Animal models for retrovirus-induced immunodeficiency disease

I-152, a supplier of N-acetyl-cysteine and cysteamine, inhibits immunoglobulin secretion and plasma cell maturation in LP-BM5 murine leukemia retrovirus-infected mice by affecting the unfolded protein response

Excessive production of immunoglobulins (Ig) causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR). Hypergammaglobulinemia and lymphadenopathy are hallmarks of murine AIDS that develops in mice infected with the LP-BM5 murine leukemia retrovirus complex. In these mice, Th2 polarization and aberrant humoral response have been previously correlated to altered intracellular redox homeostasis. Our goal was to understand the role of the cell's redox state in Ig secretion and plasma cell (PC) maturation. To this aim, LP-BM5-infected mice were treated with I-152, an N-acetyl-cysteine and cysteamine supplier. Intraperitoneal I-152 administration (30 μmol/mouse three times a week for 9 weeks) decreased plasma IgG and increased IgG/Syndecan 1 ratio in the lymph nodes where IgG were in part accumulated within the ER. PC containing cytoplasmic inclusions filled with IgG were present in all animals, with fewer mature PC in those treated with I-152. Infection induced up-regulation of signaling molecules involved in the UPR, i.e. CHAC1, BiP, sXBP-1 and PDI, that were generally unaffected by I-152 treatment except for PDI and sXBP-1, which have a key role in protein folding and PC maturation, respectively. Our data suggest that one of the mechanisms through which I-152 can limit hypergammaglobulinemia in LP-BM5-infected mice is by influencing IgG folding/assembly as well as secretion and affecting PC maturation.

Glutathione Depletion Is Linked with Th2 Polarization in Mice with a Retrovirus-Induced Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Murine AIDS: Role of Proglutathione Molecules as Immunotherapeutics

Injection of the LP-BM5 murine leukemia virus into mice causes murine AIDS, a disease characterized by many dysfunctions of immunocompetent cells. To establish whether the disease is characterized by glutathione imbalance, reduced glutathione (GSH) and cysteine were quantified in different organs. A marked redox imbalance, consisting of GSH and/or cysteine depletion, was found in the lymphoid organs, such as the spleen and lymph nodes. Moreover, a significant decrease in cysteine and GSH levels in the pancreas and brain, respectively, was measured at 5 weeks postinfection. The Th2 immune response was predominant at all times investigated, as revealed by the expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines. Furthermore, investigation of the activation status of peritoneal macrophages showed that the expression of genetic markers of alternative activation, namely, Fizz1, Ym1, and Arginase1, was induced. Conversely, expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, a marker of classical activation of macrophages, was detected only when Th1 cytokines were expressed at high levels. In vitro studies revealed that during the very early phases of infection, GSH depletion and the downregulation of interleukin-12 (IL-12) p40 mRNA were correlated with the dose of LP-BM5 used to infect the macrophages. Treatment of LP-BM5-infected mice with N-(N-acetyl-l-cysteinyl)-S-acetylcysteamine (I-152), an N-acetyl-cysteine supplier, restored GSH/cysteine levels in the organs, reduced the expression of alternatively activated macrophage markers, and increased the level of gamma interferon production, while it decreased the levels of Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-5. Our findings thus establish a link between GSH deficiency and Th1/Th2 disequilibrium in LP-BM5 infection and indicate that I-152 can be used to restore the GSH level and a balanced Th1/Th2 response in infected mice.

IMPORTANCE

The first report of an association between Th2 polarization and alteration of the redox state in LP-BM5 infection is presented. Moreover, it provides evidence that LP-BM5 infection causes a decrease in the thiol content of peritoneal macrophages, which can influence IL-12 production. The restoration of GSH levels by GSH-replenishing molecules can represent a new therapeutic avenue to fight this retroviral infection, as it reestablishes the Th1/Th2 balance. Immunotherapy based on the use of pro-GSH molecules would permit LP-BM5 infection and probably all those viral infections characterized by GSH deficiency and a Th1/Th2 imbalance to be more effectively combated.

Acute Infection of Cynomolgus Monkeys with Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIVSM) as a Model to Evaluate Antiviral Compounds. Effects of 3′-Azido, 3′-Deoxythymidine, Foscarnet and 2′,3′-Dideoxycytidine

Screening of compounds with potential use in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can currently be made in cell culture systems, but there is a need for relevant animal models. We have infected cynomolgus monkeys with simian immunodeficiency virus of sooty mangabey origin (SIVSM) and investigated the influence of multiplicity of infection (MOI) and the effects of three different anti-HIV compounds, 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT), foscarnet (PFA) and 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine (ddC) on the acute infection. To secure a maximal effect of treatment this was started 8h before challenge with SIVSM and the drugs were given subsequently every 8h for 7–9 days. The appearance of viral antigen and antibodies in serum was determined. In control animals the mean day for SIV antigen appearance was Day 5.9 post-infection, whereas in animals treated with 3 × 25 mg kg−1 day−1 of AZT and 3 × 65 mg kg−1 day−1 of PFA there were significant delays in SIV antigen appearance of 1.0 and 3.6 days, respectively. Some delay in antigen appearance was indicated in animals treated with 3 × 0.2 mg kg−1 day−1 of ddC. A delayed antibody response was only seen in animals treated with PFA. Viral infection was not prevented at the multiplicity used with any of the drugs, despite treatment prior to virus inoculation. The animal model described offers attractive features for in vivo evaluation of potential anti-HIV compounds.

A novel role for APOBEC3: susceptibility to sexual transmission of murine acquired immunodeficiency virus (mAIDS) is aggravated in APOBEC3 deficient mice

Background

APOBEC3 proteins are host factors that restrict infection by retroviruses like HIV, MMTV, and MLV and are variably expressed in hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells, such as macrophages, lymphocytes, dendritic, and epithelia cells. Previously, we showed that APOBEC3 expressed in mammary epithelia cells function to limit milk-borne transmission of the beta-retrovirus, mouse mammary tumor virus. In this present study, we used APOBEC3 knockout mice and their wild type counterpart to query the role of APOBEC3 in sexual transmission of LP-BM5 MLV – the etiological agent of murine AIDs (mAIDs).

Results

We show that mouse APOBEC3 is expressed in murine genital tract tissues and gametes and that genital tract tissue of APOBEC3-deficient mice are more susceptible to infection by LP-BM5 virus. APOBEC3 expressed in genital tract tissues most likely plays a role in decreasing virus transmission via the sexual route, since mice deficient in APOBEC3 gene have higher genitalia and seminal plasma virus load and sexually transmit the virus more efficiently to their partners compared to APOBEC3+ mice. Moreover, we show that female mice sexually infected with LP-BM5 virus transmit the virus to their off-spring in APOBEC3-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that genital tissue intrinsic APOBEC3 restricts genital tract infection and limits sexual transmission of LP-BM5 virus.

