Dysregulation of the IgE/Fc epsilon RI network in HIV-1 infection

Serum IgE levels are increased in adults and children with HIV-1 infection and could be a marker of poor prognosis. Allergic reactions and adverse reactions to drugs are also increased in HIV-1-infected individuals. An imbalance between a T(H)1-like and a T(H)2-like cytokine profile has been documented in HIV-1 infection. We have found that HIV-1 gp120 from different clades is a potent stimulus for histamine and cytokine (IL-4 and IL-13) release from basophils. Gp120 acts as a viral superantigen, interacting with the V(H)3 region of IgE to induce mediator release from human Fc epsilon RI(+) cells. Human basophils and mast cells express the chemokine receptor CCR3, which binds the chemokines eotaxin and RANTES. By interacting with the CCR3 receptor on Fc epsilon RI(+) cells, HIV-1 Tat protein is a potent chemoattractant for human basophils and lung mast cells. Tat protein also induced IL-4 and IL-13 release from basophils. Preincubation of basophils with Tat protein upregulated the surface expression of the CCR3 receptor. Extracellular Tat can influence the directional migration of human Fc epsilon RI(+) cells, the expression of chemokine receptor CCR3, and the release of T(H)2 cytokines. Because Tat protein is actively released by HIV-1-infected cells, our results indicate a novel mechanism by which Fc epsilon RI(+) cells are rendered more susceptible to infection with CCR3-tropic HIV-1 isolates; that is, two HIV-1 proteins, gp120 and Tat, trigger the release of cytokines critical for T(H)2 polarization from Fc epsilon RI(+) cells, and Tat upregulates beta-chemokine receptor CCR3 on these cells.