WO1999032138A1

WO1999032138A1 - Method for reducing susceptibility to hiv infection

Info

Publication number: WO1999032138A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/027005
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elaine K. Thomas
Original assignee: Immunex Corporation
Priority date: 1997-12-19
Filing date: 1998-12-18
Publication date: 1999-07-01
Also published as: AU2004199A; EP1059932A1; IL136731A0; JP2001526241A; CA2313805A1

Abstract

There is disclosed a method of reducing susceptibility of cells to infection by a retrovirus, comprising contacting the cells with an amount of a CD40 binding protein effective to reduce the expression of the chemokine receptor CCR5, and/or induce a post-entry block of the replication of the retrovirus. The method is useful in treating individuals infected with, or at risk of being infected with, HIV. CD40 binding proteins include CD40 ligand, monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind CD40, and combinations thereof. CD40 binding proteins may also be used in combination with other cytokines, including GM-CSF, IL-2 and IL-15.

Description

TITLE

METHOD FOR REDUCING SUSCEPTIBILITY TO HIV INFECTION

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of reducing the susceptibility of a cell to infection by human immunodeficiency vims (HIV), comprising contacting the cell with an effective amount of a biologically active CD40 binding protein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The cluster of differentiation antigen CD4 was originally identified as a receptor used by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in binding to cells (Dalgleish et al., Nature 312:763; 1984). Subsequent to that time, it became clear that additional molecules, referred to as co-receptors, were necessary for viral entry into cells (Maddon et al., Cell 47:333; 1986). Eventually, it became clear that certain chemokine receptors could act as co-receptors for H . IV. Among these is CCR5, a chemokine receptor that binds MlPlα, MlPlβ and RANTES. A CCR5 antagonist that is an analog of the chemoldne RANTES has been shown to block HIV infection, and may be useful in preventing HIV infection (Simmons et al., Science 276:276; 1997).

CD40L is a type ϋ membrane polypeptide having an extracellular region at its C- terminus, a transmembrane region and an intracellular region at its N-terminus. Soluble CD40L comprises an extracellular region of CD40L (amino acid 47 to amino acid 261 of human CD40L) or a fragment thereof. CD40L biological activity is mediated by binding of the extracellular region of CD40L with CD40, and includes B cell proliferation and induction of antibody secretion (including IgE secretion). Soluble, oligomeric CD40L has been shown to induce production of the chemoldnes .MfP-lα, MIP-lβ and R.ANTES from monocytes/macrophages.

Accordingly, CD40L (and other CD40-binding proteins that bind CD40 and trigger secretion of these chemoldnes) may act to reduce the susceptibility of cells to fflV infection by stimulating the production of chemoldnes that bind to CCR5, and thereby prevent HIV from using the CCR5 as a co-receptor. However, prior to the instant invention, it was not known that CD40 binding proteins such as CD40L could down regulate CCR5 expression, and render macrophages not permissive for HIV infection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A recombinant, soluble form of CD40L causes monocytes to down-regulate surface expression of CCR5, and induces expression of the chemokines MlP-lα, MCP-lβ and RANTES. CD40L-stimulated monocyte-derived macrophages are not permissive for HIV-1 infection, possibly to down regulation of CCR5, and/or a post-entry block of viral replication. Blood monocytes contacted with CD40L are less likely to become infected with macrophage-tropic virus and may protect bystander cells by producing chemokines that antagonize macrophage-tropic HTV-1 replication in monocytes as well as T cells.

The present invention relates to a method of reducing the susceptibility of a cell to HIV infection, comprising contacting the cell with an amount of a CD40 binding protein effective to down-regulate CCR5 expression by the cell, or to render the cell non- permissive for HIV infection. CD40 binding proteins are pharmaceutical compositions capable of binding CD40 and transducing a biological signal. CD40 binding proteins are selected from the group consisting of CD40 ligand, monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind CD40, and combinations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 presents results that indicate that CD40L, alone or in combination with GM-CSF, induces production of various chemokines by monocytes.

Figure 2 presents results that indicate that CD40L inhibits the replication of a JRFL pseudotyped retrovirus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of reducing the susceptibility of a cell to

HIV infection, comprising contacting the cell with a CD40 binding protein that is capable of binding CD40 and transmitting a biological signal to a CD40-expressing cell. The binding of the CD40 binding protein causes the down-regulation of CCR5, a chemokine receptor, which decreases the amount of CCR5 available to act as a co-receptor for HIV enti-y into the cell. Alternatively, or in addition to this effect, CD40 binding proteins may cause a post-entry block of HIV replication. CD40 binding proteins will also stimulate the cells to secrete chemoldnes, which may protect bystander cells from HIV infection by antagonizing the use of chemokine receptors as viral co-receptors. The findings described herein also provide data to enable a method of reducing the susceptibility of an individual to HIV infection, by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a substance with CD40 binding protein activity to the individual.

