DNA vaccination as anti-human immunodeficiency virus immunotherapy in infected chimpanzees

J Infect Dis. 1997 Dec;176(6):1501-9. doi: 10.1086/514148.

Abstract

The role of the immune response in controlling human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication is controversial. Immunotherapeutic strategies that have the ability to broaden immune responses might play a role in slowing disease progression. DNA immunization was studied as immunotherapy in infected chimpanzees. Two HIV-1-infected chimpanzees were vaccinated with DNA plasmid vaccines, one with plasmid pCMN160, which expresses the envelope glycoprotein of HIV-1MN and rev, and the other with a control plasmid. The chimpanzee immunized with pCMN160 demonstrated enhanced humoral responses. Virus load was monitored. Virus load in the chimpanzee receiving pCMN160 decreased at week 20 and has remained at background levels. The control chimpanzee was subsequently vaccinated with pCMN160. After immunization, the antibody responses increased and, as in the first animal, the virus load decreased. These results indicate the potential of the immune response to have a direct impact on HIV-1 replication in chimpanzees.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • CD28 Antigens / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Coculture Techniques
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Gene Products, rev / genetics*
  • Gene Products, rev / immunology
  • HIV Antibodies / blood
  • HIV Antibodies / immunology
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp160 / genetics*
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp160 / immunology
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / therapy*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV-1* / physiology
  • Immunotherapy, Active
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / virology
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Pan troglodytes
  • Peptides / genetics
  • Peptides / immunology
  • Plasmids
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
  • Vaccines, DNA / administration & dosage
  • Vaccines, DNA / therapeutic use*
  • Viral Load
  • rev Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Substances

  • CD28 Antigens
  • DNA, Viral
  • Gene Products, rev
  • HIV Antibodies
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp160
  • Peptides
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Vaccines, DNA
  • rev Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus