Inhibition of HIV-1 infection in vitro by murine monoclonal anti-p24 antibodies

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Abstract
Murine monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) to the major core protein p24 of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) were tested for their ability to inhibit the replication and spread of the virus in permanent cell cultures (Molt4/8, K37, H9) and in the culture of 11‐2 stimulated T cells of healthy donors. After addition of ascitic fluid containing monoclonal anti‐p24 antibodies or purified anti‐p24 antibodies or the respective control to co‐cultures of infected and non‐infected cells, HIV‐1 replication was evaluated by determining the percentage of infected cells and the activity of reverse transcriptase (RT) in cell‐ free supernatant. In addition, the supernatant's infectivity was determined. FACS analysis demonstrated p24 antigen in about 40% of unfixed HIV‐1 infected cells at the cell membrane. Monoclonal anti‐p24 antibodies of different epitope specificity added to the cells but not to the virus delayed the spread of HIV‐1 infection in permanent cell culture. Furthermore, anti‐p24 Mabs inhibited the re‐ lease of RT‐active virus particles by HIV‐1 infected cell lines or 11‐2 stimulated T‐lymphocytes, respectively, up to 60%. The mode of action of anti‐p24 antibodies after HIV‐1 infection is discussed on the basis of the data obtained.