HIV-1 matrix protein p17 enhances the proliferative activity of natural killer cells and increases their ability to secrete proinflammatory cytokines

Marco Vitale; Arnaldo Caruso; Maria Antonia De Francesco; Luigi Rodella; Luisa Bozzo; Emirena Garrafa; Manuela Grassi; Giuliana Gobbi; Antonio Cacchioli; Simona Fiorentini

doi:10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04053.x

HIV-1 matrix protein p17 enhances the proliferative activity of natural killer cells and increases their ability to secrete proinflammatory cytokines

Br J Haematol. 2003 Jan;120(2):337-43. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04053.x.

Authors

Marco Vitale¹, Arnaldo Caruso, Maria Antonia De Francesco, Luigi Rodella, Luisa Bozzo, Emirena Garrafa, Manuela Grassi, Giuliana Gobbi, Antonio Cacchioli, Simona Fiorentini

Affiliation

¹ Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Italy.

PMID: 12542496
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04053.x

Abstract

We investigated the effects of human immunodeficiency type-1 virus (HIV-1) matrix protein p17 on freshly isolated and purified human natural killer (NK) cells. HIV-1 p17 increased the cytokines interleukin (IL) 2, IL-12 and IL-15, and induced natural killer cell proliferation, but not cytotoxicity. This effect was specific because it was abrogated by anti-p17 monoclonal antibody. Moreover, HIV-1 p17 enhanced the cytokine-induced production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma by NK cells. IL-4 downregulated IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha secretion in IL-2- and IL-15-treated NK cells. HIV-1 p17 restored the ability of NK cells to produce both cytokines when added to the cultures simultaneously with IL-4. The property of p17 to increase the production of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma might be a mechanism used by HIV-1 to modulate the immune system to support its replication and spreading.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
Cell Division / drug effects
Cells, Cultured
Cytokines / metabolism*
Gene Products, gag / immunology
Gene Products, gag / pharmacology*
HIV Antigens / immunology
HIV Antigens / pharmacology*
Humans
Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
Interleukin-12 / metabolism
Interleukin-12 / pharmacology
Interleukin-15 / metabolism
Interleukin-15 / pharmacology
Interleukin-2 / metabolism
Interleukin-2 / pharmacology
Interleukin-4 / pharmacology
Killer Cells, Natural / drug effects
Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism*
Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
Stimulation, Chemical
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / biosynthesis
Viral Proteins*
gag Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Substances

Antibodies, Monoclonal
Cytokines
Gene Products, gag
HIV Antigens
Interleukin-15
Interleukin-2
Recombinant Proteins
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
Viral Proteins
gag Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
p17 protein, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
Interleukin-12
Interleukin-4
Interferon-gamma