Short communication: Anti-HIV-1 envelope immunoglobulin Gs in blood and cervicovaginal samples of Beninese commercial sex workers

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2014 Nov;30(11):1145-9. doi: 10.1089/aid.2014.0163.

Abstract

Characterization of the immune correlates of protection against HIV infection is crucial for the development of preventive strategies. This study examined HIV-1 envelope (Env) glycoproteins, specifically immunoglobulin G (IgG), in systemic and mucosal compartments of female Beninese commercial sex workers (CSWs). Samples of 23 HIV-1-positive and 20 highly exposed HIV-1-seronegative (HESN) CSWs were studied. HIV-1 Env-specific IgG detection in sera and cervicovaginal lavages (CVLs) from the study population was done by cell-based ELISA. The HIV neutralizing activity was evaluated with a neutralization assay. The HIV-1-specific antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) response of the cohort was measured with a FACS-based assay evaluating the ADCC-mediated elimination of gp120-coated target cells. No anti-HIV-1 Env-specific IgG neutralizing or ADCC activities were detected in samples from HESN CSWs. Samples from HIV-1-infected CSWs presented ADCC activity in both sera and CVLs. Anti-Env IgG from sera and CVLs from HIV-1-infected CSWs preferentially recognized Env in its CD4-bound conformation. HIV-1-infected CSWs have ADCC-mediating IgG that preferentially recognizes Env in its CD4-bound conformation at the mucosal site.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity
  • Benin
  • Bodily Secretions / immunology*
  • Communication
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Genitalia, Female / immunology*
  • HIV Antibodies / analysis*
  • HIV Antibodies / blood*
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV-1 / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Neutralization Tests
  • Sex Work
  • Sex Workers*
  • Vaginal Douching
  • Young Adult
  • env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / immunology

Substances

  • HIV Antibodies
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulins
  • env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus