HIV infection is associated with the spontaneous production of interleukin-1 (IL-1) in vivo and with an abnormal release of IL-1 alpha in vitro.
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is not constitutively produced by normal human monocytes. We have investigated the production of cell-associated IL-1 in uncultured unstimulated adherent monocytes from HIV-infected patients, which reflects ongoing generation of IL-1 by the cells in vivo. High levels of cell-associated IL-1 activity and of cell-associated IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta antigens were found in monocytes from HIV-infected patients as compared with those found in monocytes from normal individuals. Amounts of cell-associated IL-1 were high in patients with AIDS and in patients from Centers for Disease Control groups II and III. Serum-free culture for 24 h of monocytes from HIV-infected individuals in the absence of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) resulted in spontaneous release of IL-1 activity from the cells whereas no release occurred upon culture of normal cells. Stimulation of monocytes with LPS induced the release of IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta from cells of infected patients. Only IL-1 beta was released from cells of normal individuals. Thus, circulating monocytes from HIV-infected patients are triggered to produce IL-1 in vivo. The present study also indicates that HIV infection is associated with an acquired defect in the intracellular processes regulating IL-1 secretion.
Weiss
L
L
INSERM U28, Hôpital Broussais, Paris, France.
Haeffner-Cavaillon
N
N
Laude
M
M
Gilquin
J
J
Kazatchkine
M D
MD
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000378:metabolism; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D009000:Monocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D007375:Interleukin-1; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides