AIDSWEEKLY Plus; Monday, June 27, 2005
Staff Medical Writers

"Bordetella pertussis toxin B-oligomer (PTX-B) has been shown to inhibit HIV infection and replication in vitro. The potential anti-viral effect of PTX-B was tested here in an in vivo surrogate model of HIV infection, i.e.," scientists in Italy report.

"SCID mice reconstituted with human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) (hu-PBL-SCID) and infected with a CCR5-dependent (R5) HIV-1 strainwere inoculated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with PTX-B and then infected with the R5 strain SF-162 were sacrificed 7 days later and analyzed for human PBL (hu-PBL) lymphoid tissue reconstitution, infection of hu-PBL, plasma viremia and viral rescue from ex vivo-cultivated i.p. hu-PBL," said the authors.

"Unlike mice treated with 500 ng per animal of PTX-B showing no evidence of viral inhibition, daily administration of PTX-B (50 ng per mouse) strongly inhibited virus infection and replication, as determined by undetectable viremia, absence of infected hu-PBL and lack of rescue of infectious HIV in most animals," wrote C. Lapenta and colleagues at DIBIT in Milan.

"Furthermore," continued investigators, "PTX-B injection 2 h before and twice after infection prevented HIV-1 infection and replication in all (10/10) tested animals."

Lapenta concluded, "Thus, PTX-B potently inhibited virus infection and replication in hu-PBL-SCID mice, supporting the hypothesis that it may represent a new pharmacological agent against HIV-1 infection."

Lapenta and colleagues published their study in International Immunology (Pertussis toxin B-oligomer inhibits HIV infection and replication in hu-PBL-SCID mice. Int Immunol. 2005 Apr;17(4):469-75.

For more information, contact M. Alfano, DIBIT, Laboratories P2P3, Via Olgettina 58, I-20132 Milan, Italy.

Publisher contact information for the journal International Immunology is: Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon St., Oxford OX2 6DP, England.

Keywords: Milan, Italy, HIV/AIDS, Pertussis Toxin B-Oligomer, Viral Inhibition, Pharmaceutical & Drug Development.

This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports.

Reference

Lapenta C, Spada M, Santini SM, et al., Pertussis toxin B-oligomer inhibits HIV infection and replication in hu-PBL-SCID mice, Int Immunol. 2005 Apr;17(4):469-75.

PubMED Related articles Search

050627
AW050611

Copyright © 2005 - Charles Henderson, Publisher. All rights Reserved. Permission to reproduce granted to AEGIS by Charles W. Henderson. Authorization to reproduce for personal use granted granted by C. W. Henderson, Publisher, provided that the fee of US$4.50 per copy, per page is paid directly to the Copyright Clearance Center, 27 Congress Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970, USA. Published by Charles Henderson, Publisher. Editorial & Publishing Office: P.O. Box 5528, Atlanta, GA 30307-0528 / Telephone: (800) 633-4931; Subscription Office: P.O. Box 830409, Birmingham, AL 35283-0409 / FAX: (205) 995-1588 http://www.newsrx.net

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright © 1980,2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.