NASAL IMMUNIZATION OF NONHUMAN-PRIMATES WITH SIMIAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS P55(GAG) AND CHOLERA-TOXIN ADJUVANT INDUCES TH1 TH2 HELP FOR VIRUS-SPECIFIC IMMUNE-RESPONSES IN REPRODUCTIVE TISSUE/

Female rhesus macaques were nasally immunized with p55(gag) (p55) Of S N and cholera toxin as a mucosal adjuvant, Nasal immunization induced Ag-specific IgA and IgG Abs in mucosal secretions (e.g., cervicovagina l secretions, rectal washes, and saliva) and serum, Furthermore, high numbers of p55-specific IgA and IgG Ah-forming cells mere induced in m ucosal effector sites, i.e., uterine cervix, intestinal lamina propria , and nasal passage. p55-specific CD4(+) T cells in both systemic and mucosal compartments expressed IFN-gamma and IL-2 (Th1-type)- as well as IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10 (Th2-type)-specific mRNA, Moreover, p55-speci fic CTL activity was demonstrated in lymphocytes from blood, tonsils, and other lymphoid tissues. These results show that nasal immunization with SIV p55 with cholera toxin elicits both Th1- and selective Th2-t ype cytokine responses associated with the induction of SIV-specific m ucosal and serum Abs, and CTL activity. These results offer a promise for the development of protective mucosal immunity to SIV.