Gene expression analysis of mouse chromosome substitution strains

An analysis of transcriptional variation in the liver using a panel of B.A chromosome substitution strains identified 4209 transcripts that are differentially expressed relative to the C57BL/6J background and 1010 transcripts that are differentially expressed between C57BL/6J and A/J strains. A subset of these strains (substituting Chromosomes 1, 6, and 15) was used to identify 386 additional differentially expressed transcripts in the kidney. Approximately 15% of differentially expressed transcripts are located on the substituted chromosome. These cis-QTL are codirectionally expressed with the donor strain A/J. By comparison, trans-regulated loci comprise 85% of differentially expressed transcripts, often show opposite direction of change compared with A/J, and can be regulated by multiple chromosome substitutions. Gene expression differences in this study provide evidence for transgressive segregation: Only 438 of 4209 QTL in liver were inside the parental range. By combining QTL data with known biological functions, we were able to identify physiologic pathways altered in multiple strains. In many cases the same pathways were altered by multiple distinct chromosome substitutions. Taken together, these results suggest that widespread epistatic background effects may result in complex and overlapping transcriptional relationships among different chromosome substitution strains. Transcriptional profiling of chromosome substitution strains reveals a complex genetic architecture of transcriptional regulation.

Reconstitution of erythroid, megakaryocyte and myeloid hematopoietic support function with neutralizing antibodies against IL-4 and TGFbeta1 in long-term bone marrow cultures infected with LP-BM5 murine leukemia virus

Murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) induced by a defective LP-BM5 murine leukemia virus (MuLV) produces hematopoietic cytopenias similar to HIV in patients with AIDS. The pathogenesis of MAIDS induced cytopenias remains obscure; however, direct retroviral infection of bone marrow stroma has been implicated to play a role. To evaluate the consequential effect of viral infection, primary stromal cell cultures were transiently incubated in vitro with LP-BM5 MuLV viral supernatant. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blot hybridization revealed that defective LP-BM5 MuLV infection resulted in elevated levels of IL-4 and TGFbeta1 transcript expression in infected stromal cells. The increased expression of both IL-4 and TGFbeta1 transcripts was associated with enhanced production of corresponding proteins as determined by quantitative western blot analyses. Hematopoietic reconstitution assays revealed that the hematopoietic support function of stromal cells was significantly reduced following transient exposure to LP-BM5 MuLV. The production of nonadherent mononuclear cells and the growth of myeloid, megakaryocyte and erythroid lineages were all suppressed in infected cultures. Culture supernatant conditioned by infected stromal cells demonstrated growth-inhibitory activity for hematopoietic progenitor colony formation. This growth-inhibitory activity could be significantly abolished by addition of anti-IL-4 and/or anti-TGFbeta1 neutralizing antibodies to the culture supernatant or directly to the stromal cell cultures. This study demonstrates LP-BM5 MuLV increases two known cytokines to suppress hematopoiesis implicating viral infection can directly suppress hematopoiesis mediated by inhibitors released from marrow stroma.

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and its receptor expression (bek and flg) In bone marrow stroma of murine AIDS

Murine acquired immunodeficiency disease (MAIDS) induced by LPBM5 MuLV is characterized by a late-stage lymphoma and hematopoietic cytopenias similar to those observed in human AIDS. The pathogenesis of MAIDS-related lymphoma/cytopenia is unknown but it has been postulated to involve a defective marrow microenvironment or stroma. The basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) of stromal origin is an important stimulator for hematopoietic progenitors of several lineages. Long-term bone marrow cultures (LTBMCs) were established and pure stromal cell cultures were used for in vitro infection hematopoietic reconstitution studies. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze bFGF gene expression in stromal cells derived from either viral-infected marrow or uninfected marrow. RT-PCR analysis showed a 40% reduction in the expression of bFGF transcript expression from viral-infected stromal cells, however, the levels of bek and flg bFGF receptors remained unchanged indicating virus-infection only inhibited bFGF gene expression in stromal cells. Viral infection was associated with a progressive decrease in bFGF transcript expression 35% of control at day 7, 50% of control at day 14 and 60% of control at day 21 compared to the mock-infected cultures. In addition, for bek and flg the transcript expression in, in vitro-infected primary cultures were comparable to the mock-infected cultures and remained essentially unchanged throughout culture period. Western blot analysis revealed viral-infected stromal cells produced a 45% decrease in bFGF protein production. Reduction of bFGF protein was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescent staining. We report MuLV infection reduces bFGF transcript expression but not its surface-receptors (bek and flg) in infected stromal cells. Impaired hematopoiesis consistently exhibited from MuLV-infected stromal cultures was restored by exogenous bFGF; therefore, bFGF was responsible in restoration of normal marrow stromal support function. These results suggest a role for bFGF deficiency in the pathogenesis of MAIDS-related marrow failure.

Recombinant Congenic Strains Derived from A/J and C57BL/6J: A Tool for Genetic Dissection of Complex Traits

Complex genetic traits can be dissected in mice, using well-defined sets of recombinant inbred strains, congenic strains, and recombinant congenic strains (RCS). We report the creation of a series of 37 independent RCS derived from the commonly used inbred strains of laboratory mouse A/J (A) and C57BL/6J (B6). These RCS were derived by systematic inbreeding of independent pairs of animals from a (F1 x A) x A and a (F1 x B) x B double backcross (N3), to create AcB and BcA strains, respectively. Fifteen AcB strains and 22 BcA strains at between 18 and 30 generations of inbreeding have been generated, are healthy, and show stable breeding performance. These strains have been genotyped for a total of 625 informative microsatellite DNA markers covering the entire genome, with an average spacing of 2.6 cM. Haplotype analyses indicate that on average, AcB and BcA strains contain 13.25% of the donor genome, a value close to the 12.5% expected from the breeding scheme used in their creation. In the AcB set, approximately 79% of the B6 genome has been transferred in independent strains, while in the BcA set approximately 84% of the A genome is represented on the B6 background. This represents an excellent coverage of congenic segments from both parental genomes in the two sets of strains, which can now be used to map simple and complex traits in a genome-wide fashion. As an example of the power of AcB/BcA strains as a mapping tool, the 37 strains were typed for susceptibility to infection with Legionella pneumophila, a monogenic trait controlled by the Lgn1 locus on Chromosome 13. Analysis of the strain distribution pattern of L. pneumophila susceptibility allowed direct mapping of Lgn1 to a 3-cM interval. The AcB/BcA set should prove a useful tool with which to investigate the complex genetic basis of known interstrain differences between A and B6 for many important diseases.

Establishment of MAIDS-defective virus-infected B cell lines and their characterization

Mice inoculated with the murine AIDS (MAIDS)-defective virus develop severe B and T cell dysfunctions. The primary event in the development of this disease is the infection and polyclonal expansion of the target cells of this defective virus, which have been reported to belong to the B cell lineage. To further study the central role that these cells play in the development of MAIDS, we attempted to establish MAIDS-defective virus-infected B cell lines in vitro. We succeeded in establishing two cell lines, SD1 and CSTB5, from the enlarged organs of C57BL/6 mice inoculated with helper-free stocks of the MAIDS-defective virus. Both cell lines are not transplantable in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice or in nude or CD8-/- mice and are apparently not malignant. They both belong to the B lineage, as their immunoglobulin (Ig) genes, but not the T cell receptor (TcR) beta locus, are rearranged, suggesting that they are relatively mature B cells. However, analysis of cell surface marker expression by FACS revealed a surface phenotype similar to that of pre-B cells (MHC I+, MHC II+, B7.2+, sIgM-, sIgG-, kappa-, B220-, CD5-, Thy1.2-, TcR-, CD3-, CD4-, CD8-, Mac-1-, 33D1-). Additionally, the CSTB5 cells express CD40 and the SD1 cells express CD43. Both cell lines contain the MAIDS-defective provirus and express the expected 4.2-kb viral RNA and the corresponding Pr60gag protein. The CSTB5 cells are nonproducer, while the SD1 cell line produces what appears to be an endogenous MuLV. The phenotype of these cell lines is very similar to what is known about the target B cells of this virus in vivo. These new established cell lines are likely to be useful in elucidating the mechanism(s) by which the MAIDS-defective virus causes its target B cells to proliferate and induce T cell anergy in infected animals.

