Systemic mobilization of antigen presenting cells, with a chimeric Flt-3 and G-CSF receptor agonist, during immunization of Macaca mulatta with HIV-1 antigens is insufficient to modulate immune responses or vaccine efficacy

Vaccine. 2005 Jul 21;23(33):4195-202. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2005.04.008.

Abstract

In order to improve the efficacy of current vaccine candidates against HIV/AIDS, we sought to strengthen the induction of immune responses via simultaneous in vivo mobilization of dendritic cells using a chimeric Flt-3 and G-CSF receptor agonists (ProGP). We investigated ProGP treatment in combination with two DNA immunizations encoding HIV-Env89.6, SIV-Gag proteins to increase the priming of immune responses. Administration of this Flt-3/G-CSF chimera elicited marked increases in numbers of both plasmacytoid and myeloid dendritic cells. However, there was no increase seen in T-cell responses either directly following the DNA immunization or after further boosting with MVA vectors expressing HIV-Env89.6p, SIV-Gag. After challenge with SHIV89.6p all animals became infected and no differences were seen between the ProGP treated versus the control group with regard to plasma virus load or CD4 T-cell count. We conclude that besides mobilization of dendritic cells additional stimuli to induce dendritic cell maturation may be needed for avid boosting of antigen specific immune activation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • AIDS Vaccines / genetics
  • AIDS Vaccines / immunology
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells
  • Dendritic Cells / drug effects
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • HIV Antigens / administration & dosage*
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV-1 / chemistry
  • HIV-1 / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity / drug effects*
  • Immunization
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / agonists*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / immunology
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / immunology
  • Receptors, Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / agonists*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / immunology*
  • fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3

Substances

  • AIDS Vaccines
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • HIV Antigens
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Receptors, Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • FLT3 protein, human
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3