Journal of Leukocyte Biology
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Originally published online as doi:10.1189/jlb.0707454 on February 5, 2008

Published online before print February 5, 2008
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(Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2008;83:1286-1294.)
© 2008 by Society for Leukocyte Biology

Indinavir influences biological function of dendritic cells and stimulates antifungal immunity

Eva Pericolini*, Elio Cenci*, Elena Gabrielli*, Stefano Perito*, Paolo Mosci{dagger}, Francesco Bistoni* and Anna Vecchiarelli*,1

* Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, and
{dagger} Internal Medicine, Department of Pathology, Diagnostic and Veterinary Clinic, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy

1Correspondence: Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy. E-mail: vecchiar{at}unipg.it

ABSTRACT

In this study, we analyzed the possibility that Indinavir (IDV), a well-known protease inhibitor (PI) used in highly active antiretroviral therapy, could affect immune response against the opportunistic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. In particular, the quality of dendritic cell (DC) response was analyzed. The results reported here show that IDV treatment induces an expansion of DC with CD8{alpha} phenotype in spleens of infected hosts. Splenic CD11c+ DC expressed elevated costimulatory molecules such as CD40 and CD80, showed an increased expression of mRNA for proinflammatory cytokines, and secreted abundant IL-12. Integration of all aforementioned regulatory effects results in development of an efficient, T cell-protective response that reflects a consistent reduction in fungus colonization at a cerebral level. These results could help to elucidate the immunoregulatory activity of PI and point out the beneficial effects of IDV in regulating DC functions and antifungal activity. Therefore, although new PI are being introduced in the clinical setting, nevertheless, given its low cost and proven efficacy, IDV could still be considered a potential key compound in the treatment of HIV in resource-limited settings.

Key Words: protease inhibitors • Cryptococcus neoformans • APC • immunoregulation • costimulatory molecules






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