Heterosexual transmission of a murine AIDS virus

Heterosexual transmission of a murine leukemia virus mixture named LP-BM5 MuLV, which is known as the murine AIDS virus, was investigated. Our results indicated that the heterosexual transmission of LP-BM5 MuLV occurs in both directions with high frequency and that the frequencies of virus transmission in the cervix and penis are higher than those in other genital organs. The results suggested that infection by LP-BM5 MuLV via heterosexual transmission may initially take place at particular retrovirus-sensitive sites (cells) in the genital organs.

Studies of the susceptibility of nude, CD4 knockout, and SCID mutant mice to the disease induced by the murine AIDS defective virus

Murine AIDS (MAIDS) is induced by a defective retrovirus that infects lymphocyte cells of the B lineage. To determine whether functional T cells are required for the infection of B cells, T-cell-deficient mice (nude, CD4 knockout, and SCII)) were infected with helper-free stocks of the MAIDS defective virus. Infection of B cells was monitored by Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization. The C57BL/6 nude mice contained clusters of infected B cells, but less so than did the euthymic mice. In contrast, the (C57BL/6 x BALB/c)F1 nude mice harbored more infected B cells than did their euthymic littermates when maintained in a pathogen-free environment. Clusters of infected B cells were also detected in the MAIDS virus-infected CD4-/- knockout mice despite the total absence of CD4+ T cells in these mice. However, infected cells were not detected in SCID mice (deficient in mature T and B cells) inoculated with the same virus, indicating that precursor B cells are not a target of the virus in the absence of mature CD4+ T cells. These data confirm that the primary event in the development of MAIDS is the infection of relatively mature peripheral B cells and that CD4+ T cells are required to promote the expansion of these infected B cells.

Modulation of immune dysfunction during murine leukaemia retrovirus infection of old mice by dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS)

Ageing, leukaemia and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are conditions with dysregulated cytokine production. As dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) restored normal cytokine production in old mice its effects on retrovirally infected old mice were investigated. Retrovirus infection and ageing-induced immune dysfunction. Murine retrovirus-infected old C57BL/6 female mice consumed 0.22 or 0.44 microgram of DHEAS/mouse/day beginning 2 weeks postinfection for 10 weeks. DHEAS largely prevented the retrovirus-induced reduction in T-cell and B-cell mitogenesis. DHEAS supplement prevented loss of cytokines [interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma] secretion by mitogen-stimulated splenocytes representing T helper 1 (Th1) cell phenotypes. It also suppressed the retrovirus-induced, excessive production of cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10) by Th2 cells. The highest dose of DHEAS reduced IL-6 production by splenocytes from uninfected old mice by 75% while increasing their IL-2 secretion by nearly 50%. Thus immune dysfunction induced by ageing, even when exacerbated by murine retrovirus infection, was largely prevented by DHEAS.

Oral carriage of Candida albicans in murine AIDS

Oral candidiasis is a common fungal infection in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although rare at the time of primary HIV infection, it is frequently found throughout the asymptomatic phase and is predictive of progressive immunodeficiency. However, the precise immune defect which results in outgrowth of commensal Candida albicans in HIV infection has not been identified. Mice infected with the Du5H(G6T2) mixture of mouse leukemia viruses develop a syndrome, designated murine AIDS (MAIDS), that has many of the immune abnormalities found in HIV infection. Retrovirus-infected C57BL/6 mice were examined for their ability to resist the development of oral candidiasis from the carrier state established after a self-limiting acute infection and to clear a subsequent secondary inoculum of oral C. albicans. Most of the mice orally colonized with C. albicans and then inoculated with the retrovirus mixture maintained a low-level oral carriage of C. albicans, while 30% of coinfected mice developed recurring 2- to 3-week episodes of acute Candida proliferation, separated by transient recoveries to the carrier state. The frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were, respectively, unchanged and significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in both cervical lymph nodes and spleens of coinfected mice compared to the corresponding frequencies in C. albicans-carrying, virus-free, age-matched control animals. Secretion of gamma interferon by concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated spleen cells from Candida-carrying, retrovirus-infected mice was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared to that of C. albicans-carrying, retrovirus-free mice, in accordance with known abnormalities associated with MAIDS. However, production of this cytokine by ConA-stimulated or unstimulated cervical lymph node cells from coinfected mice was enhanced compared to that of virus-free animals colonized with C. albicans. Acquired resistance to reinfection with C. albicans was maintained in retrovirus-infected mice and was associated with a mucosal recruitment of CD8+ cells not observed in control mice. These results suggest that alterations in mucosal immunity which occur in MAIDS differ substantially from defects observed at other sites and that surrogate epithelial defense mechanisms may function locally to limit Candida proliferation.

Murine AIDS, a key to understanding retrovirus-induced immunodeficiency

A murine AIDS model, induced by LP-BM5 murine leukemia virus (MuLV), has helped to investigate pathogenesis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), cofactor involvement, and new treatment tests. LP-BM5 MuLV-infected mice characteristically develop hypergammaglobulinemia, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, T-cell functional deficiency, B-cell dysfunction, and, in the later stages, neurological signs including paralysis as well as susceptibility to opportunistic infections. The similarities between murine AIDS and human AIDS are striking, with similar changes in immune functions, T-cell differentiation, cytokine production, disease resistance, and oxidative stress. The well-characterized murine immunological system, availability of inbred strains, economy of using mice versus primate model, and similarities in immunodeficiency caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) encouraged rapid development of the LP-BM5 murine AIDS model in the past decade.

Evidence that the murine AIDS defective virus does not encode a superantigen

The T-cell receptor repertoire was analyzed in C57BL/6 mice upon infection with helper-free stocks of the pathogenic murine AIDS (MAIDS) defective virus in order to demonstrate if, as previously reported, this virus encodes a superantigen. A polyclonal T-cell stimulation involving T cells expressing multiple V beta subsets occurred within the first week of infection, while late in the disease we could note only a 50% deletion of V beta 5 CD8+ cells. Transfection of the MAIDS virus genomic DNA into fibroblasts and B cells expressing major histocompatibility complex class II molecules failed to show any stimulation of cells expressing the specific V beta (V beta 5) previously reported to respond to MAIDS virus-infected cells. In addition, mice lacking V beta 5 cells did not show any significant decrease in susceptibility to the disease compared with mice expressing V beta 5 and bred on the same genetic background. Our in vivo and in vitro results fail to demonstrate a role for a superantigen encoded by the MAIDS defective viral genome in the pathogenesis of MAIDS.

