation

Oxidants, heavy metals, and heat shock, collectively known as stress stimuli, induce the synthesis of a variety of proteins, termed stress proteins, and enhance glucose uptake. In this study, we have demonstrated that stress stimuli enhance protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTyr-P), modulate protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) activity, activate the src family protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), p56lck, and enhance glucose uptake in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The heavy metal Hg2+ and heat shock stimulated PTPase activity at an optimal dose, whereas the oxidant phenylarsine oxide (PAO) was only marginally stimulatory. Treatment of lymphocytes with stress stimuli at a dose which activated PTPase did not produce discernable PTyr-P using Western blotting techniques. PTyr-P was only seen at doses of stress stimuli which were associated with an inhibition of PTPase activity. We could demonstrate a correlation between the dose of stress stimuli effective in increasing PTPase activity and p56lck activation using heat shock and Hg2+ as stress stimuli. On the other hand, much lower concentrations of PAO were effective in activating PTPase than those effective in eliciting p56lck activation. We could not demonstrate a correlation between an effective dose inducing PTyr-P and glucose uptake. Our data do not permit us to draw a simple correlation between enhancement of PTPase activity, activation of p56lck, induction of PTyr-P, and induction of the biological response. It is possible that both stimulation and inhibition of PTPase could regulate PTyr-P by either activating the src family PTKs or preventing dephosphorylation of target proteins which are involved in the biological response. Our data may also provide the biochemical basis for the previously reported mitogenic effects of Hg2+ on lymphocytes.

The human fibroblast receptor for gp86 of human cytomegalovirus is a phosphorylated glycoprotein

A human embryonic lung (HEL) cell receptor for gp86 of human cytomegalovirus that functions in virus-cell fusion was further characterized. Anti-idiotype antibodies that mimic gp86 were used to immunoprecipitate the 92.5-kDa fibroblast membrane receptor for gp86, which was preincubated with various endoglycosidases. The receptor, which has a pI ranging from 5.3 to 5.6, appears to be a glycoprotein with primarily N-linked sugar residues, some of which have high concentrations of mannose and some of which are complex oligosaccharides. Western blots (immunoblots) of electrophoretically transferred receptor incubated with various biotinylated lectins confirmed the presence of sugar moieties, including N-acetylglucosamine, glucose or mannose, and galactose, but not fucose or N-acetylgalactosamine. This gp86 receptor from uninfected HEL cells also incorporated radiolabeled phosphate from orthophosphoric acid, indicating that it is a constitutively phosphorylated receptor.

gp120 of HIV-1 induces apoptosis in rat cortical cell cultures: prevention by memantine

After incubation of rat cortical cell cultures with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) coat protein gp120 for 12 h, cells showed fragmentation of DNA at internucleosomal linkers, the characteristic feature of apoptosis. In a quantitative approach, it was determined that the percentage of DNA fragmentation increased from 7%, in the absence of gp120, to 62% following incubation with 24 ng/ml of gp120. Simultaneously, the percentage of viable cells decreased from 94% to 33%. Memantine (1-amino-3,5-dimethyladamantane), a drug currently used in the therapy of spasticity and Parkinson's disease as well as the NMDA antagonist MK-801 both prevented the effects of gp120 at micromolar concentrations. In human cultured astrocytes, gp120 was ineffective with respect to DNA fragmentation and cell toxicity. From these data, we conclude that the gp120-induced apoptosis may contribute to the neurological complications frequently associated with the immunodeficiency syndrome. The cytoprotective effect of memantine in cortical cell cultures may qualify the drug for the treatment of AIDS-related dementia.

Role of CD4 molecule in the induction of interleukin 2 and interleukin 2 receptor in class II major histocompatibility complex-restricted antigen-specific T helper clones. T cell receptor/CD3 complex transmits CD4-dependent and CD4-independent signals

The CD4 molecule plays an essential role in antigen-induced activation of T helper (Th) cells, but its contribution to signal transduction events resulting in physiologic T cell function is ill defined. By utilizing anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that recognize distinct epitopes of CD4, we have investigated the role of CD4 molecule in antigen-induced interleukin 2 (IL-2) and IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) alpha chain expression in class II major histocompatibility complex-restricted antigen-specific human Th clones. Pretreatment of the Th clones with Leu3a resulted in a dose-dependent suppression of antigen-induced proliferative responses, inositol phosphate accumulation, increase in free cytoplasmic calcium ions ([Ca2+]i), IL-2 mRNA accumulation, IL-2 secretion, and membrane IL-2R expression. IL-2R mRNA accumulation, however, was unaffected even at highest Leu3a concentrations. Leu3a treatment did not affect bypass activation of T cells with PMA plus ionomycin or activation via CD2 molecule. The MAb OKT4, which binds another domain of CD4, was not inhibitory. These results suggest that after T cell antigen receptor-CD3 activation, IL-2 gene induction, IL-2 secretion, and membrane IL-2R expression are absolutely dependent upon participation of CD4 molecules, phosphatidylinositol (PI) hydrolysis, and increase in [Ca2+]i. The requirement for IL-2R gene induction, however, occurs independently of CD4 molecule participation and PI hydrolysis.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 glycoprotein precursor retains a CD4-p56lck complex in the endoplasmic reticulum

The cell surface glycoprotein, CD4, is the receptor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in T lymphocytes. Following HIV infection, there is reduced expression of CD4 on the cell surface, and this downregulation probably results, at least in part, from the formation of complexes containing the HIV type 1 (HIV-1) glycoprotein precursor (gp160) and CD4 that are not transported from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). At the plasma membrane of T cells, CD4 is tightly associated with a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase (p56lck) that is involved in T-cell activation. Using a transient expression system with HeLa cells, we show by pulse-labeling and immunoprecipitation that newly synthesized CD4 can associate with p56lck before CD4 is transported from the ER. In the presence of HIV-1 gp160, a ternary complex of gp160-CD4 and p56lck forms in the ER. Using confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, we observed complete retention of p56lck in the ER. Such mislocation of a tyrosine kinase to the cytoplasmic face of the ER could play a role in lymphocyte killing caused by HIV infection or expression of gp160 alone.

HIV-1 replication and potential targets for intervention

Intense research into fundamental processes of human immunodeficiency syndrome type 1 (HIV-1) replication has yielded knowledge that in many aspects equals or exceeds that of the oncogenic retroviruses. The availability of sensitive virus detection methods has allowed a more thorough characterization of the biology of virus persistence and latency in vivo and removed the dependence on in vitro models. As a clearer picture of the pattern of HIV-1 replication in vivo evolves, it becomes apparent that HIV-1 biology is distinct from that of the prototypic oncogenic retroviruses in several key aspects, particularly with regard to host cell range and determinants of viral permissiveness. In this respect it may be appropriate to examine the lentivirus, rather than the oncovirus model system to better understand the biology and pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. This synopsis of recent and ongoing research developments in HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis emphasizes the determinants of host cell permissiveness, early events in virus replication, and underlying features in HIV-1 cytopathogenesis. In addition, basic viral replication processes which can be exploited for therapeutic intervention are discussed.