Distinct IgG recognition patterns during progression of subclinical and clinical infection with lymphadenopathy associated virus/human T lymphotropic virus.

Abstract

Longitudinal IgG recognition patterns of viral proteins were studied in 15 men who had seroconverted for lymphadenopathy associated virus/human T lymphotropic virus (LAV/HTLV-II). Antibodies to the major viral core protein p24, which is a cleavage product ofthe gag gene encoded precursorprotein pr55, appeared first. These were soon followed by antibodies to pr65 and more gradually by antibodies to the other gag gene encoded cleavage product p18, the env gene encoded transmembrane glycoprotein gp4l, the env gene encoded glycoproteins gp65 and gpllO, and the putative pol gene product p33.In 13 subjects who remained healthy the reactivity to the differept proteins increased or stabilised with time, while in two men who developed acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIIDS) the reactivity, most noticeably to gag encoded proteins, diminished before or at the-onset of symptoms.

Human immunodeficiency virus contains an epitope immunoreactive with thymosin alpha 1 and the 30-amino acid synthetic p17 group-specific antigen peptide HGP-30.

“…Thus, the immunization status of the animal should be assessed against the viral antigens (rather than the immunogen) since neutralization can occur via interaction of the antibodies with the viral core proteins (24,25). The observation that antibodies to the gag proteins (p17 and p24) present in human sera from AIDS virus-infected individuals arise very early after their infection and decline as the individuals proceed toward AIDS points to an important role of gag antibodies in protecting individuals against virus infection and from progression ofthe disease (26)(27)(28). Since a monoclonal antibody to p17 binds to HGP-30, the synthetic peptide could be used diagnostically in measuring specific p17 antibodies in serum by simple ELISA technique rather than by immunoblotting procedures.…”

Risk of AIDS related complex and AIDS in homosexual men with persistent HIV antigenaemia.

“…Seropositivity was confirmed by immunoblotting, as described. 16 Serum samples were assayed for HIV antigen in a solid phase immuno- The solid phase immunoassay is especially sensitive for the core antigen of HIV, detecting antigen in culture supernatant of 103 cells/l of HIV infected HT-9 cells (uninfected HT-9 cell supernatant is negative). The specificity of the assay is determined in part by the rabbit antibody, which when used on Western blots of purified HIV lysate or in radioimmunoprecipitation procedures detects p55/24 (core) strongly and gpl20/41 (env) only faintly.…”

Development and Validation of an Immunoassay for Identification of Recent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infections and Its Use on Dried Serum Spots

“…It is therefore necessary to develop and to validate simple immunoassays that can continuously be used independent of any commercial source. The knowledge of the anti-HIV type 1 (anti-HIV-1) antibody response (5,8,20,38) and recent studies aimed at identifying antigens to distinguish recent infections (27, 30) allowed us to design a candidate assay to assess persons with recent infection. We report the development and the validation of this assay for the identification of recent HIV-1 infections (EIA-RI) and its application to dried blood spots.…”