CD40 Human CD40 antigen (CD40) is a peptide of 277 amino acids having a molecular weight of 30,600 (Stamenkovic et al., EMBO J. 8:1403, 1989). A cDNA encoding human CD40 was isolated from a cDNA library prepared from Burkitt lymphoma cell line Raji. The putative protein encoded by the CD40 cDNA contains a putative leader sequence, trans-membrane domain and a number of other features common to membrane- bound receptor proteins. CD40 has been found to be expressed on B lymphocytes, epithelial cells and some carcinoma cell lines.

CD40 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)/ne.rve growth factor (NGF) receptor family, which is defined by the presence of cysteine-rich motifs in the extracellular region (Smith et al., Science 248:1019, 1990; Mallett and Barclay, Immunology Today 12:220; 1991). This family includes the lymphocyte antigen CD27, CD30 (an antigen found on Hodgldn's lymphoma and Reed-Sternberg cells), two receptors for T.NF, a murine protein referred to as 4-1BB, rat OX40 antigen, NGF receptor, and Fas antigen. CD40 is functionally expressed on monocytes/macrophages, B cells, lymphoma cells, carcinoma cells, dendritic cells, and vascular endothelial cells. CD40 may be detected on the surface of a cell by any one of several means .known in the art. For example, an antibody specific for CD40 may be used in a fluorescence- activated cell sorting technique to determine whether cells express CD40. Other methods of detecting cell surface molecules are also useful in detecting CD40. CD40 Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies directed against the CD40 surface antigen (CD40 mAb) have been shown to mediate various biological activities on human B cells. For example, CD40 mAb induce homotypic and heterotypic adhesion (Barrett et al., /. Immunol. 146:1122, 1991; Gordon et al., J. Immunol. 140:1425, 1988), and increase cell size (Gordon et al., J. Immunol. 140:1425, 1988; Valle et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 79:1463, 1989). CD40 mAb also induce proliferation of B cells activated with anti-IgM, CD20 mAb, or phorbol ester alone (Clark and Ledbetter, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:4494, 1986; Gordon et al., Leukocyte Typing III; A.J. McMichael ed. Oxford University Press. Oxford, p. 426; Paulie et al., J. Immunol. 142:590, 1989) or in concert with IL-4 (Valle et al., E«r. J. Immunol. 79:1463, 1989; Gordon et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 77:1535, 1987), and produce IgΕ (Jabara et al., J. Exp. Med. 772:1861, 1990; Gascan et al., J. Immunol. 147:8, 1991), IgG, and IgM (Gascan et al., J. Immunol. 147:8, 1991) from IL-4-stimulated T cell-depleted cultures.

In addition, CD40 mAb have been reported to enhance ]L-4-mediated soluble CD23/FcεRQ release from B cells (Gordon and Guy, Immunol. Today 8:339, 1987; Cairns et al., EMr. J. Immunol. 18:349, 1988) and to promote B cell production of IL-6 (Clark and Shu, J. Immunol. 745:1400, 1990). Recently, in the presence of CDw32+ adherent cells, human B cell lines have been generated from primary B cell populations with IL-4 and CD40 mAb (Banchereau et al., Science 241:10, 1991). Furthermore, germinal center centrocytes can be prevented from undergoing apoptosis if they are activated through CD40 and/or receptors for antigen (Liu et al., Nature 342:929, 1989). Each of the above publications describes CD40 mAb that stimulate a biological activity of B cells.

U.S.S.N. 08/130, 541, filed October 1, 1993, the relevant disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, discloses two monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind CD40, referred to as hCD40m2 and hCD40m3. Unlike other CD40 mAb, hCD40m2 (ATCC HB 11459) and hCD40m3 bind CD40 and inhibit binding of CD40 to cells that constitutively express CD40L. Greater than 95% inhibition of binding was observed with hCD40m2 or with CD40 mAb M3, at concentrations as low as 12.5μg/ml, as compared to irrelevant IgG or a control CD40 mAb, G28.5. hCD40m2 was also able to inhibit CD40L-induced TISTF-α production. Additional CD40 monoclonal antibodies may be generated using conventional techniques {see U.S. Patent Nos. RE 32,011, 4,902,614, 4,543,439, and 4,411,993 which are incorporated herein by reference; see also Monoclonal Antibodies, Hybridomas: A New Dimension in Biological Analyses, Plenum Press, Kennett, McKeaπi, and Bechtol (eds.), 1980, and Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Harlow and Lane (eds.), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1988, which are also incorporated herein by reference).

