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HIV-specific immunity following immunization with HIV synthetic envelope peptides in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients.

OBJECTIVE: A phase I trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of an HIV synthetic peptide vaccine in HIV-seropositive individuals. The immunogens used in this study were PCLUS 3-18MN and PCLUS 6.1-18MN envelope peptides. METHODS: Eight HIV-infected patients received six subcutaneous injections of 160 microg PCLUS 3-18MN in Montanide ISA 51 and were followed longitudinally for a year after the first immunization. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were tested for peptide-specific T helper and cytotoxic T cell (CTL) responses, HIV-1MN neutralizing antibodies and antibodies against HIV PCLUS 3 and P18 MN peptides. RESULTS: PCLUS 3-1 8MN-specific T helper responses were significantly increased at 36 weeks (P < 0.05, after adjustment for multiple comparisons) following initial immunization with PCLUS 3-18MN. A P18MN-specific CTL response, not present prior to vaccination, was observed after immunization in one patient. Serum HIV-1 MN-neutralizing antibody titers increased in each of the three patients who had low titers prior to immunization. Plasma HIV RNA levels and CD4 cell counts did not change appreciably during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: This trial demonstrates that both peptides can be safely administered to HIV-infected individuals and that PCLUS 3-18MN induces increases in HIV peptide-specific immune responses.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Immunity to transplantable nitrosourea-induced neurogenic tumors. III. Systemic adoptive transfer of immunity.

The effect of intravenously injected tumor immune spleen cells on growth of 3 X 10(5) gliosarcoma T9 cells injected intradermally (ID) or intracerebrally (IC) into sublethally irradiated CDF rats was evaluated. Spleen cells from donor rats with sufficient immunity to reject 5 X 10(5) T9 cells inhibited the growth of T9 cells mixed with spleen cells in a ratio of 1:25 and injected ID, but could not act after intravenous transfer. However, donor rats which had rejected increasing T9 challenge doses up to 1 X 10(7) cells produced immune spleen cells which, upon IV transfer, could inhibit growth of ID T9 challenge but not of EB-679, an unrelated glioma, in recipient rats. Rejection of IC T9 challenge was also obtained after IV transfer, in recipients of such "hyperimmune" spleen cells, but was less (60% maximum) than that noted after ID T9 challenge (100% maximum). The removal of B cells from the transferred spleen cells did not affect the results, suggesting that the specific immunity was mediated by T cells. We conclude that the special immunological circumstances of tumors growing in the brain renders them less accessible to rejection by systemically transferred immune cells, but it is nevertheless possible to effect a significant incidence of rejection of syngeneic tumor growth in the brain by the intravenous transfer of hyperimmune spleen cells.

Animals↗

Evolution of the innate and adaptive immune systems: relationships between potential immune molecules in the lowest metazoan phylum (Porifera) and those in vertebrates.

Porifera (sponge) form the lowest metazoan phylum and share a common ancestor with other metazoan phyla. In the present study, it is reported that sponges possess molecules that are similar in structure to those molecules involved in the immune system in mammals. Experiments with the marine sponges Geodia cydonium and Suberites domuncula have been performed on tissue (auto- and allografting) as well as on a cellular level. The studies revealed that sponges are provided with elements of the mammalian innate immune system, such as molecules containing scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domains. Furthermore, macrophage-derived cytokine-like molecules have been identified that are up-regulated during the grafting process. In addition, the (2'-5')oligoadenylate synthetase system exists in sponges. "Precursors" of the second type of immune response in mammals, the adaptive immune system, have been traced in sponges. It is shown that the expression of a lymphocyte-derived cytokine from mammals is up-regulated during non-self-recognition in S. domuncula. Finally, in G. cydonium, two classes of receptors that comprise Ig-like domains have been identified: the receptor tyrosine kinases and the non-enzymic sponge adhesion molecules. They contain two polymorphic Ig-like domains that are grouped to the variable set of immunoglobulins. The expression of these molecules is also up-regulated during the grafting process. It is concluded that sponges are already provided with a series of elements used in higher vertebrates for both the innate and the adaptive immune recognition.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗

Transgenerational priming of immunity: maternal exposure to a bacterial antigen enhances offspring humoral immunity.

Young vertebrates have limited capacity to synthesize antibodies and are dependent on the protection of maternally transmitted antibodies for humoral disease resistance early in life. However, mothers may enhance fitness by priming their offspring's immune systems to elevate disease resistance. Transgenerational induced defences have been documented in plants and invertebrates, but maternal priming of offspring immunity in vertebrates has been essentially neglected. To test the ability of mothers to stimulate the immune systems of offspring, we manipulated maternal and offspring antigen exposure in a wild population of birds, pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca). We show that immunization of the mother before egg laying apparently stimulates a transgenerational defence against pathogens by elevating endogenous offspring antibody production. If the disease environments encountered by mothers and offspring are similar, this transgenerational immune priming may allow young to better cope with the local pathogen fauna.

Animals↗

Potential significance of the cellular immune response against the macaque strain of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVMAC) in immunized and infected rhesus macaques.

The cellular immune response of seven rhesus macaques immunized with Tween-ether-treated macaque strain of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVMAC) and three non-vaccinated control animals was investigated. Immunization elicited antigen-specific proliferating CD4+ cells in five of seven monkeys. Proliferating T cells were found in all animals protected from a first virus challenge. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were not induced by the immunization. After the second challenge, the four formerly protected animals became infected, despite a strong proliferative CD4+ cell activity in three of them. All animals lost their proliferative activity 2 weeks after infection. After the first challenge four of the six infected animals exhibited a CTL response and after the second challenge, one of four newly infected macaques acquired a CTL response. The five animals with a CTL activity against SIVMAC proteins were protected from severe thrombocytopenia, which appeared in the five CTL-negative animals after infection. Our data show the induction of proliferative T cells by immunization with soluble SIVMAC antigen. This T cell reactivity was found in all animals protected from the first virus challenge, but did not confer protection from the second challenge. Interestingly, the proliferative T cell reactivity disappeared 2 weeks after virus infection. Furthermore a CTL response against viral proteins seems to protect infected animals from severe thrombocytopenia which is an early sign of AIDS in monkeys.

Animals↗

Coronavirus-induced encephalomyelitis: balance between protection and immune pathology depends on the immunization schedule with spike protein S.

The neurotropic mouse hepatitis virus MHV-JHM induces central nervous system (CNS) demyelination in Lewis rats that pathologically resembles CNS lesions in multiple sclerosis. The mechanisms of MHV-JHM-induced demyelination remain unclear and several studies have implicated the role of the immune response in this process. We have shown previously that protective immunity against MHV-JHM-induced encephalomyelitis was induced by immunization with a vaccinia virus (VV) recombinant expressing MHV-JHM S-protein (VV-S). Here, we present evidence that the time of MHV-JHM challenge after immunization with VV-S plays a critical role in protective immunity. The induction of virus-neutralizing S-protein-specific antibodies prior to the MHV-JHM challenge modulates the disease process and a subacute encephalomyelitis based on a persistent virus infection developed. Typical pathological alterations were lesions of inflammatory demyelination. In addition, the results indicate that after seroconversion, CD8+ T cells were no longer essential for virus elimination in contrast to their role in protection during acute encephalomyelitis.

Animals↗

Immunization with synthetic peptides containing epitopes of the class 1 outer-membrane protein of Neisseria meningitidis: production of bactericidal antibodies on immunization with a cyclic peptide.

