Brucella abortus conjugated with a gp120 or V3 loop peptide derived from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 induces neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies, and the V3-B. abortus conjugate is effective even after CD4+ T-cell depletion

The Attenuated Brucella abortus Strain 19 Invades, Persists in, and Activates Human Dendritic Cells, and Induces the Secretion of IL-12p70 but Not IL-23

BACKGROUND

Bacterial vectors have been proposed as novel vaccine strategies to induce strong cellular immunity. Attenuated strains of Brucella abortus comprise promising vector candidates since they have the potential to induce strong CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell mediated immune responses in the absence of excessive inflammation as observed with other Gram-negative bacteria. However, some Brucella strains interfere with the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), which is essential for antigen-specific T-cell priming. In the present study, we investigated the interaction of human monocyte-derived DCs with the smooth attenuated B. abortus strain (S) 19, which has previously been employed successfully to vaccinate cattle.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We first looked into the potential of S19 to hamper the cytokine-induced maturation of DCs; however, infected cells expressed CD25, CD40, CD80, and CD86 to a comparable extent as uninfected, cytokine-matured DCs. Furthermore, S19 activated DCs in the absence of exogeneous stimuli, enhanced the expression of HLA-ABC and HLA-DR, and was able to persist intracellularly without causing cytotoxicity. Thus, DCs provide a cellular niche for persisting brucellae in vivo as a permanent source of antigen. S19-infected DCs produced IL-12/23p40, IL-12p70, and IL-10, but not IL-23. While heat-killed bacteria also activated DCs, soluble mediators were not involved in S19-induced activation of human DCs. HEK 293 transfectants revealed cellular activation by S19 primarily through engagement of Toll-like receptor (TLR)2.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Thus, as an immunological prerequisite for vaccine efficacy, B. abortus S19 potently infects and potently activates (most likely via TLR2) human DCs to produce Th1-promoting cytokines.

Heat-killed and γ-irradiated Brucella strain RB51 stimulates enhanced dendritic cell activation, but not function compared with the virulent smooth strain 2308

Brucella spp. are Gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacterial pathogens that cause abortion in livestock and undulant fever in humans worldwide. Brucella abortus strain 2308 is a pathogenic strain that affects cattle and humans. Currently, there are no efficacious human vaccines available. However, B. abortus strain RB51, which is approved by the USDA, is a live-attenuated rough vaccine against bovine brucellosis. Live strain RB51 induces protection via CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell-mediated immunity. To generate an optimal T-cell response, strong innate immune responses by dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial. Because of safety concerns, the use of live vaccine strain RB51 in humans is limited. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the differential ability of the same doses of live, heat-killed (HK) and γ-irradiated (IR) strain RB51 in inducing DC activation and function. Smooth strain 2308, live strain RB51 and lipopolysaccharide were used as controls. Studies using mouse bone marrow-derived DCs revealed that, irrespective of viability, strain RB51 induced greater DC activation than smooth strain 2308. Live strain RB51 induced significantly (P≤0.05) higher DC maturation than HK and IR strains, and only live strain RB51-infected DCs (at multiplicity of infection 1:100) induced significant (P≤0.05) tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-12 secretion.

Regulatory role of natural killer (NK) cells on antibody responses to Brucella abortus

Our previous studies have indicated an important regulatory role for natural killer (NK) cells, a major constituent of the innate immune system in modulating antigen-specific responses. Herein, we have investigated the possible participation of these cells in regulating the polyclonal response as well. For these studies we have utilized heat-killed Brucella abortus (HKBA). Brucella abortus is a facultative intracellular bacterium that is pathogenic for both humans and animals. An outstanding feature of the infectious process is the rapid production of polyclonal antibodies, particularly of the IgG2c subclass, that bypasses the requirement for clonally specific antigen recognition. We report here that NK-cell depletion profoundly reduced the production of these polyclonal antibodies suggesting that activation of B cells by HKBA requires help from NK cells. This help may not be solely derived from NK-cell amplification of the cytokine circuit initiated by HKBA but may involve direct NK-B-cell interactions as suggested by results of in vitro analyses of NK induction of γ2a mRNA by B cells. These findings have therapeutic implications in that the induction of polyclonal Ig production may be more important for altering the chronic phase rather than the acute stage of infection by B. abortus.