Retrovirus-induced lymphoproliferative disease in mice undergoing graft-versus-host reaction

The effect of graft-versus-host reaction on the course of concommitant retrovirus-induced lymphoproliferative disease was investigated. The graft-versus-host reaction was elicited by a single i.v. injection of 1.2 x 10(8) parental spleen cells into adult F1 mice. Lymphoproliferative disease was induced by a single transfusion of 0.2 ml of whole blood from donors with fully developed disease, induced by infection with retrovirus LP-BM5 MuLV. Graft-versus-host reaction and the lymphoproliferative disease each separately produced similar syndrome consisting of splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, leukopenia, neutrophilia, reduced in vitro proliferation of spleen cells and suppression of in vivo immune responsiveness. The above symptoms were usually less pronounced during graft-versus-host reaction. Ongoing graft-versus-host reaction neither aggravated nor accelerated the course of the virus-induced lymphoproliferative disease in genetically susceptible F1 hybrids. Likewise, an ongoing graft-versus-host reaction in genetically resistant F1 hybrids did not alter their susceptibility to the retrovirus infection. The apparent lack of the effect of graft-versus-host reaction -dependent immunosuppression on the severity and the course of the concommitant retrovirus-induced lymphoproliferative disease suggests pathogenic differences between the murine syndrome and human AIDS for which the murine disease is considered by some to be an animal model.

Retrovirus-induced lymphoproliferative disease in mice: role of humoral immunity in perinatally exposed mice

The mice born to female mice infected with LP-BM5 MuLV, the etiologic agent for lymphoproliferative disease and nursed for 4-6 weeks by them were less susceptible upon reinfection by i.v. transfusion of blood or plasma from infected donors with fully developed disease. Sera of 7 week or older perinatally exposed mice were capable of a complete in vitro neutralization of virus in plasma or blood from mice with fully developed disease. In contrast, sera from 3-week old perinatally exposed mice were ineffective. The neutralizing ability of the sera was drastically reduced or abrogated after their absorption with anti-mouse IgM. These observations are consistent with the notion that perinatally exposure results ina moderate form of the disease of the offspring. This perinatal infection is followed by a production of neutralizing antibodies of predominantly the IgM class that significantly alters the course of the lymphoproliferative disease and, in some instances, even prevents its development.

The murine AIDS defective provirus acts as an insertional mutagen in its infected target B cells

In susceptible mice, the murine AIDS (MAIDS) defective virus can induce marked expansion of its target cells, the majority of which belong to the B-cell lineage. This expansion, which appears to be critical for the development of the immunodeficiency syndrome, is initially polyclonal but becomes oligoclonal late in the disease, suggesting the involvement of a secondary genetic event(s) during this proliferation. To determine whether integration of the MAIDS defective provirus into particular regions of the cellular genome contributes to this oligoclonal expansion, we searched for common provirus integration sites in enlarged lymphoid organs of MAIDS mice. We identified two common proviral integration sites, Dis-1 and Dis-2, which were occupied by a defective provirus at frequencies of 20 and 13%, respectively. Our analysis revealed that the Dis-1 region corresponds to the Sfpil1 (Spi-1, PU.1) locus, which maps on chromosome 2, and encodes a transcription factor. Insertion of the MAIDS defective provirus into this region led to a two- to threefold increase in the expression of Sfpi1 RNA. The Dis-2 locus was found to map to mouse chromosome 11, between Hox2 and Scya. It appears to be a novel locus probably harboring a gene involved in B-cell proliferation. The present study indicates that the MAIDS defective provirus can act as an insertional mutagen, thus contributing to the oligoclonal expansion of infected cells. The detection of two common proviral integration sites, each of which targetted at a low frequency in diseased organs, suggests that the deregulation of a unique gene through provirus insertion is essential for neither proliferation of infected B cells nor development of the immunodeficiency syndrome.

Effect of lithium in immunodeficiency: improved blood cell formation in mice with decreased hematopoiesis as the result of LP-BM5 MuLV infection

Lithium salts have been demonstrated to induce the production of hematopoietic cells following administration in vivo and to minimize the reduction of these cells following treatment with either radiation, chemotherapeutic or antiviral drugs. We have previously demonstrated that lithium, when administered in vivo to immunodeficient mice infected with LP-BM5 MuLV (MAIDS) significantly reduced the development of lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and the lymphoma associated with late-stage immunodeficiency disease in this model, and increased the survival of these animals compared to virus-infected controls not receiving lithium. We report here the results of in vivo studies in the MAIDS model that determined the effect of lithium on peripheral blood indices and the number of myeloid (CFU-GM), erythroid (BFU-E) and megakaryocyte (CFU-Meg) hematopoietic progenitors from bone marrow and spleen harvested from immunodeficient mice receiving lithium carbonate (1 mM) placed in their drinking water compared to virus-infected controls not receiving lithium. Time-points evaluated were at weeks 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, and 21 postviral infection. Virus-control mice not receiving lithium demonstrated all the signs that are characteristic of MAIDS, i.e., splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, hypergammaglobulinemia, reduced hematopoiesis, and death. Infected mice receiving lithium demonstrated diminished presence of splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, hypergammaglobulinemia, no suppression of hematopoiesis nor mortality. Enhanced hematopoiesis was demonstrated by neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, thrombocytosis, and erythrocytosis that was evident by increased myeloid, erythroid, and megakaryocyte progenitor cells cultured from bone marrow and spleen. These studies further demonstrate that lithium influences the disease process in the MAIDS model and restricts the development of hematopoietic suppression that develops in this retroviral animal model of immunodeficiency.

Establishment of leukemic T-cell lines from mice inoculated with the MAIDS defective virus

Mice inoculated with replication-competent stocks of the murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) virus are severely immunocompromised and proned to the development of T- and B-cell lymphomas. We have studied the development of T-cell lymphomas in C57BL/6 and RF/J mice inoculated with helper-free stocks of the MAIDS defective virus. We observed the expansion of T cell clones (detected by TCR gene rearrangements and by transplantation) only rarely in diseased C57BL/6 mice and slightly more frequently in RF/J mice. We succeeded in establishing four transplantable T cell tumors and malignant cell lines. The three cell lines from RF/J mice were immature T-cells (Thy-1+, CD3-, CD4+, CD8+, Mac-1+), while the line from the C57BL/6 mouse had the phenotype of mature T-cells (Thy-1+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8-). All lines were virus-producers despite the fact that helper-free stocks of the virus were inoculated. These helper MuLVs most likely originated from endogenous MuLV sequences. Also, the defective viral genome was clearly detectable in one cell line and was rearranged in two other lines. These established cell lines may be useful to determine whether they share some of the characteristics of the anergic T-cells in vivo and to study the role of the MAIDS defective virus in T cell transformation.

Mutational analysis of the murine AIDS-defective viral genome reveals a high reversion rate in vivo and a requirement for an intact Pr60gag protein for efficient induction of disease

Pr60gag appears to be the only protein encoded by the murine AIDS (MAIDS)-defective virus. To study the role of Pr60gag or some other sequences of the viral genome in the pathogenicity of the virus, we have generated mutants of the defective viral genome. These mutant defective viruses, prepared as helper-free stocks, were inoculated into susceptible C57BL/6 mice. Mutant Du5H-A virus, which had a stop codon within gag MA(p15), did not induce target cell proliferation or MAIDS. Mutants Du5H-B and -C encoded truncated Pr60gag proteins containing, respectively, MA(p15)-p12 or MA(p15)-p12 and part of CA(p30). These mutants showed a very limited capacity to induce early cell expansion and were poorly pathogenic. Only recombinant (revertant) viruses were recovered from organs of diseased mice inoculated with these two mutants. Mutant Du5H-D was generated by deleting 1.4 kbp of the 3'-end sequences, outside the gag coding region. The levels of RNA and proteins made by this mutant were low. This mutant also reverting frequently but was nevertheless able to induce MAIDS at a low efficiency without reverting. Our results indicate that the Pr60gag protein is necessary and sufficient to induce MAIDS. These data also suggest that the Pr60gag protein needs to be relatively intact to be fully pathogenic. In addition, our study shows a very high reversion rate of some mutants and emphasizes the need to check for the presence of revertant (recombinant) viruses in diseased organs when working with mutants of the MAIDS-defective virus.

Myristylation of Pr60gag of the murine AIDS-defective virus is required to induce disease and notably for the expansion of its target cells

Murine AIDS (MAIDS) is characterized by severe lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. The proliferation of the infected target B cells is also an important manifestation of the disease (M. Huang, C. Simard, D. G. Kay, and P. Jolicoeur, J. Virol. 65:6562-6571, 1991). The etiologic agent of MAIDS is a defective murine leukemia virus that is deleted of most of its pol and env genes and appears to encode a single protein, the Gag precursor Pr60gag protein. Pr60gag is myristylated and attached to the plasma membrane. To study the role myristylation on the function of Pr60gag, we have generated a myristylation-negative (Myr-) mutant of the MAIDS defective virus. We found that Myr- Pr60gag interacted less tightly with the plasma membrane. In addition, the Myr- MAIDS defective virus mutant was unable to induce expansion of infected cells and was nonpathogenic. These results emphasize the essential role of Pr60gag in the disease process. Our data also suggest that Pr60gag, once recruited to the cell membrane through its myristylation, interacts with other membrane-bound effectors to send signals to induce proliferation of the infected cells and to initiate immune dysfunctions.

Acquired immunodeficiency in murine lymphoproliferative disease: considerations on pathogenesis

C57BL/6Kh mice were infected with a single i.p. injection of 1 x 10(5) FFU of LP-BM5 MuLV. The development and progress of the virus-induced lymphoproliferative disease was followed for 12 weeks after infection. As anticipated, progressive splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy, as well as almost total abrogation of immune responsiveness ensued. In contrast to previous reports, there was a dramatic increase in the frequency of CD4+ cells in spleens among which over 20% expressed V beta 5 TCR, as compared with fewer than 3% in spleens of normal mice. Spleen cells from infected mice retained their in vitro ability to proliferate upon stimulation with IL-2 and anti-CD3, but were unable to respond when stimulated with phorbol ester and either a low dose of IL-2 or calcium ionophore (ionomycin). A similar pattern of in vitro proliferative responses was obtained when normal spleen cells were treated with K252a compound, a known inhibitor of protein kinase C activity. Together with the observations that viral infection impaired down-regulation of the phorbol-induced kinase activity and that the kinase inhibitor only marginally enhanced suppression of virus-infected cells proliferation, this finding suggests that disturbances of protein kinase C activity may underly the pathological effects seen after viral infection. However, since no apparent quantitative and qualitative changes in protein kinase C itself and its translocation were observed, it is more likely that the virus may interfere with either the substrate or product of kinase activity.

Murine AIDS: a model for the human disease or a distinct entity?

The LP-BM5 mixture of murine retroviruses elicits a disease in mice referred to as murine immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) that is considered by some to be an animal homologue of human AIDS. In this article, we present and discuss some recent findings on the pathogenesis of the murine disease and their implications for the proposed homology between murine and human syndromes. The murine disease seems to display as many similarities to as it does differences from human AIDS. Among the latter are: definitive and exclusive viral etiology, a strong genetic effect on susceptibility to infection, expansion of the CD4+ cell population in spleen and peripheral blood, consistent transmissibility by a single transfusion of the minute amounts of blood or plasma from infected donors, and striking similarity between virus-induced alteration of the in vitro spleen cell proliferation and those caused by treatment with a protein kinase inhibitor K252a. With this in mind, the use of the noncommittal term retrovirus-induced murine lymphoproliferative disease instead of MAIDS appears to be more appropriate at this time.

Murine AIDS is initiated in the lymph nodes draining the site of inoculation, and the infected B cells influence T cells located at distance, in noninfected organs

The infection of cells which belong to the B-cell lineage is thought to be the primary event leading to the phenotypic and functional alterations seen in the murine AIDS (M. Huang, C. Simard, D. Kay, and P. Jolicoeur, J. Virol. 65:6562-6571, 1991). Using in situ hybridization, we studied the time course of the anatomic distribution of the murine AIDS-infected B cells in C57BL/6 mice inoculated intraperitoneally or in the foot pad with helper-free stocks of the defective murine AIDS virus. The local lymph nodes draining the injection site (the mediastinal or popliteal lymph nodes) were the primary organs in which infected B cells could be detected. From this initial site, the proliferating infected B cells were found to migrate progressively to most of the other lymph nodes and to the spleen. The bone marrow cells (containing the precursor B cells) were not found to be infected by the virus. These results suggest that the defective murine AIDS virus infects mature Ly-1- B cells present in lymph nodes. We compared the concanavalin A response of the T cells at an early time postinoculation, before all lymphoid organs are infiltrated with infected B cells. In lymphoid organs free of infected B cells, T cells were found to be hyperresponsive. In lymphoid organs in which infected B cells were present, T cells were hyporesponsive. These data suggest that infected B cells influence distant T cells, maybe by the release of a circulating factor or through another uninfected cell population activated by the infected B cells.

Effect of cocaine and murine AIDS on lamina propria T and B cells in normal mice

We developed an experimental model to study the effect of daily cocaine administration on the mucosal immune system during murine acquired immune deficiency syndrome (MAIDS). Mice were infected with LP-BM5 murine leukemia virus, a retrovirus which causes immunosuppression with development of functional murine AIDS. Mice were given cocaine by daily intraperitoneal injection for 11 weeks. Our objective was to investigate if cocaine treatment could alter the mucosal immune system at the level of the intestinal lamina propria (ILP) and if it could further modify the already altered mucosal immunity when it was administered to MAIDS-mice. Daily cocaine administration induced a significant decrease in the number of IgA+ cells with a concomitant increase in the number of CD8+ cells per villi in the ILP. Murine retrovirus infection alone decreased the number of IgA+ and CD4+ cells in the ILP, and this decreased was even more marked when MAIDS mice also received cocaine. These data indicate that cocaine administration could potentiate the dramatic effect that MAIDS infection has in the mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues.

Spleen and thymus cell subsets modified by long-term morphine administration and murine AIDS--II

Intravenous heroin abusers suffer a great variety of infections, including AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). We developed an experimental mouse model to evaluate the long-term effect of in vivo morphine administration during retrovirus-induced immune dysfunction. Mice were treated daily for 11 weeks with increasing doses of morphine. Morphine treatment produced a decrease in body weight and spleen cell number. Murine retrovirus infection provoked an increase in body weight due to enlargement of lymphoid organs, and an increase in the percentage and absolute number of CD4+ and Mac 1+ cells. Interestingly, retrovirus-infected mice that were also morphine-treated did not show the increase in the relative proportion of Mac 1+ cells. Moreover, under the experimental conditions of protein-malnutrition and morphine treatment potentiation of immune dysfunction by murine retrovirus infection was investigated. Retrovirus infection-induced splenocyte proliferation was partially regulated by morphine treatment. Splenocytes from retrovirus-infected mice presented a higher percentage of IL-2R+ cells and, lower levels of sIL-2R in splenocyte supernatants. Mitogen-stimulated splenocytes had a lower production of interferon-gamma as well as an increase in the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Thus morphine altered the immune system by down-regulating splenocyte proliferation, because retrovirus infection-induced splenocyte proliferation was partially regulated by morphine treatment. We also evaluated the effects of joint murine retrovirus infection and protein undernutrition on the thymus cell subsets. Retrovirus infection was associated with a decrease in the absolute number of Thy 1+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells per thymus with the CD8+ cell subset being the most affected. Moreover, retrovirus-infected mice presented a dramatic decrease in the percentage of double-positive (CD4+ CD8+) cells in the thymus as well as changes in its immunoarchitecture. While protein undernutrition alone did not produce further differences between infected versus non-infected, protein-undernourished, morphine treatment induced a greater decrease in thymocyte number than that seen in retrovirus- or morphine-treated animals alone.

