HIV‐gp160 modulates differentially the production in vitro of IgG, IgA and cytokines by blood and tonsil B lymphocytes from HIV‐negative individuals
HIV1‐gp160 holds promises in anti‐HIV vaccinal strategies. However, this molecule has been described to exhibit superantigenic activities. The present study aimed at examining the effect(s) of HIV1‐gp160 on human B cells and in particular on B cells originating from HIV– donors. We purified human B cells of various origins, i.e. from blood and from tonsils (representing a mucosal‐type origin), and we tested these cells (stimulated with a polyclonal B cell activator, interleukin (IL)‐2 and IL‐10 as cytokines, and recombinant HIV1‐gp160) for the production of IgG and IgA in an in vitro model. Gp160 induced significantly less total IgG by blood − but not tonsil‐originating − B cells and did not affect total IgA production. Further, HIV1‐gp160 up‐regulated IL‐2‐, IL‐4‐ and IL‐10‐mRNA levels in stimulated blood B cells (these cytokines are known to be active on B cell activation and differentiation). Interestingly, HIV1‐gp160 also up‐regulated IL‐1β‐, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β‐, interferon (IFN)‐γ‐ and IL‐12‐mRNA levels in stimulated mucosal‐type, tonsil‐originating, B cells. As these latter cytokines are involved in proinflammatory activities, HIV‐gp160 delivery at the mucosal sites would be compatible with an adjuvant activity.