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Human eosinophils express CD4 protein and bind human immunodeficiency virus 1 gp120
D R Lucey1, D I Dorsky, A Nicholson-Weller
1Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Human eosinophils express CD4, a molecule crucial for T cell function and HIV entry. This finding suggests eosinophils may play a role in immune responses and HIV susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The CD4 glycoprotein is a key molecule on T lymphocytes and monocytes, essential for T cell function and serving as a receptor for HIV.
- Human eosinophils, a type of granulocyte, have been identified as expressing CD4.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and functional relevance of CD4 on human eosinophils.
- To determine if eosinophil-expressed CD4 can bind HIV-1.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry using anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) on eosinophils from normal and eosinophilic donors.
- Immunoprecipitation to identify the CD4 polypeptide synthesized by eosinophils.
- Binding assays using HIV-1 gp120 to assess interaction with eosinophil CD4.
Main Results:
- CD4 was detected on eosinophils from both normal and eosinophilic individuals.
- Eosinophils synthesize a 55-kD CD4 polypeptide.
- Eosinophil CD4 specifically bound HIV-1 gp120, indicating functional interaction.
Conclusions:
- Human eosinophils express functional CD4 molecules.
- Eosinophil CD4 expression may influence their role in immune responses, particularly in parasitic infections.
- Eosinophils expressing CD4 could be susceptible to HIV infection.