Induction of antigen-specific Th1-type immune responses by gamma-irradiated recombinant Brucella abortus RB51

Brucella abortus strain RB51 is an attenuated rough mutant used as the live vaccine against bovine brucellosis in the United States and other countries. We previously reported the development of strain RB51 as a bacterial vaccine vector for inducing Th1-type immune responses against heterologous proteins. Because safety concerns may preclude the use of strain RB51-based recombinant live vaccines, we explored the ability of a gamma-irradiated recombinant RB51 strain to induce heterologous antigen-specific immune responses in BALB/c mice. Exposure of strain RB51G/LacZ expressing Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase to a minimum of 300 kilorads of gamma radiation resulted in complete loss of replicative ability. These bacteria, however, remained metabolically active and continued to synthesize beta-galactosidase. A single intraperitoneal inoculation of mice with 10(9) CFU equivalents of gamma-irradiated, but not heat-killed, RB51G/LacZ induced a beta-galactosidase-specific Th1-type immune response. Though no obvious differences were detected in immune responses to B. abortus-specific antigens, mice vaccinated with gamma-irradiated, but not heat-killed, RB51G/LacZ developed significant protection against challenge with virulent B. abortus. In vitro experiments indicated that gamma-irradiated and heat-killed RB51G/LacZ induced maturation of dendritic cells; however, stimulation with gamma-irradiated bacteria resulted in more interleukin-12 secretion. These results suggest that recombinant RB51 strains exposed to an appropriate minimum dose of gamma radiation are unable to replicate but retain their ability to stimulate Th1 immune responses against the heterologous antigens and confer protection against B. abortus challenge in mice.

Th1-like cytokine induction by heat-killed Brucella abortus is dependent on triggering of TLR9

In this report we provide evidence, for the first time, that bacterial DNA in the context of heat-killed Brucella abortus (HKBA) engages TLR9 in dendritic cells (DC), resulting in a Th1-like cytokine response. This is based on the findings that HKBA induction of IL-12p40 is: 1) abolished in DC from TLR9(-/-) mice; 2) blocked by suppressive oligodeoxynucleotides; 3) simulated by bacterial DNA derived from HKBA; and 4) abrogated by DNase or methylation of the DNA from HKBA. Furthermore, the effect of HKBA can be inhibited by chloroquine, indicating that endosomal acidification is required and supporting the notion that DNA from HKBA is interacting with TLR9 at the level of the endosome, as is the case with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides. In addition to DC, HKBA can elicit IL-12p40 secretion from macrophages, in which case the effect is wholly MyD88 dependent but only partially TLR9 dependent. This probably explains why HKBA effects in vivo are only partially reduced in TLR9(-/-), but absent in MyD88(-/-) mice. Because of their intimate interactions with T cells, the DC response is most likely to be critical for linking innate and adaptive immune responses, whereas the macrophage reaction may play a role in enhancing NK cell and bystander immune responses. In addition to IL-12p40, HKBA induces other Th1-like cytokines, namely, IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma, in a TLR9-dependent manner. These cytokines are important in protection against viruses and bacteria, and their induction enhances HKBA as a potential carrier for vaccines.

A DNA vaccine coding for the Brucella outer membrane protein 31 confers protection against B. melitensis and B. ovis infection by eliciting a specific cytotoxic response