Briefly, an animal is injected with a form of CD40 suitable for generating an immune response against CD40. The animal may be reimmunized as needed until levels of serum antibody to CD40 have reached a plateau, then be given a final boost of soluble CD40, and three to four days later sacrificed. Organs which contain large numbers of B cells such as the spleen and lymph nodes are harvested and disrupted into a single cell suspension by passing the organs through a mesh screen or by rupturing the spleen or lymph node membranes which encapsulate the cells.

Alternatively, suitable cells for preparing monoclonal antibodies are obtained through the use of in vitro immunization techniques. Briefly, an animal is sacrificed and the spleen and lymph node cells are removed. A single cell suspension is prepared, and the cells are placed into a culture which contains a form of CD40, which is suitable for generating an immune response as described above. Subsequently, the lymphocytes are harvested and fused as described below.

Cells which .are obtained through the use of in vitro immunization or from an immunized animal as described above may be immortalized by transfection with a virus. For example, the Epstein Barr virus (EBV; see Glasky and Reading, Hybridoma 8(4):311- 389, 1989) can transform human B cells. Alternatively, the harvested spleen and/or lymph node cell suspensions are fused with a suitable myeloma cell in order to create a "hybridoma" which secretes monoclonal antibody. Suitable myeloma lines are preferably defective in the construction or expression of antibodies, and are additionally syngeneic with the cells from the immunized animal. Many such myeloma cell lines are well .known in the art and may be obtained from sources such as the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Rockville, Maryland {see Catalogue of Cell Lines & Hybridomas, 6th ed., ATCC, 1988). CD40 Li sand

Activated CD4+ T cells express high levels of a ligand for CD40 (CD40L). Human CD40L, a membrane-bound glycoprotein, was cloned from peripheral blood T- cells as described in Spriggs et al., /. Exp. Med. 176:1543 (1992), and in United States Patent Application number 07/969,703, filed October 23, 1992, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. The cloning of murine CD40L is described in .Armitage et al., Nature 357:80, 1992. CD40L induces B-cell proliferation in the absence of any co- stimulus, and can also induce production of immunoglobulins in the presence of cytokines. In addition, CD40 ligand-transfected cells can stimulate monocytes to become tumoricidal (Alderson et al., /. Exp. Med. 178:669, 1993). CD40L is a type II membrane polypeptide having an extracellular region at its C- terminus, a transmembrane region and an intracellular region at its N-terminus. Soluble human CD40L comprises an extracellular region of CD40L (amino acid 47 to amino acid 261) or a fragment thereof that binds CD40 and tranduces a signal thereby. CD40L biological activity is mediated by binding of the extracellular region of CD40L with CD40, and includes B cell proliferation and induction of antibody secretion (including IgE secretion).

USSN 08/477,733 and USSN 08/484,624 describe the preparation of various soluble, oligomeric forms of CD40L, including a soluble CD40L/Fc fusion protein referred to as CD40.L/FC2. CD4QL/FC2 contains an eight amino acid hydrophilic sequence described by Hopp et al. (Hopp et al., Bio/Technology 6:1204,1988; referred to as Flag^®), an IgG, Fc domain, a linker sequence (described in U.S. Patent 5,073,627), and the extracellular region of human CD40L. Also described is a soluble CD40L fusion protein referred to as trimeric CD40L., which cont ns a 33 amino acid sequence referred to as a "leucine zipper," the eight amino acid hydrophilic sequence described by Hopp et al. {supra), followed by the extracellular region of human CD40L. Both oligomeric forms of CD40L induce human B cell proliferation in the absence of any co-stimuli, and (in conjunction with the appropriate cytoldne) result in the production of IgG, IgE, IgA and IgM. These soluble, oligomeric foims of CD40L will be useful in the present inventive methods, as will other forms of CD40L that can be prepared using .known methods of preparing recombinant proteins. Additional CD40 Binding Proteins

Binding proteins may also be constructed utilizing recombinant DNA techniques to incorporate the variable regions of a gene which encodes an antibody to CD40. {see J.ames W. L.aπick et al., "Polymerase Chain Reaction Using Mixed Primers: Cloning of Human Monoclonal Antibody Variable Region Genes From Single Hybridoma Cells," Biotechnology 7:934-938, September 1989; Reichmann et al., "Reshaping Human Antibodies for Therapy," N tMre 532:323-327, 1988; Roberts et al., "Generation of an Antibody with Enhanced Affinity and Specificity for its Antigen by Protein Engineering," Nature 328:131-134, 1987; Verhoeyen et al., "Reshaping Human Antibodies: Grafting an Antilysozyme Activity/' Science 239:1534-1536, 1988; Chaudhary et al., "A Recombinant Immunotoxin Consisting of Two Antibody Variable Domains Fused to Pseudomonas Exotoxin," NαtMre 339:394-397, 1989).