The class 1 outer-membrane protein of Neisseria meningitidis is the target for subtype-specific, bactericidal monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The epitopes recognized by these antibodies have been mapped previously to linear peptides corresponding to the sequences thought to be exposed at the apices of surface-exposed loops of the protein. In this work several synthetic peptides containing the subtype Pl.16b epitope have been synthetized with the aim of inducing a polyclonal immune response resembling the reactivity of the mAbs. Initially, peptides of 9 and 15 amino acid residues were synthesized and used for immunization after coupling to a carrier protein. The reactivity of the resulting antisera, with synthetic linear decapeptides, resembled that seen in previous epitope mapping experiments with the protective mAbs. However, despite the induction of antibodies having the desired specificity, the antisera reacted poorly with the native protein in outer membranes, and were non-bactericidal. A 36mer peptide, consisting of the entire surface-exposed loop 4 of the class 1 protein was then synthesized and used for immunization as (i) free peptide, (ii) peptide coupled to carrier and (iii) peptide subjected to cyclization, in an attempt to restrict it to conformations that might more closely resemble the native loop structure. In contrast to antisera raised against linear peptides, antibodies raised by immunization with the 36mer cyclic peptide, did not react with linear peptides recognized by the mAbs, but instead appeared to recognize conformational determinants. This antiserum promoted complement-mediated bactericidal killing of the homologous meningococcal strain, demonstrating the potential of synthetic peptide immunogens for inducing a protective immune response against group B meningococci.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Gut-homing (alpha(4)beta(7)(+)) Th1 memory responses after inactivated poliovirus immunization in poliovirus orally pre-immunized donors.

Mucosal infections are prevented by a specialized local immune system. Immune cells of this compartment can also be found in the blood and are characterized by the expression of mucosa-specific homing molecules. Here, the cellular immune responses after inactivated poliovirus immunization (IPV) in poliovirus orally pre-immunized donors were investigated. Subcutaneous IPV induced a transient increase in the proliferative response against poliovirus antigen and in the number of poliovirus-specific CD4(+) T cells in the blood of the vaccinees. These cells were characterized to be of the effector memory type (CD45RA(-)/CD45RO(+)/CCR7(-)/CD27(+)) and expressed the homing molecule alpha(4)beta(7), indicating their origin from the gut. Together these data show the recurrence of gut-derived poliovirus-specific cells upon IPV and evaluate the whole-blood assay as a powerful tool for monitoring the success of a vaccination.

Administration, Oral↗

Immune interferon produced in vitro as a quantitative indicator of cell-mediated immunity.

The present study was constructed to provide some information on the possibility of utilizing immune interferon as a quantitative indicator of cell-mediated immunity and to clarify some of the nature of immune interferon-producing cells (IIPC). When spleen cells derived from L cell-sensitized mice were co-cultivated with L cells, interferon appeared in the culture fluid. It was shown by additional experiments that the cells responsible for immune interferon production in this system were T-lymphocytes assisted by macrophages. The pattern of kinetics of immune interferon production in vitro was similar to that of migration inhibitory factor or T cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Animals↗

DNA immunization: effects of vehicle and route of administration on the induction of protective antiviral immunity.

The effectiveness of DNA immunization has been demonstrated in several model systems, usually following intramuscular injection of DNA in saline, or topical administration to the skin. In this study we have compared DNA delivered by three routes (intramuscular, intravenous, and intraperitoneal) and, for each route, in two vehicles (cationic liposome complex and pH sensitive liposome). These two lipid vehicles were evaluated because they are frequently used in gene therapy studies, but their immunogenicity has not been extensively studied. Each of these six combinations has been evaluated not only by assay of marker gene expression in a variety of tissues, but also by measurement of biologically-relevant parameters of immunity induction of antibodies, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and protection against viral challenge. By both criteria (marker gene expression and induced immunity), the outcomes vary markedly among the six combinations. The combination leading to maximal marker gene expression (DNA with cationic lipid, administered i.v.) also induces detectable antibodies and CTL, and is the only one of the six combinations to induce immune responses comparable to those seen following i.m. injection of DNA in saline. However, marker gene expression can be detected in other combinations in the absence of induced immunity thus the value of marker gene expression in predicting the protection induced by a microbial antigen is questionable suggesting that, when evaluating various promoter constructs, marker gene expression may not adequately replace the direct measurement of biological outcomes.

