HIV-1-specific T Cell-dependent natural killer (NK) cell activation: major contribution by NK cells to interferon-gamma production in response to HIV-1 antigens

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2009 Jun;25(6):603-5. doi: 10.1089/aid.2008.0165.

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells can directly recognize virus-infected cells. Here, we demonstrate that NK cells also produce interferon (IFN)-gamma in an HIV-1-specific, T cell-dependent manner. After stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HIV-1-infected individuals with HIV-1-derived peptides, up to half of the IFN-gamma-producing PBMCs are NK cells. These results indicate that T cell-dependent NK cell IFN-gamma production can be important for immune control of HIV-1, and have implications for the interpretation of data from vaccine trials using ELISPOT and ELISA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • HIV Antigens / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV-1 / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • HIV Antigens
  • Interferon-gamma