Briefly, DΝA encoding the antigen-binding site (or CD40 binding domain; variable region) of a CD40 mAb is isolated, amplified, and linked to DΝA encoding another protein, for example a human IgG {see Verhoeyen et al., supra; see also Reichmann et al., supra). Alternatively, the antigen-binding site (variable region) may be either linked to, or inserted into, another completely different protein {see Chaudhary et al., supra), resulting in a new protein with antigen-binding sites of the antibody as well as the functional activity of the completely different protein.

Furthermore, DΝA sequences which encode smaller portions of the antibody or variable regions which specifically bind to mammalian CD40 may also be utilized within the context of the present invention. Similarly, the CD40 binding region (extracellular domain) of a CD40 ligand may be used to prepare other CD40 binding proteins. DΝA sequences that encode proteins or peptides that form oligomers will be particularly useful in preparation of CD40 binding proteins comprising an antigen binding domain of CD40 antibody, or an extracellular domain of a CD40 ligand. Certain of such oligomer-forming proteins are disclosed in U.S.S.Ν. 07/969,703; additional, useful oligomer-forming proteins are also disclosed in U.S.S.Ν. 08/107,353, filed August 13, 1993, and in U.S.S.Ν. 08/145,830, filed September 29, 1993.

Once suitable antibodies or binding proteins have been obtained, they may be isolated or purified by many techniques well .known to those of ordinary skill in the art {see Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Harlow and Lane (eds.), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1988). Suitable techniques include peptide or protein affinity columns, HPLC or RP-HPLC, purification on protein A or protein G columns, or any combination of these techniques. Recombinant CD40 binding proteins can be prepared according to standard methods, and tested for binding specificity to the CD40 utilizing assays .known in the art, including for example ELISA, ABC, or dot blot assays, as well by bioactivity assays such as those described for CD40 mAb.

In vitro and in vivo models

Murine models of many infectious human diseases are known in the art. For example, Sher {Imm. Rev. 127:183-204, 1992), discusses murine models of several different human diseases, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, tiypanosomiasis, and shistosomiasis. Nathan (in:

Mechanisms of Host Resistance to Infectious Agents, Tumors, and Allografis, R.M.

Steinman and RJ. North, eds., Rockefeller University Press, New York, pp.165-184,

1986) also reviews the use of mice in the study of various human diseases, and further presents results of studies performed in humans that confirm results first observed in murine models.

Other species also provide useful animal models relevant to HIV infection. For example, Wyand {AIDS Res. and Human Retroviruses 8:349; 1992) discusses the use of

SIV-infected Rhesus monkeys for the preclinical evaluation of AIDS drugs and vaccines. Simian and feline models (Gardner, Antiviral Res. 15:267; 1991; Stahl-Hennig et al.,

AIDS 4:611; 1990) and murine models (Ruprecht et al., Cancer Res. 50:5618s; 1990) have been proposed for evaluating anti-retroviral therapy.

Macrophages/monocytes and Dendritic Cells Activated macrophages ingest (phagocytose) microbes, produce and release highly reactive intracellular oxygen species, .and secrete various cytokines that upregulate immune and infl.ammatory responses of the mammal to the microbe or microbes.

Activation of macrophages is confirmed in vitro by various means involving measuring one or more of these activities. One of the primary functions of peripheral blood monocytes is to regulate an immune or inflammatory response by synthesis and secretion of an array of biologically active molecules including enzymes, plasma proteins, cytoldnes and chemokines. Activated macrophages produce and secrete various cytoldnes and chemokines, including Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-1 α and β (IL-lα, IL-lβ), Tumor Necrosis Factor α, (T.NF-α), Interleuldn-8 (.IL-8), Macrophage Inhibitory Peptide- lα (MlP-lα), Macrophage Inhibitory Peptide-lβ (MIP-lβ), Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and growth regulatory protein (GRO). These molecules have broad immunoregulatory properties, and are useful in modulating an immune or inflammatory response.