Animals↗

Oral immunization of mice with plant-derived fimbrial adhesin FaeG induces systemic and mucosal K88ad enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-specific immune responses.

The importance of adhesins in pathogenicity has resulted in them being useful targets in the defense against bacterial infections. To produce edible vaccines against piglet diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), plants were genetically engineered to produce recombinant fimbrial adhesin FaeG. To evaluate the efficacy of the edible vaccine FaeG in mice, the soluble protein extracts were examined by about 15 microg recombinant FaeG for each oral immunization dose per mouse. After four doses of vaccination, both IgG and IgA antibodies specific to K88ad fimbriae were elicited in serum, and specific IgA antibodies were also evoked in feces of the immunized mice. Moreover, visible K88ad ETEC agglutination by the specific serum from the immunized mice was observed, implying the antibody was highly specific and effective. Results from an in vitro villous-adhesion assay further confirmed that serum antibodies of the immunized mice could inhibit K88ad ETEC from adhering to pig intestinal receptors, further demonstrating the oral immune efficacy of the plant-derived FaeG. This study provides a promising, noninvasive method for vaccinating swine by feeding supplements of transgenic plant. Moreover, the low cost and ease of delivery of this edible ETEC vaccine will facilitate its application in economically disadvantaged regions.

Adhesins, Escherichia coli↗

Cellular immune responses in guinea pigs immunized with cell walls of Histoplasma capsulatum prepared by several different procedures.

Since guinea pigs immunized with water-washed cell walls of Histoplasma capsulatum developed cellular immune responses detectable with cytoplasmic substances, attempts were made to determine whether cytoplasmic contamination of the walls was responsible for the induction of the immune response. Cell walls were treated by several procedures designed to remove possible contamination, namely, extraction with lipid solvents, incubation with proteolytic enzymes, and washing with sodium dodecyl sulfate, and each of the treated preparations was compared with water-washed walls for its ability to induce cellular responses demonstrable with cytoplasmic substances. For comparison, wall glycoprotein was also used as a test antigen. Immune responses were assessed by gross and histological examinations of skin test sites and by assays for the production of migration inhibition factor. A portion of the material inducing the response detectable with cytoplasmic substances was apparently removed or altered by each of the purifying procedures. The cellular immune responses to wall glycoprotein were also altered, however, indicating that more than the mere removal of cytoplasmic substances had occurred. On the basis of the data collected from each of the cellular assays involving wall glycoprotein as the test antigen, the hypothesis is proposed that sodium dodecyl sulfate altered or removed protein from the wall and thus augmented its ability to induce a more intense immediate-type hypersensitivity, whereas incubation with Pronase altered the walls in such a way as to shift the balance toward a more intense delayed-type hypersensitivity. The latter effect was probably due to the removal of carbohydrate from the wall by glucanase or to mannosidase contaminating the Pronase preparation.

Animals↗

Induction of protective immune responses by immunization with linear multiepitope peptides based on conserved sequences from Plasmodium falciparum antigens.

