HIV-1 infects and alters immune function of a monocyte subset expressing low CD14 surface phenotype.
Monocytes represent a leukocyte subset that express high levels of CD14 on their surface (CD14-high). These cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. In the present study, we have identified a monocyte subset expressing an extremely low level of CD14 (CD14-low), and examined their susceptibility to HIV-1 infection. Phenotypic analysis by flow cytometry of these cells revealed a low level of CD4, but the absence of CD3, CD14, CD19, and CD83 surface markers. Both CD14-low and CD14-high cell populations expressed CD13 and CD33 markers on their surface, suggesting these cells to be of myeloid origin. Morphologically, CD14-low cells were indistinguishable from CD14-high cells. CD14-low cells were susceptible to infection with a monocytotropic strain of HIV-1 (HIVADA). However, like CD14-high monocytes, CD14-low cells could not be productively infected with a T cell tropic strain of HIV-1 (H9/HTLV(IIIB)). Similar to CD14-high monocytes, CD14-low cells were capable of inducing antigen-stimulated CD4+ T-cell proliferation. HIV-1 infection substantially reduced their ability to induce antigen-stimulated T-cell proliferation. These data indicate that CD14-low cells belong to the monocyte lineage and may play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of HIV-1 infection.
Hardegen
N J
NJ
Immunopathology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Toro
L A
LA
Muller
J
J
Wahl
L M
LM
Hewlett
I K
IK
Dhawan
S
S
D017951:Antigen Presentation; D015703:Antigens, CD; D018826:CD13 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000378:metabolism; D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors / Q000378:metabolism*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009000:Monocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure / Q000821:virology; D000097802:CD83 Antigen
D015703:Antigens, CD; D018826:CD13 Antigens; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D000097802:CD83 Antigen