Monocytes/macrophages are believed to be a major target of HJV-1 in vivo, and are thought to play an important role in the persistence of infection, serving as a viral reservoir. Immature monocytes in the blood differentiate and infiltrate tissues as more differentiated macrophages. In culture, blood-derived monocytes mimic this differentiation, enlarging and expressing various enzymes and cell-surface antigens characteristic of macrophages (Kaplan and Gaudernack, J. Exp. Med. 156:1101; 1982). Correlating with the differentiation of monocytes/macrophages is the differential expression of chemokine receptors. Freshly isolated monocytes express low levels of CCR5 mRNA that increase after in vitro differentiation. The increase in the expression of CCR5 correlates with susceptibility to infection by macrophage-tropic (M-tropic) strains of HIV- 1.

Dendritic cells (DC) are often referred to as professional antigen presenting cells; as such, they play a critical role in the development of an immune response. DC express CD40, and are .known to be activated for antigen presentation by binding to CD40 ligand or agonistic CD40 antibodies. These cells are also thought to play a role in HIV infection and in developing an anti-fflV immune response. Similar to monocytes/macrophages, DC may also serve as reservoirs of virus, and may potentiate the infection of T cells by HIV. Various methods for isolation of DC are .known in the art, including purification from peripheral blood by elutriation or affinity purification using monoclonal antibodies, isolation from cord blood, or from other DC-rich organs such as spleen, followed by growth under appropriate culture conditions.

Administration of CD40 binding proteins The present invention provides methods of using therapeutic compositions comprising an effective amount of a CD40 binding protein and a suitable diluent and carrier, and methods for reducing susceptibility to infection by retro viruses, including fflV. The use of CD40 binding proteins in conjunction with soluble cytoldne receptors or cytokines, or other immunoregulatory molecules is also contemplated. For example, CD40 binding proteins can be used in conjunction with factors that are .known to activate monocytes/macrophages, such as granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), fusion proteins comprising GM-CSF such as those described in U.S. patent 5,073,627, and Interleuldns 2 and 15. The CD40 binding proteins and the factor(s) can either be combined in suitable solution, or can be administered separately.

For therapeutic use, purified CD40 binding protein is administered to a patient, preferably a human, for treatment in a manner appropriate to the indication. Thus, for example, CD40 binding protein compositions administered to reduce susceptibility to retrovirus infection can be given by bolus injection, continuous infusion, sustained release from implants, or other suitable technique. Typically, a therapeutic agent will be administered in the form of a composition comprising purified CD40 binding protein in conjunction with physiologically acceptable carriers, excipients or diluents. Such carriers will be nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed.

Ordinarily, the preparation of such CD40 binding protein compositions entails combining the CD40 binding protein with buffers, antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides, proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates including glucose, sucrose or dextrins, chelating agents such as EDTA, glutathione and other stabilizers and excipients. Neutral buffered saline or saline mixed with conspecific serum albumin are exemplary appropriate diluents. Preferably, product is formulated as a lyophilizate using appropriate excipient solutions (e.g., sucrose) as diluents. Appropriate dosages can be determined in trials, first in an appropriate animal model, and subsequently in the species to be treated. The amount and frequency of administration will depend, of course, on such factors as the nature and severity of the indication being treated, the desired response, the condition of the individual being treated, and so forth. Typically, therapeutically effective dosages of CD40 binding proteins will be in the range of from about 0.01 to about 1 mg/kg body weight. The relevant disclosures of all references cited herein are specifically incorporated by reference. The following examples are intended to illustrate particular embodiments, and not limit the scope, of the invention.

Example 1

This example describes the preparation of cells used to determine the effects of soluble, oligomeric CD40 ligand (CD40L) on HIV replication. Monocytes were isolated from fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBC) by adherence to plastic at 37°C. Following one hour of culture, the adherent cells were washed extensively with medium and then removed from the flask by gentle scraping. Residual T- and B- lymphocytes were further depleted using anti-CD2 and anti-CD19 coated beads (Dynal Inc.). These monocytes were typically 95% CD14 positive as assayed by flow cytometry. Mature macrophages were derived by culturing purified monocytes 7 days in RPMI 1640 containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) in 5% CO₂ incubator at 37°C with or without GM- CSF. At this time, 95% of the cells had become enlarged or spindle shaped with extended processes.

For RNA extraction and RT-PCR analysis of chemokine receptors of freshly isolated monocytes, cells were further purified using immunomagnetic microbeads conjugated with monoclonal anti-CD 14 antibody (MACS Magnetic Cell Sorting Kit, Miltenyi Biotec Inc.). Monocyte purity was assessed by staining with anti-CD 14 and by forward and side scatter measurement on flow cytometry. By this analysis the cell populations appeared to contain >99% monocytes.