A cysteine-containing peptide motif, EWSPCSVTCG, is found highly conserved in the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) and the thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) of all the Plasmodium species analyzed so far and has been shown to be crucially involved in the sporozoite invasion of hepatocytes. We have recently shown that peptide sequences containing this motif, and also the antibodies raised against the motif, inhibit the merozoite invasion of erythrocytes. However, during natural infection, and upon immunization with recombinant CSP, this motif represents a cryptic epitope. Here we present the results of immunization studies with two linear multiepitopic constructs, a 60-residue (P60) and a 32-residue (P32) peptide, containing the conserved motif sequence. Both the peptides per se generated high levels of specific antibodies in BALB/c mice. P32 was found to be genetically restricted to H-2(d) and H-2(b) haplotypes of mice, whereas P60 was found to be immunogenic in five different strains of mice. The antibody response was predominantly targeted to the otherwise cryptic, conserved motif sequence in P60. Anti-P60 antibodies specifically stained the asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium yoelii in an immunofluorescence assay, recognized a 60- to 65-kDa parasite protein in an immunoblot assay, and blocked P. falciparum merozoite invasion of erythrocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Immunization with P60 also induced significant levels of the cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, and gamma interferon in BALB/c mice. Moreover, >60% of mice immunized with P60 survived a heterologous challenge infection with a lethal strain of P. yoelii. These results indicate that appropriate medium-sized synthetic peptides might prove useful in generating specific immune responses to an otherwise cryptic but critical and putatively protective epitope in an antigen and could form part of a multicomponent malaria vaccine.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cell-mediated immune responses in four-year-old children after primary immunization with acellular pertussis vaccines.

Cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses to Bordetella pertussis antigens (pertussis toxin [PT], pertactin [PRN], and filamentous hemagglutinin [FHA]) were assessed in 48-month-old recipients of acellular pertussis [aP] vaccines (either from Chiron-Biocine [aP-CB] or from SmithKline Beecham [aP-SB]) and compared to CMI responses to the same antigens at 7 months of age, i.e., 1 month after completion of the primary immunization cycle. None of the children enrolled in this study received any booster of pertussis vaccines or was affected by pertussis during the whole follow-up period. Overall, around 75% of 4-year-old children showed a CMI-positive response to at least one B. pertussis antigen, independently of the type of aP vaccine received, and the proportion of CMI responders were at least equal at 48 and 7 months of age. However, longitudinal examination of individual responses showed that from 20 (against PT) to 37% (against FHA) of CMI responders after primary immunization became negative at 48 months of age. This loss was more than compensated for by conversion to positive CMI responses, ranging from 36% against FHA to 69% against PRN, in other children who were CMI negative at 7 months of age. In 60 to 80% of these CMI converters, a lack of decline or even marked elevation of antibody (Ab) titers against B. pertussis antigens also occurred between 20 and 48 months of age. In particular, the frequency of seropositivity to PRN and FHA (but not to PT) was roughly three times higher in CMI converters than in nonconverters. The acquisition of CMI response to B. pertussis antigens in 48-month-old children was not associated with a greater frequency of coughing episodes lasting >/=7 days and was characterized by a prevalent type 1 cytokine profile, with high gamma interferon and low or no production of interleukin-5, reminiscent of cytokine patterns following immunization with whole-cell pertussis vaccine or natural infection. Our data imply that vaccination-induced systemic CMI may wane by 4 years of age but may be acquired or naturally boosted by symptomless or minor clinical infection by B. pertussis. This might explain, at least in part, the persistence of protection against typical pertussis in aP vaccine recipients despite a substantial waning of both Ab and CMI responses induced by the primary immunization.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

Mucosal immune responses and protection against tetanus toxin after intranasal immunization with recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum.

The use of live microorganisms as an antigen delivery system is an effective means to elicit local immune responses and thus represents a promising strategy for mucosal vaccination. In this respect, lactic acid bacteria represent an original and attractive approach, as they are safe organisms that are used as food starters and probiotics. To determine whether an immune response could be elicited by intranasal delivery of recombinant lactobacilli, a Lactobacillus plantarum strain of human origin (NCIMB8826) was selected as the expression host. Cytoplasmic production of the 47-kDa fragment C of tetanus toxin (TTFC) was achieved at different levels depending on the plasmid construct. All recombinant strains proved to be immunogenic by the intranasal route in mice and able to elicit very high systemic immunoglobulin G (IgG1, IgG2b, and IgG2a) responses which correlated to the antigen dose. No significant differences in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay IgG titers were observed when mice were immunized with live or mitomycin C-treated recombinant lactobacilli. Nevertheless, protection against the lethal effect of tetanus toxin was obtained only with the strains producing the highest dose of antigen and was greater following immunization with live bacteria. Significant TTFC-specific mucosal IgA responses were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, and antigen-specific T-cell responses were detected in cervical lymph nodes, both responses being higher in mice receiving a double dose of bacteria (at a 24-h interval) at each administration. These results demonstrate that recombinant lactobacilli can induce specific humoral (protective) and mucosal antibodies and cellular immune response against protective antigens upon nasal administration.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Marked enhancement of the antigen-specific immune response by combining plasmid DNA-based immunization with a Schiff base-forming drug.

