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Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 TAT protein activates B lymphocytes
1Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 44 Binney Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA. meihua@mbcrr.harvard.edu
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|August 18, 1997
Summary
HIV-1 Tat protein activates B cells, increasing Fas expression. This suggests Tat contributes to B cell hyperactivation in early HIV-1 infection and Fas-mediated cell death later on.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- HIV-1 infection is associated with B cell hyperactivation.
- The HIV-1 Tat protein is a viral transactivator with pleiotropic effects on cellular functions.
- Tat can be released from infected cells and affect bystander cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of HIV-1 Tat protein to activate B cells.
- To examine the effect of purified Tat on Fas expression in B cells.
Main Methods:
- Primary culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
- Treatment with purified HIV-1 Tat protein.
- Flow cytometry to analyze Fas expression on B cells.
- Reverse transcriptase-PCR to assess Fas mRNA levels.
Main Results:
- Tat treatment up-regulated Fas expression on B cells at both protein and mRNA levels.
- These effects were observed at Tat concentrations found in vivo.
- Exogenous Tat alone demonstrated B cell activating capabilities.
Conclusions:
- HIV-1 Tat protein can directly activate B cells.
- Tat may play a role in B cell hyperactivation during early HIV-1 infection.
- Tat-induced Fas expression could contribute to activation-induced B cell death in later stages of HIV-1 infection.