The in vivo effect of ellipticine analogues on the blood concentration of Friend virus: a murine model for studying anti-HIV drugs

The viremia of a mouse carrying a murine retrovirus, the Friend virus, was taken as a model for screening drugs which could be active on the human HIV retrovirus. Ellipticine and two of its analogues injected ip at appropriate doses drastically reduced the viremia of the Friend virus-injected mice, as measured by transfer of their serum on day 8 of the treatment to secondary recipients and numeration, in the spleens of the latter, of the foci the remaining virus had induced. Since phase I and II trials have already been published (for leukemia treatment), the efficacy of those drugs on HIV-1 positive AZT-resistant patients can be tested directly.

Cocaine facilitation of cryptosporidiosis by murine AIDS in male and female C57/BL/6 mice

As cocaine may affect progression of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), we used a murine model of AIDS (MAIDS) induced by LP-BM5 murine leukemia virus to examine cocaine's possible role as a cofactor for secondary parasitic infections. Dissimilarities between the sexes were observed both in the absence and presence of the cocaine. The retrovirus-infected female mice had a much higher rate of Cryptosporidiosis than the retrovirus-infected male mice. Female, but not male, retrovirus-infected mice showed approximately 20-fold more Cryptosporidium per villus section than controls. Compared to respective gender controls, male and female animals infected with the retrovirus infection manifested a heightened Cryptosporidium oocysts count regardless of cocaine treatment. Overall, female groups incurred a higher incidence of infection compared to respective male groups. To determine the role of cocaine, groups of male and female C57BL-6 mice of similar age were treated with cocaine for 4 weeks followed by termination. Cocaine synergized with retrovirus infection in female mice to cause a 30-fold increase in the number of oocyst present. The spleen size and weight of female mice was significantly greater than uninfected controls or male mice. However, due to the very slow progression to murine AIDS in the males, parasite resistance was retained, including in cocaine treated C57BL-6 mice. Thymus cell number in the retrovirus-infected female mice decreased significantly in comparison to uninfected female controls. Continued resistance to the parasite in male mice and its loss in female mice was due to the rate of immunosuppression and thus development of retrovirus-induced murine AIDS.

Alcohol stimulation of lipid peroxidation and esophageal tumor growth in mice immunocompromised by retrovirus infection

Tumor appearance can be accelerated in the immunodeficient and immunosuppressed animal. The role of lipid peroxidation and immune dysfunction induced by retrovirus and ethanol treatments on cancer promotion were investigated. Following the initiation of esophageal cancer by methylbenzylnitrosamine, ethanol consumption and retrovirus infection individually and concomitantly increased growth of esophageal tumors. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E reduced the size and frequency of the developed tumors. Tumor growth modifications in the vitamin E supplemented animals may be due to changes in T-cell numbers and functions stimulated by vitamin E. In addition, increased production of free radicals following ethanol treatment and retrovirus infection, and the suppression of these formations lipid peroxide by vitamin E is accompanied by lower incidence and size of tumors. Thus, the mechanisms of tumor enhancement observed in immunocompromised animals may include a combination of immunomodulation and modification of oxidant production by ethanol consumption and retrovirus infection.

Retrovirus-induced immunodeficiency in mice exacerbates gastrointestinal candidiasis

Dysfunction of neutrophils in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus is at least partly responsible for secondary microbial diseases in these individuals, including invasive gastrointestinal (GI) candidiasis. Immunoregulatory disturbances associated with the development of AIDS in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients exacerbates Candida albicans infection of the upper GI tract and frequently leads to oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis. In this article, we present the first report of a murine model of invasive GI candidiasis associated with an AIDS-related murine immunodeficiency syndrome that results from infection of C57BL/6 mice with a previously described retrovirus complex (LP-BM5). Mice of the inbred strain were infected with C. albicans by oral-intragastric inoculation as infants and with the retrovirus by the intraperitoneal route 30 days later. Control mice of the same strain were infected with C. albicans as above and subsequently infected with the avirulent, ecotropic helper virus (MBI-5). Animals were killed 90 days after retroviral challenge. Total and differential blood cell counts, CD4+ T-cell counts in the spleen, and the histopathology of the gastric mucosa of experimental and control animals were determined. The virulent LP-BM5-infected animals developed murine AIDS and showed eruptive and suppurative lesions, with associated C. albicans mainly in regions of the cardial-atrium fold of the stomach. Well-defined abscesses with entrapped C. albicans hyphae were observed in the region of the cardial-atrium fold of control mice. A significant increase in the number of C. albicans CFU in homogenized and plated segments of the GI tract was recognized in mice with murine AIDS versus the control animals. The murine model of GI candidiasis reported here permits examination of the nature of C. albicans interaction with the gastric mucosa both in the immunocompetent host under conditions in which the yeast exists predominantly as a commensal organism and in the immunosuppressed host during progressive stages of AIDS induced by a retroviral infection.

Modification of spleen cell subsets by chronic cocaine administration and murine retrovirus infection in normal and protein-malnourished mice

We have developed an experimental mouse model to study the effect of daily cocaine administration on the immune system during an acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Mice were infected with LP-BM5 murine leukemia virus, a retrovirus which causes immunosuppression with the development of functional murine AIDS. Increasing doses of cocaine given by daily intraperitoneal injection for 11 weeks reduced body weight. A daily cocaine injection in some mice as well as a saline injection in others showed a decrease in the percentage of Thy 1.2+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells, while both treatments increased the percentage and absolute numbers of B-cells per spleen. Saline and cocaine treatment induced an increase in gamma-IFN and TNF-alpha production by splenocytes. Cocaine treatment favored a decrease in sIL-2R secretion. Saline and cocaine treatment had slightly different effects on the splenocytes of protein-malnourished mice. Cocaine treatment induced an increase in the percentage of CD8+ cells. Saline and cocaine treatments decreased the number of Mac 1+ cells in the spleen. Moreover, saline- and cocaine-treated protein-malnourished mice splenocytes did not present the increase in gamma-IFN production as well-nourished mice splenocytes showed. Retrovirus-infected mice showed a decrease in the percentage of Thy 1.2+ and CD8+ cells and an increase in the percentage and absolute numbers of CD4+, IL-2R+, Mac 1+ and B-cells. Cocaine partially prevented the enlargement of lymphoid organs due to lymphoid cell proliferation induced by murine retrovirus infection, but had little effect on the elevated percentage of CD4+ cells or B-cells or the depressed numbers of CD8+ cells associated with virus infection. However, cocaine did reduce the number of activated IL-2R+ cells and macrophages (Mac 1+) in addition to reducing the total number of cells per spleen in all subsets in retrovirus-infected mice, but not in uninfected controls. Cocaine treatment and retrovirus infection alone or in combination suppressed the release of sIL-2R into supernatant fluid during in vitro culture of splenocytes. These data illustrate that cocaine treatment modulates cell proliferation in retrovirus-infected mice and thus modifies the absolute number of cells in those subsets already altered by retrovirus infection. Retrovirus-infected and retrovirus-infected cocaine-treated protein-malnourished mice showed similar results.

High frequency of transmission of murine AIDS virus in C57BL/10 mice via mother's milk

Maternal transmission of a murine leukemia virus (MuLV) mixture named LP-BM5 MuLV, which is knwon to induce murine AIDS (MAIDS), was investigated. Adult female C57BL/10 mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with LP-BM5 MuLV. When the virus-inoculated female mice developed splenomegaly or lymphadenopathy, they were mated with normal C57BL/10 male mice. Of 56 offspring born to MAIDS mothers, 14 appeared to develop MAIDS, as assessed by the occurrence of splenomegaly or lymphadenopathy as well as the mitogen response of spleen cells. The occurrence of MAIDS in offspring was found to be accompanied by the maternal transmission and expansion of a defective virus genome from which almost the entire pol and env regions are deleted. On the other hand, the ecotropic helper virus genome was detected in all offspring regardless of the occurrence of MAIDS. To examine the mode of maternal transmission of LP-BM5 MuLV, foster-nursing experiments were conducted. The ecotropic helper viruses were found in all normal offspring nursed by a MAIDS mother, and some of them developed MAIDS. In contrast, none of offspring born to a MAIDS mother that were nursed by an uninfected foster mother either carried the LP-BM5 MuLV or developed MAIDS. Finally, both the defective and the ecotropic helper viruses were detected in LP-BM5 MuLV-infected mother's milk. These results indicated that maternal transmission of LP-BM5 MuLV occurs with a high frequency and is mediated by mother's milk.

In vivo exposure to ultraviolet radiation enhances pathogenic effects of murine leukemia virus, LP-BM5, in murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

LP-BM5 murine leukemia virus (MuLV) induces an immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) in C57BL/6 mice which resembles immunological abnormalities observed in early stages of human AIDS. In our study, MAIDS virus-infected mice were exposed to low doses of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) before and after virus inoculation and compared with MAIDS-infected but not UVR-exposed mice. In all tested parameters (blood IgM levels; mitogenic responses to PHA, ConA, LPS and anti-mu; MLR; antigenic response to SRBC; enlargement and histopathologic changes of the spleen) we observed the same trend: changes due to MAIDS infection were more pronounced in the UVR-exposed group than in the unexposed group. Statistically significant differences between these two groups were seen for mitogenic responses at two different time points after virus inoculation. These results demonstrate that in vivo UVR exposure enhances the immunosuppressive effects of a retroviral infection. UVR exposure may affect the progression of AIDS in a similar manner.

Cytolytic T lymphocytes specific for tumors and infected cells from mice with a retrovirus-induced immunodeficiency syndrome

LP-BM5 retrovirus complex-infected C57BL/6 mice develop immunodeficiency, somewhat analogous to AIDS, termed murine AIDS (MAIDS). After secondary stimulation with syngeneic B-cell lymphomas from LP-BM5-infected mice, C57BL/6 mice produced vigorous CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for MAIDS-associated tumors. An anti-LP-BM5 specificity was suggested because spleen and lymph node cells from LP-BM5-infected mice served as target cells in competition assays, and cells from LP-BM5, but not ecotropic, virus-infected mice functioned as secondary in vitro stimulators to generate cytotoxic T lymphocytes to MAIDS tumors.

Effect of murine retroviral infection on hair and serum levels of cocaine and morphine

LP-BM5 retrovirally infected female C57BL/6J mice were administered cocaine, morphine or both by daily intraperitoneal injection for 9 weeks. Drug concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in serum and in hair extracts. Hair samples obtained from all drug-treated mice were positive for the drug injected, while none of the saline-treated mice had detectable drug levels in hair or serum. The average morphine concentration obtained from non-infected mice was 11 ng/mg hair whereas the amount found in the LP-BM5-infected mice was significantly higher (20 ng/mg hair). Mice injected with both morphine and cocaine were given 50% of the regular dose of each drug and drug levels in the hair of these animals were approximately half that of mice injected with the full dose of the single drug. Non-infected mice treated with both drugs had a mean value of 7 ng morphine/mg hair and 374 ng cocaine/mg hair while retrovirus-infected mice had significantly higher concentrations, 10 ng morphine/mg hair and 1160 ng cocaine/mg hair (P less than 0.001). Serum concentrations of cocaine and morphine were significantly higher (P less than 0.01) in the retrovirus-infected animals from 40 min to 1.5 h. The increased concentrations of cocaine and morphine in serum during retrovirus infection are accompanied by a significant increase in the amount of drug incorporated into the hair matrix. This change indicates that retroviral infection may influence the disposition of these drugs in the systemic circulation.

Susceptibility of inbred strains of mice to murine AIDS (MAIDS) correlates with target cell expansion and high expression of defective MAIDS virus

Murine AIDS (MAIDS) is readily induced by the Duplan strain of defective murine leukemia virus in susceptible C57BL/6 mice. To identify mouse strains resistant to MAIDS, and to understand the genetic factors controlling susceptibility to the disease, we screened more than 20 inbred strains of mice for their susceptibility to MAIDS. For this study, mice of the Fv-1n/n, Fv-1b/b, or Fv-1n/b genotype were inoculated with stocks of defective MAIDS virus pseudotyped with N-tropic, B-tropic, or NB-tropic helper murine leukemia virus, respectively. Strains could be classified as susceptible, resistant, or moderately resistant. None of the individual H-2 haplotypes examined appears to explain resistance to MAIDS by itself. However, a very good correlation between the susceptibility or resistance phenotype and the presence or absence of defective proviral DNA and RNA in the spleen of these animals was found. Since the presence of defective proviral DNA and RNA reflects the oligoclonal proliferation of the cells infected by the defective MAIDS virus, our results strongly suggest that this target cell expansion is genetically controlled and is necessary and perhaps even sufficient for the development of the disease.

Elucidation of mode of retroviral-inhibitory effects of imexon through use of immune competent and severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mice

Mice infected with various tumor retroviruses have been used as models for evaluating therapeutic substances for the treatment of some cancers, and more recently, for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the causative agent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Consequently, there is a need to determine the ability of biological response modifiers (BRMs) to specifically reduce virus-infected cells, as compared to their non-specific anti-proliferative effects. To address this need, a BRM, imexon, was evaluated in this study using three strains of mice having different Friend virus (FV)-specific immunological capabilities. The first strain, (B10.A x A/WySn)F1, was genetically capable of producing FV-specific neutralization and cytotoxic antibodies, the second, Balb/c, was not, and the third, SCID mice, lacked functional T and B cell immunity. Imexon treatment reduced virally-induced splenomegaly in all 3 strains; however, the concentration of splenic viral infectious centers (IC) were not affected. Since imexon was efficacious in reducing splenomegaly in SCID mice, the mode of action was concluded to not require functional T or B cell immunity. The observation that imexon did not affect splenic IC titers also suggested that imexon did not specifically eliminate virally infected cells, but may have functioned by other mechanisms. This study also demonstrated the use of various mouse strains as a strategy for delineating the modes of action of BRMs against murine retroviral infections.

Use of an animal model for the study of the role of human immunodeficiency virus 1 in the human intestine

The gastrointestinal manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 disease have centered on identifiable causes of intestinal dysfunction such as parasitic and bacterial pathogens. The lamina propria of the intestine contains cell that harbor HIV-1, but the significance of this observation remains unknown. Because limited animal models are available to evaluate the gastrointestinal effects of this infection, a system that uses human fetal intestine transplanted subcutaneously onto the back of an immunodeficient mouse was developed. After 8 weeks, fetal tissues mature into an adult-appearing tissue with a lumen. Cell-free HIV-1 was inoculated into the explants, an evidence for infection was evaluated by histological evaluation, in situ hybridization, and polymerase chain reaction. No evidence for HIV-1 incorporation into epithelial cells could be found. It was concluded that this model provides a system in which intestinal HIV-1 interaction can be evaluated. In this model, cell-free HIV-1 does not appear to infect the epithelial cell.

Effect of cyclophosphamide, total body irradiation, and zidovudine on retrovirus proliferation and disease progression in murine AIDS

Murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) develops when C57B1/6 mice are inoculated with LP-BM5 murine leukemia viruses. Disease progression in these animals is characterized by lymphadenopathy, polyclonal B-cell activation, severe immunodeficiency, and death. Mice with MAIDS have been used to examine the efficacy of antiretroviral therapies for possible use in AIDS patients. In the present work, MAIDS mice were employed to test the hypothesis that established retroviral infection might be cured by the combined use of a cytotoxic agent (cyclophosphamide) and total body irradiation--a regimen reported to have successfully cured HIV-1 infection in one AIDS patient. Results indicate that the ablation of retrovirus-infected lymphoid cells reduced but did not eliminate LP-BM5 infection. Moreover, this regimen was no more effective at controlling virus proliferation or preventing the polyclonal IgG activation characteristic of murine AIDS than was AZT alone.

The majority of cells infected with the defective murine AIDS virus belong to the B-cell lineage

Murine AIDS (MAIDS) is caused by a defective retrovirus which encodes a gag fusion protein (Pr60gag). We previously reported that this virus induced an oligoclonal proliferation of infected cells and suggested that this cell expansion was an important event in the pathogenesis of MAIDS. To identify these target cells, we constructed novel defective viruses whose genomes could be detected with specific probes. Helper-free stocks of these viruses induced MAIDS. Using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry and Southern analysis, we found that most infected cells belong to the B-cell lineage. Transformation of these B cells appears to be the primary event responsible for the development of immunodeficiency. This animal model may be relevant to our understanding of AIDS, of the immunodeficiencies associated with B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, and of the role of B-cell proliferation and transformation in the effects of superantigens, since Pr60gag appears to be a superantigen.

Phosphonylmethoxyalkyl purine and pyrimidine derivatives for treatment of opportunistic cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus infections in murine AIDS

Murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) was induced in C57BL/6 mice following infection with the LP-BM5 retrovirus complex. Infected mice developed splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and loss of B- and T-cell functions 100 days after virus inoculation. Mice with AIDS were highly susceptible to opportunistic murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) infections. The therapeutic activities of two phosphonylmethoxyalkyl derivatives, 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine (PMEA) and (S)-1-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxy-propyl)cytosine (HPMPC), were evaluated in MAIDS immunosuppressed mice infected with MCMV or HSV-1. MCMV infection resulted in extensive viral replication in lung, liver and spleen and death occurred five to twelve days post-infection. Treatment with either HPMPC or ganciclovir (DHPG) reduced mortality and viral replication in target organs; however, HPMPC was as effective as DHPG at one-fifth the DHPG dose. Moreover, when a single dose (100 mg/kg) of HPMPC was administered 24 h prior to MCMV infection, it suppressed virus replication at seven and 14 days post-infection, thus resulting in a significant prolongation of life. PMEA was effective against opportunistic HSV-1 infections, but appeared to be less effective than HPMPC against MCMV infections. These results indicate that MAIDS can be used as a model for evaluating antivirals in an immunocompromised host, and suggest that both PMEA and HPMPC may be useful in the treatment of opportunistic CMV and HSV-1 infections.

Expression of defective virus and cytokine genes in murine AIDS

A syndrome characterized by severe immunodeficiency and lymphoproliferation develops in susceptible strains of mice infected with a mixture of murine leukemia viruses (MuLVs) designated LP-BM5 MuLV. The etiologic agent in this mixture has been shown to be a replication-defective virus (BM5d) with a 4.8-kb genome that required replication-competent helper viruses, primarily ecotropic (BM5e), for cell-to-cell spread in the host. In the present study, we studied the expression of BM5d and BM5e in tissues of infected mice at various times after inoculation in relation to the expression of cytokine genes that may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disorder. Northern (RNA) analysis of total RNA showed that BM5d was expressed at significant levels in lymphoid tissues within 1 week of infection and that the levels of expression increased with time after inoculation. By 16 weeks postinfection, BM5d was expressed in all tissues examined. Expression of BM5e was relatively more restricted to lymphoid tissues and was detected at lower levels than expression of BM5d at early times after infection, but this virus was expressed in all tissues by 16 weeks. Infection with the virus mixture was associated with constitutive expression of tumor necrosis factor in all tissues examined and of interleukin-1 (IL-1) in lymphoid tissues within 1 week of infection, and at later times with widespread expression of these cytokines and gamma interferon. Also, the levels of interferon regulatory factor 1 mRNA were significantly increased in all infected tissues during the infection. In contrast, expression of IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-6 was not detectable by Northern analysis of the respective mRNAs in any infected tissue at early or late times postinfection.

The effect of anti-neoplastic drugs on murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

The murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) is associated with proliferation of target cells that have been infected by a defective retrovirus. To control the growth of this primary neoplasia, virus-inoculated mice were treated with anti-neoplastic drugs. Paradoxically, cyclophosphamide, which is also immunosuppressive, was very effective in preventing the appearance and progression of the disease, in restoring a normal T cell function, and in depleting the number of infected target cells. This result suggests that the proliferating infected target cells were responsible for the immunodeficiency.

Characterization of the gag/fusion protein encoded by the defective Duplan retrovirus inducing murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is induced by a defective retrovirus. Sequencing of this defective viral genome revealed a long open reading frame which encodes a putative gag/fusion protein, N-MA-p12-CA-NC-COOH, (D. C. Aziz, Z. Hanna, and P. Jolicoeur, Nature (London) 338:505-508, 1989). We raised a specific antibody to the unique p12 domain of this gag fusion precursor, Pr60gag. We found that Pr60gag was indeed encoded by the defective viral genome both in cell-free translation reticulocyte extracts and in infected mouse fibroblasts. Pr60gag was found to be myristylated, phosphorylated, and attached to the cell membrane, like other helper murine leukemia virus (MuLV) gag precursors. Pr60gag was not substantially cleaved within the nonproducer cells and was not released from these cells. However, in the presence of helper MuLV proteins, it formed phenotypically mixed particles. In these particles, Pr60gag was only partially cleaved. In helper MuLV-producing cells harboring the defective virus, a gag-related p40 intermediate was generated both intracellularly and extracellularly. In these cells, Pr60gag appeared to behave as a dominant negative mutant, interfering with proper cleavage of helper Pr65gag. Our data indicate that Pr60gag is a major (and possibly the only) gene product of the defective murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome virus and is likely to harbor some determinants of pathogenicity of this virus.