INHIBITION OF IN-VITRO HIV-INFECTION BY TRINITROPHENYL-PROTEIN CONJUGATES

Levels of natural antibodies (NAb) with high anti-trinitrophenyl (TNP) activity are increased during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infe ction. The aim of the present study was to examine the anti-HIV effect of natural anti-TNP antibodies, as well as that of their internal ima ge, TNP antigen, on HIV infection in vitro. The results obtained with anti-TNP antibodies, as assessed by syncytia formation, were variable, although they demonstrated an inhibitory effect. In contrast, using R T activity assay plus evaluation of syncytia formation and the viral c ytopathic effect, we found that bovine serum albumin (BSA) bearing dif ferent TNP groups was able to inhibit HIV infection of peripheral mono nuclear cells and T4 cell lines without affecting cell metabolism or p roliferation. BSA alone was devoid of activity; the antiviral effect d epended on: TNP substitution of the BSA molecule, and passage through an anti-TNP immunoadsorbent abolished this effect. The mechanism by wh ich TNP exerts this antiviral effect is unclear. Antigenic epitopes ma y be shared by HIV and TNP, since monoclonal antibodies directed again st various HIV proteins reacted with TNP in an enzyme immunoassay. TNP -BSA, however, did not bind to the CD4 receptor.