Phenotypic and functional profile evaluation of IFN-DCs: potential application in vaccine therapy for HIV-1-infected individuals

• Grant number: 12/02015-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: June 01, 2012 - May 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Telma Miyuki Oshiro Sumida
• Grantee: Telma Miyuki Oshiro Sumida
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Alexandre de Almeida

Abstract

Immunotherapy based on dendritic cells derived from monocytes (MoDcs) is a promising strategy for treating HIV-infected individuals. Protocols for obtaining mature MoDCs- able to properly present antigens to specific T lymphocytes - commonly use IL-4 and GM-CSF as differentiation cytokines (IL4-DCs). In other studies type I IFN (IFN-alpha) and GM-CSF are implied in the differentiation of monocytes to DCs, leading to the so-called IFN-DCs. These cells exhibit a combined phenotype of myeloid DCs and plasmacytoid DCs, associated with characteristics of NK cells. In healthy donor IFN-DCs are able to capture antigens and migrate to the lymph nodes, produce cytokines and chemokines, including mediators to stimulate Th1 response, as IL-12. Our laboratory is interested in DC biology and in "in vitro" DC manipulation since we are actually involved in the phase II assay of DC-based immunotherapy for HIV-infected individuals. The ongoing protocol is based on IL-4-DCs, but alternative protocols ensure an effective patients response are taking in account because they can bring novel elements for immunotherapy improvement. Considering the mixed profile of IFN-DCs in the context of a viral infection, the objective of this study is to evaluate IFN-DCs derived from HIV-infected patients' monocytes with respect to phenotypic and functional characteristics. Moreover IFN-DCs characteristics will be compared with those of IL4-DCs. (AU)