HIV-1 reverse transcriptase is a target for cytotoxic T lymphocytes in infected individuals.
Characterization of the host immune response to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is critical to the rational design of an effective AIDS vaccine. In this study, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) specific for HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RNA-dependent DNA polymerase) were found in blood samples from HIV-1-infected individuals. CTL targets were prepared by immortalizing B cells from ten seropositive and six seronegative individuals, and then infecting these cells with recombinant vaccinia viruses containing HIV-1 genes. CTL directed against autologous B lymphoblasts expressing HIV-1 reverse transcriptase were detected in fresh blood samples from eight HIV-1 seropositive subjects, but in no seronegative controls. The effector cells were identified as major histocompatibility complex-restricted CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes. Because the HIV-1 pol gene is highly conserved among different isolates and generates both humoral and cellular immune responses, it bears consideration for inclusion in a candidate AIDS vaccine.
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006678:HIV / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000276:immunology*; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D014616:Vaccinia virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000276:immunology
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D006680:HLA Antigens; D014765:Viral Vaccines; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase