Effect of Saquinavir on proliferation and telomerase activity of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

The present study describes the effect of Saquinavir on proliferation, inte rferon-gamma production and telomerase activity of non-stimulated, or activ ated non-adherent mononuclear cells (NAMNC), obtained from peripheral blood of healthy donors. Fresh NAMNC, non-stimulated or activated in vitro with PHA or with a mixture of monoclonal antibodies against CD3 and against CD28 membrane antigens (in order to obtain prevalent T cell responses), were ex posed to Saquinavir before or at the time of mitogenic stimulation. Control and treated cells were tested for DNA synthesis (H-3-thymidine incorporati on), interferon-gamma production and telomerase activity (TRAP assay). The results indicate that Saquinavir is able to increase proliferation and inte rferon-gamma release in PHA-stimulated NAMNC, and telomerase activity eithe r in non-stimulated and in PHA or antibody-activated cells. These results s uggest that the activity against HIV infection afforded by Saquinavir, coul d be corroborated by its effects on the host. These include its adjuvant ac tivity on mitogen-induced responses of lymphocytes, and its possible antago nistic effects against lymphoid cell senescence, through telomerase activat ion. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.