Example 2

This example describes an immunofluorescence assay for analyzing cell purity and the presence or absence of selected cell surface markers. Monocytes/macrophages were dislodged from plates by treatment with PBS/0.5mM EDTA and incubated at room temperature for 15 minutes with PBS/4% Human AB Serum to block Fc receptors. The cells were then incubated for 15 minutes on ice in the presence of an appropriate dilution (in PBS containing 2% Human .AB serum) of the following monoclonal antibodies (mAb): anti-CD4 (Leu-3A, Becton Dickinson); anti-CD14 (LeuM3, Becton Dicldnson); anti-CXCR4 (12G5, .kindly supplied by Dr. J. Hoxie, University of Pennsylvania); anti- CCR5 (2D7 and 2F9, kindly supplied by Dr. C.R. MacKay, LeukoSite, Inc.). Reactivity was compared to an isotype-matched control mAb (Zymed).

After three washes with cold PBS, the cells were incubated for 15 minutes on ice with 0.1 ml of 1:50 dilution of goat anti-mouse IgG (H+L) F(ab')2 labeled with phycoerythrin (PE) (Boehringer Mannheim). After three additional washes with PBS, cells were resuspended in PBS containing 4% formaldehyde and then analyzed by FACS on a Becton Dicldnson FACSsort. For each determination 10,000 cells were analyzed. Fluorescence was analyzed by using the CellQuest software (Becton Dicldnson). To evaluate the level of nonspecific binding of goat anti-mouse IgG to monocytes- macrophages, cells were incubated with an isotype matched IgG control mAb before adding the secondary PE-conjugated antibody and processed as indicated above.

A marked decrease was observed in the expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and CD4 after 24 hours of culture, and by day 7 of culture, CXCR4 and CD4 were undetectable. This finding was reproduced in cells from at least five different donors. Cells of some donors maintained expression of CXCR4, together with CCR5 and CD4, probably due to the culture conditions, cell type or differentiation stage of monocytes/macrophages.

Example 3

This example describes RNA-PCR of chemokine receptor mRNA from cells isolated as described previously. Total cellular RNA was prepared using Triazol (Gibco/BRL), treated with RNase-free DNase (Boehringer-Mannheim) and used as a template in RT-PCR. RNA was reverse transcribed in a 20 μl reaction containing 1 μg of total RNA, 1 μg oligo-dT, 200U Superscript reverse transcriptase (Gibco/BRL) and 0.5 mM of each dATP, dCTP, dGTP, dTTP. After incubating at 37°C one hour, 1:10 of the cDNA product was amplified in a 20 μl of reaction containing 0.1 μg of each primer hybridizing to the 5'- and 3 '-ends of the chemoldne receptors (CCR1-5 and CXCR4) or to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and 1U of a Taq/Pwo polymerase mixture (Boehringer Mannheim). CCRs were amplified by denaturing at 94°C, followed by a 30 cycles (94°C, 40 s;

60°C 40 s; 72°, 1 min). To control for contamination of the cellular RNA with genomic DNA, control cDNA reactions in which reverse transcriptase was omitted were prepared in parallel. These were uniformly negative. The PCR products were separated by electrophoresis through 1 % agarose. To test for the linearity of amplification, a 10-fold dilution series, starting at lpg of chemoldne receptor plasmid DNA was amplified under conditions identical to those described above.

The sequences for the primers used are as follows: GAPDH 5' CCA TGG AGA AGG CTC GGG, 3' CAA AGT TGT CAT GGA TGA CC; CCR15' GCC CAG AAA CAA AGA CTT CAC GG, 3' GGA ATC CTG GGG AAC ATA GAA C; CCR2A 5' ACG CAT TTC CCC AGT ACA TC, 3' TGT GAT TCA AAC GAC ATC AT; CCR2B 5' TGA GAC AAG CCA CAA GCT G, 3' CTG AAT GCG TGA GCC CTT TCG TC; CCR35' TTC TAT CAC AGG GAG AAG TG, 3' ACT GGA AGT TTG AAG GAC TGT T; CCR45' GCA AGC TGC TTC TGG TTG GGC CCA G, 3' GAA TGT GGA AAA GTT CAT TGA C; CCR55' GGT GGA ACA AGA TGG ATT AT, 3' ATG TGC ACA ACT CTG ACT G; CXCR45' AGC GAG GTG GAC ATT CAT C, 3' ACG TGA TTC ACT ACA GCT C.

The CXCR4 mRNA levels, although still high in cells after 24 hours of cultivation, decreased upon in vitro differentiation. In contrast, the CCR5 mRNA levels, barely detectable in freshly isolated monocytes, increased after in vitro differentiation, consistent with the higher infectability of these cells by M-tropic HIV-1 isolates. CCR2A, CCR2B and CCR3 were up-regulated following 24 hours adhesion to plastic; mRNA levels for these chemokine receptors remained high until day 3, at which time they dropped dramatically(CCR3 mRNA was still detectable). In contrast, CCR1 is constitutively expressed in both freshly isolated and cultured monocytes, while CCR4 is not. These results suggest that CXCR4 and CCR5 receptors are differently regulated during macrophage differentiation. Thus, CCR5 mRNA and protein levels increase upon cultivation, allowing only the M-tropic strains of HTV-1 to enter these cells. Example 4

This example describes the preparation of luciferase reporter viruses and an infectivity assay designed to measure the ability of the viruses to infect cells. NL4-3-Luc- R-E- virus stocks pseudotyped by various Envs are generated by transfecting 293T cells as described previously (Connor et al., Virology 206:936; 1995) with 10 μg each of NL4- 3-Luc-R-E- and pcDNA-I/AMP-based expression vectors (Invitrogen) encoding fflV-1 JRFL, .ADA, HXB2 or amphotropic MLV (A-MLV) Env. Virus-containing supernatants are collected 48 hours post-transfection and frozen at -70°. Viruses are quantified by p24 ^gag ELISA. For single cycle infections with NL-Luc viruses pseudotyped with different Envs,

1X10⁶ cells in 24-well plates, stimulated as described for individual experiments, are infected for four hours with 100 ng of p24 ^gag of virus. This .amount of virus is equivalent to 5-7 xlO⁴ TCID₅₀ (determined by limiting dilution analysis of the virus stocks on activated PBMC) corresponding to an MOI of about 0.4. After the four hour period, cells are washed again, and cultured for an additional eight days. At designated time points the cells are lysed in 200 μl lysis buffer (Promega) and stored at -70°C. Luciferase activity is determined in 20 μl of each lysate using commercially available reagents (Promega) in a Lumat LB 9501 luminometer.

In one such experiment, cells were stimulated with CD40L (300 ng/ml), CD40L + GM-CSF (300 ng/ml and 1,000 U/ml, respectively) or SDF-lα (10 nM) for 7 days. Luciferase activity was high for both the M-tropic and amphotropic HIV-1 reporter viruses in the absence of CD40L. However, in the presence of CD40L, the luciferase activity was lower for HIV-1 reporter viruses pseudotyped by HIV-l-_p^, suggesting that CD40L suppresses fflV-1 entry by down regulating the mRNA and protein levels of CCR5. In addition, the luciferase activity for the amphotropic reporter virus was also depressed, suggesting that CD40L treatment of macrophages/monocytes may also result in a post-entry block of replication of retro viruses.

In another experiment, monocytes were treated with GM-CSF (either 100 U/ml or 10 U/ml; Immunex Corporation, Seattle, WA), CD40L (100 ng/ml), or a combination of GM-CSF and CD40L. The cells were stimulated with GM-CSF for 72 hours, then with CD40L for 48 hours, analyzed by FACS for expression of chemoldne receptors, and subjected to infectivity assay. In addition, supernatant fluids were harvested and assayed for the presence of chemokines. Results of the infectivity assay are shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Effect of Cytokines on Entry and Replication of HIV-l Luciferase Pseudotvpe Viruses

GM-CSF, 100 U/ml JRFL 4,451*

A-MLV 11,818

No ENV 40

GM-CSF, 10 U/ml JRFL 6,495

A-MLV 7,497

No ENV 15

CD40L JRFL 4,273

A-MLV 11,051

No ENV 21

GM-CSF, 100 U +CD40L JRFL 267

A-MLV 1474

No ENV 16

GM-CSF, 10 U, + CD40L JRFL 2,530

A-MLV 9,334

No ENV 15

* Luciferase activity, in counts per second

Moreover, as shown in Figure 1, the combination of CD40L and GM-CF induced production of greater amounts of several chemoldnes than either cytoldne alone. In addition, FACS analysis indicated that the chemokine receptor CCR5 was down-regulated in cells treated with GM-CSF, as wells as those treated with CD40L. Example 5

Monocytes were obtained, and stimulated with two different preparations of CD40L, in the presence or absence of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody to CD40L (M90; Immunex Corporation, Seattle, WA), for seven days. The cells were then infected as previously described, and the effect of CD40L on infectivity assessed by luciferase assay. Results are shown in Figure 2. Both preparations of D40L inhibited replication of the JRFL pseudotyped vims; the inhibition was reversed by the addition of neutralizing antibody to CD40L.

