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

• Grant number: 11/19789-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2011
• Effective date (End): November 30, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Telma Miyuki Oshiro Sumida
• Grantee: Bruna Tereso Santillo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

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, producing cytokines and chemokines, including mediators to stimulate Th1 response, like 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 patient response is taken into 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-DC's characteristics will be compared with those of IL4-DCs.(AU)