In vitro production of HIV-1 specific antibodies from "at risk" seronegative subjects.
We investigated a group of well characterized seronegative subjects "at risk" for HIV-1 infection including heterosexual partners of HIV-1 infected subjects and intravenous drug abusers. Pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were studied for their ability to produce antibodies against HIV-1 structural proteins in vitro. Viral activity by means of HIV-1 isolation from PBMCs and presence of serum p24 antigen were also tested. In 7/42 cases (16.6%) HIV-1 immunoreactive specific antibodies were found, mostly directed against the envelope proteins (gp 120/160). Remarkably, none of these in vitro antibody producers yielded HIV-1 isolation in cell cultures or had detectable serum levels of p24 antigen.
Quarto
M
M
Institute of Hygiene, University of Bari, Italy.
Fiore
J R
JR
Chironna
M
M
Fontana
A
A
Germinario
C
C
Troiano
T
T
Fico
C
C
Congedo
P
P
Grottola
A
A
Monno
L
L
D015153:Blotting, Western; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24 / Q000097:blood; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000635:transmission; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D008297:Male; D016485:Needle Sharing / Q000009:adverse effects; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens; D012307:Risk Factors; D012747:Sexual Partners
D015483:HIV Antibodies; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens