Brief Report

Abstract

Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that HIV-1 discordant couples who share HLA-B alleles were more likely to transmit HIV-1. These data lead us to hypothesize that individuals who match at both HLA-B alleles should have a reduced allogeneic response than those who are not matched. We observed diminished killing of CD4+ target cells only when HLA-B alleles were matched. We propose that for cell-associated HIV-1 transmission the ability of the recipient to eliminate infected cells from a donor partner may be enhanced when HLA-B alleles are different between partners. These findings suggest a novel mechanism for protection against HIV infection.

Development of a human leukocyte antigen-based HIV vaccine

“…These in vivo allogeneic stimulated CD4 + T cells also showed a dose-dependent decrease in HIV/SIV infectivity in vitro 18 , 19 . In addition to producing anti-HIV soluble factors, allogeneic CD8 + T-cell responses were reported to be able to kill incoming infected CD4 + cells which may carry viral antigen-associated HLA class I molecules and therefore may play a complementary role in reducing cell-associated transmission 20 . It is interesting to note that only HLA-B-mediated allogeneic cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses can lead to significant cell killing 20 .…”

“…In addition to producing anti-HIV soluble factors, allogeneic CD8 + T-cell responses were reported to be able to kill incoming infected CD4 + cells which may carry viral antigen-associated HLA class I molecules and therefore may play a complementary role in reducing cell-associated transmission 20 . It is interesting to note that only HLA-B-mediated allogeneic cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses can lead to significant cell killing 20 . The reason for this is not clear; it may be because of higher precursor frequency against HLA-B alleles than HLA-A alleles observed in the human population 21 , 22 .…”