The development of an effective subunit vaccine against brucellosis is a research area of intense interest. The outer membrane proteins (Omps) of Brucella spp. have been extensively characterized as potential immunogenic and protective antigens. This study was conducted to evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the B. melitensis Omp31 gene cloned in the pCI plasmid (pCIOmp31). Immunization of BALB/c mice with pCIOmp31 conferred protection against B. ovis and B. melitensis infection. Mice vaccinated with pCIOmp31 developed a very weak humoral response, and in vitro stimulation of their splenocytes with recombinant Omp31 did not induced the secretion of gamma interferon. Splenocytes from Omp31-vaccinated animals induced a specific cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte activity, which leads to the in vitro lysis of Brucella-infected macrophages. pCIOmp31 immunization elicited mainly CD8(+) T cells, which mediate cytotoxicity via perforins, but also CD4(+) T cells, which mediate lysis via the Fas-FasL pathway. In vivo depletion of T-cell subsets showed that the pCIOmp31-induced protection against Brucella infection is mediated predominantly by CD8(+) T cells, although CD4(+)T cells also contribute. Our results demonstrate that the Omp31 DNA vaccine induces cytotoxic responses that have the potential to contribute to protection against Brucella infection. The protective response could be related to the induction of CD8(+) T cells that eliminate Brucella-infected cells via the perforin pathway.

Programming of CTL with heat-killed Brucella abortus and antigen allows soluble antigen alone to generate effective secondary CTL

Optimal generation of cytotoxic T cell (CTL) responses continues to be a challenge in the production of vaccines against pathogens such as HIV-1, in part because it is difficult to introduce soluble protein antigens (Ag) into the MHC class I pathway. Using heat-killed Brucella abortus (HKBA) as an adjuvant and ovalbumin (ova) protein as an Ag, we demonstrated that a high dose of Ag was required for systemic and effective CTL. In an adoptive transfer model, primary and secondary ova-specific OT-1 CD8 cell expansion by HKBA plus high dose of ova were partially CD4 T cell-dependent. Interestingly, primary stimulation with HKBA plus ova allowed effective secondary stimulation with ova alone that was equivalent to HKBA plus ova in terms of IFN-gamma production from Ag-specific CD8 cells. Thus a combination of adequate Ag dose, and selection of appropriate adjuvants can meet the threshold not only for primary effective CTL responses to soluble protein Ags but for secondary CTL responses following stimulation with protein Ag alone.

Identification of a novel immunodominant cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitope derived from human factor VIII in a murine model of hemophilia A

Gene therapy of hemophilia A could be complicated by the development of immune responses against the vector as well as the Factor VIII (FVIII) transgene. Previous efforts have been focused on identifying FVIII inhibitor antibody epitopes, whereas the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes have not been characterized. CTL would kill cells expressing such epitopes and thus limit the efficacy of gene therapy. To investigate CTL responses against human FVIII in a mouse model of hemophilia A, a computer algorithm program (BIMAS) was employed to predict CTL epitopes of human FVIII. The potential binding of these predicted peptides to MHC class I K(b) was evaluated in a TAP-deficient cell line. When recombinant vaccinia virus expressing B domain-deleted human FVIII (vv-FVIII) was used to immunize E16 hemophilia A mice, a specific CTL response against FVIII152-159 was generated. In contrast, a CTL response to four other FVIII peptides was not detected. Therefore, FVIII152-159 represents a dominant CTL epitope. Identification of this epitope raises the possibility that CTL response to FVIII gene-transduced cells can be diminished by deliberatively mutating the dominant CTL epitope while retaining the biologic function of FVIII for hemophilia A gene therapy.

Brucella abortus RB51: enhancing vaccine efficacy and developing multivalent vaccines

Brucella abortus vaccine strain RB51 is an attenuated, stable rough mutant that is being used in many countries to control bovine brucellosis. Our earlier study demonstrated that the protective efficacy of strain RB51 can be significantly enhanced by overexpressing Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), a homologous protective antigen. We have also previously demonstrated that strain RB51 can be engineered to express heterologous proteins and mice vaccinated with such recombinant RB51 strains develop a strong Th1 type of immune response to the foreign proteins. The present study is aimed at combining these two characteristics to generate new recombinant RB51 vaccines with enhanced abilities to protect against brucellosis and simultaneously able to protect against infections by Mycobacterium spp. We constructed two recombinant RB51 strains, RB51SOD/85A which overexpresses SOD with simultaneous expression of the 85A, a protective protein of Mycobacterium spp., and RB51ESAT which expresses ESAT-6, another protective protein of M. bovis, as a fusion protein with the signal sequence and few additional amino terminal amino acids of SOD. Mice vaccinated with these recombinant strains developed specific immune responses to the mycobacterial proteins and significantly enhanced protection against Brucella challenge compared to the mice vaccinated with strain RB51 alone.

Mucosal immunity in mice immunized with HIV-1 peptide conjugated to Brucella abortus

We have previously shown that a V3-loop peptide from HIV-1 envelope conjugated to heat-inactivated Brucella abortus (Ba) (V3-Ba) is capable of inducing antibodies that neutralize HIV-1 and cytotoxic T cells (CTL) that kill HIV-1-infected targets, even in mice that lack CD4(+) T cells. In this paper we show that intranasal (i.n.) immunization elicits neutralizing antibodies and IFNgamma-secreting T cells at mucosal surfaces. This approach may protect individuals from HIV-1 infection and reduce transmission from infected individuals to their sexual partners and offspring.

Ontogeny of Th1 memory responses against a Brucella abortus conjugate

Protective immune responses to intracellular pathogens such as Brucella abortus are characteristically Th1-like. Recently we demonstrated that heat-killed B. abortus (HKBa), a strong Th1 stimulus, conjugated to ovalbumin (HKBA-OVA), but not B. abortus alone, can alter the antigen-specific cytokine profile from Th2- to Th1-like. In this report we study the ability of a single injection of B. abortus to switch a Th2 to a Th1 response in immature mice. One-day- and 1-week-old mice were given a single injection of B. abortus in the absence or presence of OVA, and at maturity mice were challenged with an allergenic preparation, OVA with alum (OVA-A). B. abortus given without OVA did not diminish the subsequent Th2 response in either age group. In contrast, mice receiving a single injection of B. abortus-OVA at the age of 1 week, but not those injected at the age of 1 day, had reversal of the ratio of OVA-specific Th1 to Th2 cells and decreased immunoglobulin E levels after allergen challenge as adults. Within 6 h both 1-day- and 1-week-old mice expressed interleukin-12 p40 mRNA following either B. abortus or B. abortus-OVA administration. However, only the 1-week-old mice exhibited increased expression of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) mRNA. The absence of the early IFN-gamma response in 1-day-old mice may explain their inability to generate a Th1 memory response. These results suggest that at early stages of immune development, responses to intracellular bacteria may be Th2- rather than Th1-like. Furthermore, they suggest that the first encounter with antigen evokes either a Th1- or a Th2-like response which becomes imprinted, so that subsequent memory responses conform to the original Th bias. This has implications for protection against infectious agents and development of allergic responses.

Human peripheral blood T cells, monocytes, and macrophages secrete macrophage inflammatory proteins 1alpha and 1beta following stimulation with heat-inactivated Brucella abortus

Heat-killed Brucella abortus (HBa) has been proposed as a carrier for therapeutic vaccines for individuals with immunodeficiency, due to its abilities to induce interleukin-2 (IL-2) and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) in both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and to upregulate antigen-presenting cell functions (including IL-12 production). In the current study, we investigated the ability of HBa or lipopolysaccharide isolated from HBa (LPS-Ba) to elicit beta-chemokines, known to bind to the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) coreceptor CCR5 and to block viral cell entry. It was found that human peripheral blood mononuclear cells secreted beta-chemokines following stimulation with HBa, and this effect could not be blocked by anti-IFN-gamma neutralizing antibodies. Among purified T cells, macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha and 1beta (MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta, respectively) secretion was observed primarily in human CD8(+) T cells. The kinetics of beta-chemokine induction in T cells were slow (3 to 4 days). The majority of beta-chemokine-producing CD8(+) T cells also produced IFN-gamma following HBa stimulation, as determined by triple-color intracellular staining. A significant number of CD8(+) T cells contained stored MIP-1beta that was released after HBa stimulation. Both HBa and LPS-Ba stimulated high levels of MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta production in elutriated monocytes and even higher levels in macrophages. In these cells, beta-chemokine mRNA was upregulated within 30 min and proteins were secreted within 4 h of stimulation. The monocyte- and macrophage-derived beta-chemokines were sufficient to block CCR5-dependent HIV-1 envelope-mediated cell fusion. These data suggest that, in addition to the ability of HBa to elicit antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses, HBa-conjugated HIV-1 proteins or peptides would also generate innate chemokines with antiviral activity that could limit local viral spread during vaccination in vivo.

Immunity and protection against Brucella abortus

Brucella abortus is an intracellular pathogen that causes disease in cattle and in humans. The response against B. abortus involves the whole gamut of the immune system, from innate to adaptive immunity resulting from stimulation of antigen-presenting cells, NK cells, CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, and B cells.

Down-regulation of Th2 responses by Brucella abortus, a strong Th1 stimulus, correlates with alterations in the B7.2-CD28 pathway

Down-regulation of the Th2-like response induced by ovalbumin-alum (OVA/alum) immunization by heat-killed Brucella abortus was not reversed by anti-IL-12 antibody treatment or in gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) knockout mice, suggesting that induction of Th1 cytokines was not the only mechanism involved in the B. abortus-mediated inhibition of the Th2 response to OVA/alum. The focus of this study was to determine whether an alternative pathway involves alteration in expression of costimulatory molecules. First we show that the Th2-like response to OVA/alum is dependent on B7.2 interaction with ligand since it can be abrogated by anti-B7.2 treatment. Expression of costimulatory molecules was then studied in mice immunized with OVA/alum in the absence or presence of B. abortus. B7.2, but not B7.1, was up-regulated on mouse non-T and T cells following immunization with B. abortus. Surprisingly, B. abortus induced down-regulation of CD28 and up-regulation of B7.2 on murine CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. These effects on T cells were maximal for CD28 and B7.2 at 40 to 48 h and were not dependent on interleukin-12 (IL-12) or IFN-gamma. On the basis of these results, we propose that the IL-12/IFN-gamma-independent inhibition of Th2 responses to OVA/alum is secondary to the effects of B. abortus on expression of costimulatory molecules on T cells. We suggest that down-regulation of CD28 following activation inhibits subsequent differentiation of Th0 into Th2 cells. In addition, decreased expression of CD28 and increased expression of B7.2 on T cells would favor B7.2 interaction with CTLA-4 on T cells, and this could provide a negative signal to developing Th2 cells.

Induction of HIV-1 IIIb neutralizing antibodies in BALB/c mice by a chimaeric peptide consisting of a T-helper cell epitope of Semliki Forest virus and a B-cell epitope of HIV

A colinearly synthesized peptide consisting of a H-2d restricted T-helper cell epitope of Semliki Forest virus (SFV) and triple repeats of sequence GPGRAF, derived from the V3 domain of HIV-1 strains, was used to immunize BALB/c (H-2d) mice. Pepscan analysis of sera from peptide-immunized mice revealed that the chimaeric peptide GREKFTIRPHYGKEIGPGRAFGPGRAFGPGRAF contains three distinct antibody-reactive sequences GREKFTIR, PHYGKEI and GPGRAF. The chimaeric peptide evoked HIV-1 IIIb neutralizing antibodies in serum as measured in vitro by reduction of syncytia formation and reduction of p24 production as well. So, the T-helper cell epitope of SFV provided help to a small linear neutralization epitope of HIV-1 strains. Interestingly, the T-helper cell epitope alone might induce antibodies cross-reactive with HIV-1 IIIb specific peptide GPGRAFVTIGK which shows some homology (residues underlined) with the antibody-reactive sequence GREKTIR of SFV.

HIV peptide conjugated to heat-killed bacteria promotes antiviral responses in immunodeficient mice

Enhancement of immunity in the setting of HIV infection is difficult owing to loss of functional CD4+ T cells. The MHC class II-deficient mouse (II-/-) environment simulates that of the immunocompromised HIV-infected individual, since these mice have low CD4+ T cell numbers, defective CD4-dependent responses, and are susceptible to opportunistic infection. This strain was used to test whether heat-killed Brucella abortus (BA), covalently conjugated to the V3 peptide of HIV-1 (MN), could elicit anti-HIV responses. V3-BA, but not the T-dependent antigen V3-KLH, induced high levels of IL-12, IFN-gamma, and IL-10 mRNA in both wild-type (WT) and II-/- mice within 24 hr of injection. V3-BA-treated, but not V3-KLH-treated, II-/- mice developed serum IgG and IgA anti-V3 antibodies, with IgG2b and IgG3 as the predominant isotype. Viral neutralization studies, using a syncytium inhibition assay, demonstrated that the antibodies generated by V3-BA in II-/- mice were capable of neutralizing HIV. These experiments demonstrate that a heat-inactivated bacterium such as BA, when used as a carrier, can generate a cytokine environment that results in the production of neutralizing antiviral antibodies in an immunodeficient host. Such strategies could be important in the development of immunotherapies and vaccines for HIV-1 patients.

Vector development for the expression of foreign proteins in the vaccine strain Brucella abortus S19

A vector for the expression of foreign antigens in the vaccine strain Brucella abortus S19 was developed by using a DNA fragment containing the regulatory sequences and the signal peptide of the Brucella bcsp31 gene. This fragment was cloned in broad-host-range plasmid pBBR4MCS, resulting in plasmid pBEV. As a reporter protein, a repetitive antigen of Trypanosoma cruzi was used. The recombinant fusion protein is stably expressed and secreted into the Brucella periplasmic space, inducing a good antibody response against the T. cruzi antigen. The expression of the repetitive antigen in Brucella neither altered its growth pattern nor generated a toxic or lethal effect during experimental infection. The application of this strategy for the generation of live recombinant vaccines and the tagging of B. abortus S19 vaccine is discussed. This is the first time that a recombinant protein has been expressed in the periplasm of brucellae.

Induction of feline immunodeficiency virus specific antibodies in cats with an attenuated Salmonella strain expressing the Gag protein

Salmonella typhimurium aroA strains (SL3261), expressing high levels of the Gag protein of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) fused with maltose binding protein (SL3261-MFG), were constructed using an invertible promoter system that allows the stable expression of heterologous antigens at levels toxic for bacteria. A SL3261 strain expressing the B subunit of cholera toxin by a similar system (SL3261-CtxB) served as a control in FIV-immunization experiments. Cats immunized once orally or intraperitoneally with SL3261-MFG or SL3261-CtxB all developed serum antibodies to SL3261 lipopolysaccharide and against maltose binding protein or the B subunit of cholera toxin, respectively. Two intraperitoneal immunizations with SL3261-MFG also resulted in the development of Gag specific serum antibodies. Two oral immunizations with SL3261-MFG primed for a Gag specific response, which was demonstrated upon FIV challenge. All challenged cats became infected and no significant differences in viral loads were found between SL3261-MFG and SL3261-CtxB immunized cats.

Brucella abortus as a potential vaccine candidate: induction of interleukin-12 secretion and enhanced B7.1 and B7.2 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 surface expression in elutriated human monocytes stimulated by heat-inactivated B. abortus

Development of a vaccine which is capable of generating a strong cellular immune response associated with gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) production and cytotoxic T-cell development requires that the immunogen be capable of inducing the secretion of interleukin-12 (IL-12), which is a pivotal factor for the differentiation of Th1 or Tc1 cells. We have previously shown that the heat-inactivated gram-negative bacterium Brucella abortus can induce IFN-gamma secretion by T cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that B. abortus and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from B. abortus can induce IL-12 p40 mRNA expression and protein secretion by human elutriated monocytes (99% pure). p40 mRNA was detected within 4 h, and p40 protein could be measured at 24 h. This induction was abrogated by anti-CD14 monoclonal antibody, suggesting that monocytes recognize B. abortus via their receptor for LPS. The biological activity of IL-12 secreted by B. abortus-stimulated monocytes was demonstrated by its ability to upregulate IFN-gamma mRNA expression in T cells separated from monocytes and B. abortus by a transwell membrane. The B. abortus-induced IL-12 also enhanced NK cytolytic activity against K562 target cells. B. abortus was shown to rapidly increase the expression of the costimulatory molecules B7.1 and B7.2 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 on human monocytes. Together, these data indicate that B. abortus can directly activate human monocytes and provide the cytokine milieu which would direct the immune response towards Th1-Tc1 differentiation.

Brucella abortus conjugated with a peptide derived from the V3 loop of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 induces HIV-specific cytotoxic T-cell responses in normal and in CD4+ cell-depleted BALB/c mice

We have previously shown that immunization of mice with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-derived proteins or peptides conjugated to inactivated Brucella abortus induces the secretion of virus-neutralizing antibodies, predominantly of the immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) isotype. In addition, B. abortus activates human CD4+ and CD8+ cells to secrete gamma interferon. Since these are both characteristics of a Th1-type immune response, which is associated with the development of cell-mediated immunity, it was important to determine if B. abortus conjugates would also act as a carrier to induce a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response. To test this hypothesis, we conjugated an 18-amino-acid peptide from the V3 loop of the MN strain of HIV-1 gp120 that contains both B- and cytotoxic T-cell epitopes to B. abortus (B. abortus-MN 18-mer). A 10-amino-acid fragment of this peptide has been shown to be the minimal CTL determinant presented by murine H-2Dd. It was found that two in vivo immunizations with 10(8) organisms of B. abortus-MN 18-mer followed by in vitro stimulation with peptide induced a virus-specific CTL response. Conjugation to B. abortus was required for in vivo priming, since there was no induction of memory CTLs when B. abortus was only mixed with peptide. Targets pulsed with peptide as well as those infected with a vaccinia virus encoding HIV gp160 were killed, demonstrating recognition of naturally processed envelope. Also, major histocompatibility complex-incompatible L cells which were infected with vaccinia viruses that encoded H-2Dd, but not H-2Kd, and pulsed with peptide were lysed. This demonstrated the appropriate major histocompatibility complex class I restriction. Treatment of the mice with anti-L3T4 prior to immunization caused a severe depletion of CD4+ lymphocytes, yet it did not decrease the CTL priming. Thus, inactivated B. abortus can induce non-CD4+ cells to produce the cytokines required for CTL induction. We conclude that B. abortus stimulates a cellular as well as a humoral immune response, even in the relative absence of CD4+ helper cells. It may be a particularly useful vaccine carrier in HIV-1-infected individuals or others with impaired CD4+ T-cell function.

Human peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells express Th1-like cytokine mRNA and proteins following in vitro stimulation with heat-inactivated Brucella abortus

Defining the pattern of lymphokine production associated with Brucella abortus is critical for advancing the development of B. abortus as a vaccine carrier. In the present study we investigated the ability of heat-inactivated B. abortus or lipopolysaccharide from B. abortus to induce lymphokine production from purified human T cells in vitro. Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, and IL-5 induction was assayed by mRNA-specific PCR and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and bioassay for protein production. Following depletion of monocytes and B cells, B. abortus increased IFN-gamma and IL-2 mRNA expression in purified T cells compared with expression in unstimulated cells. In contrast, no IL-5 mRNA expression and only transient low-level IL-4 mRNA expression and no IL-4 protein secretion were detected. Phytohemagglutinin or phorbol myristate acetate plus ionomycin induced mRNA and protein for all these cytokines. Similar results were obtained with LPS purified from B. abortus. Removal of NK cells did not reduce lymphokine production, and enriched NK cells did not express IFN-gamma mRNA or secrete IFN-gamma protein in response to B. abortus, indicating that NK cells were not the responding population. Both CD4+ and CD8+ populations produced IFN-gamma and IL-2 in response to B. abortus. Preincubation of resting T cells with B. abortus or LPS from B. abortus for 7 days induced their differentiation into Th1-like cells as judged by their subsequent lymphokine response to phorbol myristate acetate plus ionomycin. These results suggest that B. abortus can induce differentiation of Th0 into Th1-type cells.