Complement-dependent cytotoxicity of antibodies reactive with HIV-induced cell surface antigens in HIV-carrying haemophiliacs

Sera obtained from HIV-infected as well as uninfected haemophiliacs and from healthy subjects were investigated for the presence of lymphocytotoxic antibodies. Using the 51Cr-release test, HIV-infected haemophiliacs were found to produce serum antibodies exerting complement-dependent cytotoxic effect on HIV-infected T4 cells. The antibodies were reactive mainly when HIV-infected target cells were stimulated with concanavalin-A. Results of complement-dependent antibody cytotoxicity and indirect membrane immunofluorescence tests suggest that envelope antigen(s) of HIV may be the target(s) for cytotoxic antibodies.