Although plasmid DNA (pDNA)-based immunization has proven efficacy, the level of immune responses that is achieved by this route of vaccination is often lower than that induced by traditional vaccines, especially for primates and humans. We report here a simple and potent method to enhance pDNA-based vaccination by using two different plasmids encoding viral or bacterial antigens. This method is based on coadministration of low concentrations of a recently described immunopotentiating, Schiff base-forming drug called tucaresol which has led to significant augmentation of antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Our data suggest that enhancement of the immune response with tucaresol might provide a powerful tool for the further development of pDNA-based immunization for humans.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Mucosal vaccination against serogroup B meningococci: induction of bactericidal antibodies and cellular immunity following intranasal immunization with NadA of Neisseria meningitidis and mutants of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin.

Conjugated polysaccharide vaccines protect against serogroup C meningococci. However, this approach cannot be applied to serogroup B, which is still a major cause of meningitis. We evaluated the immunogenicity of three surface-exposed proteins from serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis (App, NhhA, and NadA) identified during whole-genome sequencing. Mice were immunized intranasally with individual proteins in the presence of wild-type Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LTwt), LTR72, a partially inactivated mutant, or LTK63, a completely nontoxic mutant, as the adjuvant. Each of the meningococcal proteins induced significant cellular responses; NhhA and NadA induced strong antibody responses, but only NadA induced bactericidal antibody when administered intranasally with mucosal adjuvants. In addition, immunoglobulin A and bactericidal antibodies were detected in the respiratory tract following intranasal delivery of NadA. Analysis of antigen-specific cytokine production by T cells from immunized mice revealed that intranasal immunization with NadA alone failed to generate detectable cellular immune responses. In contrast, LTK63, LTR72, and LTwt significantly augmented NadA-specific gamma interferon, interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-10 production by spleen and lymph node cells, suggesting that both Th1 and Th2 cells were induced in vivo. The strongest cellular responses and highest bactericidal antibody titers were generated with LTR72 as the adjuvant. These findings demonstrate that the quality and magnitude of the immune responses generated by mucosal vaccines are influenced by the antigen as well as the adjuvant and suggest that nasal delivery of NadA with mucosal adjuvants has considerable potential in the development of a mucosal vaccine against serogroup B meningococci.

Animals↗

Protective cellular retroviral immunity requires both CD4+ and CD8+ immune T cells.

We have found previously that postexposure chemoprophylaxis with 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (also known as zidovudine or AZT) in combination with recombinant human alpha A/D interferon fully protected mice exposed to a lethal dose of Rauscher murine leukemia virus (RLV) against viremia and disease. After cessation of therapy, over 90% of these mice were able to resist rechallenge with live RLV, thus demonstrating an acquired immunity. Adoptive cell transfer of 4 x 10(7) cells from immunized mice fully protected naive recipients from viremia and splenomegaly after RLV challenge. However, when these immune T cells were fractionated into CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations, only partial protection was found when 4 x 10(7) T cells of either subset were given. Full protection against RLV challenge was seen again when the T-cell subsets from immunized mice were recombined and transferred at the same number into naive mice. We conclude that cellular immunity alone is protective and that both CD4+ and CD8+ cell types are required for conferring full protection against live virus challenge.

Animals↗