In addition, the cells were analyzed for expression of various surface markers, including chemokine receptor CCR5. Both preparations caused a decrease in the expression of CCR5. These results indicate that CD40L may decrease the replication of retroviruses that use CCR5 as a co-receptor for infection of macrophages/monocytes in several ways: increase in chemokine production will result in a block of viral entry because the necessary co-receptors are not available for viral binding; down-regulation of the CCR5 chemoldne receptor further decreases the number of available co-receptor molecules. In addition, CD40L, alone or in combination with GM-CSF, may induce a post-entry block of replication, as shown by the decrease in infectivity of the amphotropic murine retrovirus in previous Examples.

Example 6

Peripheral blood mononucle.ar cells were obtained, and stimulated with phytohemaglutinin (PHA) for 72 hours. The cells were then washed, and medium containing Interleukin-2, CD40L, or EL-2 + CD40L, was added and the cells were incubated for 24 or 48 hours. At these time points, the cells were infected with HTV-1 Luciferase pseudotyped with JRFL or A-MLV or no ENV as described above. After five days, the cells were harvested and a luciferase assay was performed. The results for 48 hour time point are shown in Table 2 below; similar results were observed for the 24 hour time point.

Table 2: Effect of Cytokines on Entry and Replication of HJN-1 Luciferase Pseudotvpe Viruses in PBMC

JRFL IL-2 7,473

IL-2/CD40L 44

CD40L 1,237

A-MLV IL-2 43,666

IL-2/CD40L 1533

CD40L 52,890

Νo EΝV IL-2 38

IL-2/CD40L 13

CD40L 11

These results demonstrate that CD40L causes a reduction in JRFL entry, and that the combination of JL-2 and CD40L provides a powerful method of inhibiting HIV-1 entry and replication. Because IL-15 shares many activities with JL-2, similar results would also be expected from this combination of cytokines.

Example 7

This example demonstrates that CD40L has similar effects on chemoldne and chemoldne receptor expression in dendritic cells (DC) to those obse.rved for monocytes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells are obtained, and cultured for five to seven days in GM-CSF and IL-4. Both monocytic cells and DC (cultured in GM-CSF and IL-4) exhibit high levels of CCR5. When CD40L is added to the culture for the final 24 to 48 hours, the levels of CCR5 are significantly decreased. Moreover, CD40L-stimulated DC also express high levels of the β-chemoldnes .MlP-lα, MlP-lβ, and RANTES. CD40L also results in diminished levels of some strains of HTV (as measured by analyzing reverse transcriptase (RT) activity) in co-cultures of T cells and DC infected with the BAL strain of HIV. However, in T cell/DC co-cultures infected with the IIIB strain of HIV, CD40L did not result in decreased levels of RT activity; CD40L stimulation appeared to result in slightly higher RT activity in these co-cultures.

Example 8

This example demonstrates that CD40L inhibits replication of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in rhesus macaque cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained, and stimulated with CD40L, which induced proliferation in a dose- dependent fashion. Viral antigen production by SIVmac239-infected PBMCs was reduced by about 70% (2712 ± 719 pg/ml; p<0.05) in PBMCs activated in the presence of CD40L (50 μg/ml). RT-PCR of total RNA from the PBMCs showed a 50.4% reduction in the expression of SIV gag and a 226% increase in the expression of Interleuldn-16 QL- 16) mRNA. The viral inhibition was not due to increased secretion of .TL-16, as supernatant fluids from CD40L-stimulated and control cultures contained similar .amounts of IL-16 (26.4 ± 2.5 versus 25.3 ± 1.7 pg/ml, respectively). Thus, CD40L leads to diminished SIV replication in rhesus macaque cells in a manner that involves IL-16 mRNA expression.

Claims

We claim:

1. A method for decreasing the infectability of a cell that expresses a CCR5 chemokine receptor for a retrovirus that uses the CCR5 chemokine receptor as a co- receptor, comprising contacting the cell with an amount of a CD40 binding protein sufficient to decrease expression of the CCR5 chemoldne receptor.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the CD40 binding protein is a soluble, oligomeric CD40L.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cell is also contacted with a cytokine selected from the group consisting of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, interleukin-2, interleukin-15, and combinations thereof.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the cell is also contacted with a cytokine selected from the group consisting of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, interleukin-2, interleuldn-15, and combinations thereof.