INFLUENCES OF RELATED RETROVIRUSES ON HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES

Abstract

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can lead to profound perturbations of the immune system as well as to clinical disease. In contrast, two related retroviruses, the human lymphotropic virus type IV (HTLV-IV) and the Simian lymphotropic virus type III (STLV-III) have not been associated with clinical disease in their infected hosts. In this study, these viruses were band-purified and disrupted. Protein-rich preparations of these viruses were compared for their influences on functions of B- and T lymphocytes of healthy, HIV-uninfected donors. As described previously, the HIV protein preparation could induce a T-dependent, polyclonal response in B lymphocyte cultures resulting in immunoglobulin secretion. In contrast, the other two viral preparations did not cause either proliferation or differentiation of normal B lymphocytes. Pokeweed mitogeninduced B cell differentiation responses were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner with HIV but not with HTLV-IV or STLV-III. None of the viral preparations induced a blastogenic response in peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures. T lymphoproliferative responses to mitogens, antigens and allo-antigens were inhibited to varying degrees by these viral preparations, with the order of magnitude of inhibition being HIV >HTLV-IV >STLV-III. These findings suggest that there maybe marked differences between these viruses in their capacity for causing immunologic damage.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD