STUDY OF THE ADJUVANT ACTIVITY OF NEW MDP DERIVATIVES AND PURIFIED SAPONINS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON HIV-1 REPLICATION IN-VITRO

Muramyl dipeptide (MDP), eight new lipophilic MDP derivatives (MDPs) a nd three purified saponins were evaluated for their ability to induce imnnune responses in mice immunized with HIV-1 envelope protein rgp160 and for their ability to influence the HlV-1 replication in vitro. Th ree of nine Mew synthetic MDP derivatives (beta-butyl-MDP, MTPO-26 and beta-cholesteryl-MDP) and one saponin (Taurosid I) have been shown to induce Strong humoral immune responses to HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein s rgp160 and rgy120. Three substances (beta-butyl-MDP, MDP-cholyl and beta-G27-MDP) induced high levels of T-cell stimulation to HIV-1 rgp16 0. beta-butyl-MDP induced the strongest B- and T-cell responses to HIV -1 glycoproteins. Two substances (beta-butyl-MDP and Taurosid I) did n ot induce an enhancement of HIV-1 replication in vitro and can be cons idered as promising adjuvants. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.