Antibody-enhanced infection by HIV-1 via Fc receptor-mediated entry

Science. 1988 Oct 28;242(4878):580-3. doi: 10.1126/science.2972065.

Abstract

Monocytes and macrophages, which may play a central role in the pathogenesis of infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), express the CD4 molecule and Fc receptors (FcR) for immunoglobulin G (IgG). To explore the possibility that FcR mediate HIV-1 infection of monocytes, studies were conducted with the human monocytic cell line U937. These cells were exposed to HIV-1 complexed with various concentrations of serum from HIV-1 antibody-positive individuals and monitored for HIV-1 replication. Serum samples from antibody-negative normal individuals did not affect virus yields. High concentrations of antibody-positive sera showed virus-neutralizing activity; however, cells infected with HIV-1 in the presence of antibody-positive sera at subneutralizing concentrations significantly enhanced virus replication. This infection enhancement was blocked by heat-aggregated gamma-globulin. Moreover, the IgG fraction from an HIV-1 antibody-positive serum enhanced HIV-1 infection at the same serum dilution equivalents. In contrast, IgG-F(ab')2 did not enhance HIV-1 infection but showed neutralizing activity with HIV-1. These results are compatible with the concept of FcR-mediated infection enhancement and suggest that this immunological response to HIV-1, instead of protecting the host, potentially facilitates the infection.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / microbiology*
  • Antigen-Antibody Complex
  • Antigens, Differentiation / physiology*
  • Cell Line
  • HIV Antibodies / immunology*
  • HIV-1 / immunology
  • HIV-1 / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Monocytes / microbiology*
  • Receptors, Fc / physiology*
  • Receptors, IgG

Substances

  • Antigen-Antibody Complex
  • Antigens, Differentiation
  • HIV Antibodies
  • Receptors, Fc
  • Receptors, IgG