Gayle Baldwin | University of California, Los Angeles (original) (raw)

Papers by Gayle Baldwin

Research paper thumbnail of Biological Links between Cannabinoids and HIV Infection

Infectious Agents and Pathogenesis, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Amelioration of graft versus host disease by galectin-1

Graft versus host disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic ... more Graft versus host disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Galectin-1, a mammalian lectin that modulates T cell function and apoptosis, has been shown to be immunomodulatory in animal models of autoimmune disease. We investigated the efficacy of galectin-1 in a murine model of graft versus host disease and found that 68% of galectin-1-treated mice survived, compared to 3% of vehicle-treated mice. Galectin-1-treated animals also had reduced inflammatory infiltrates in tissues compared to animals treated with vehicle alone. Galectin-1 did not affect engraftment of donor hematopoietic cells. However, galectin-1-treated animals demonstrated increased cellularity in bone marrow and spleen with increased numbers of splenic B cells and CD4 T cells compared to those animals treated with vehicle alone. Galectin-1 treatment also significantly improved reconstitution of normal splenic architecture following transplant. Production of type I cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-␥ was reduced in splenocytes derived from galectin-1-treated transplanted mice when compared to animals treated with vehicle alone, while production of the type II cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, was similar between the two groups of animals. Although splenocytes from galectin-1-treated transplanted animals responded to both third party antigens and leukemic challenge, host alloreactivity was significantly reduced when compared to cells from vehicle-treated animals. These results demonstrate that galectin-1 therapy is capable of increasing survival and suppressing the graft versus host immune response without compromising engraftment or immune reconstitution following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Research paper thumbnail of Differentiating Agents Facilitate Infection of Myeloid Leukemia Cell Lines by Monocytotropic HIV1 Strains

Monocytotropic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates from patients with acquired i... more Monocytotropic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates from patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) infect mononuclear phagocytes as well as activated T cells, but do not usually infect immature human myeloid cell lines in vitro. The HL-60 promyelocytic/myeloblastic cell line and the promonocytic line, U937, were susceptible to productive infection by monocytotropic HIV-1 isolates (HIV-1JR-FL and HTLV-IIIBa-L) after treatment with retinoic acid, dimethyl sulfoxide, dibutyryl cAMP, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), or 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Virus production was only detected when these compounds were added before virus infection. Virus replication did not correlate with CD4 receptor expression because undifferentiated HL-60 cells express CD4 and the level of CD4 expression did not increase after differentiation in the presence of retinoic acid, 1,25(OH)2D3, or TPA. A mature monocytic cell line (THP-1) was capable of infection without pretreatment, and treatment with differentiating agents enhanced virus production. A chronically infected cell line (J-HL-60) was isolated after HIV-1JR-FL infection of HL-60 cells treated with retinoic acid. Virus production in this cell line was enhanced more than 10-fold after differentiation in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3 or TPA. The majority of virus production by 1,25(OH)2D3-treated J-HL-60 cells was associated with the mature, adherent population. Molecular analysis of a cloned line of J-HL-60 showed integration of a single DNA provirus. These results suggest that cellular factors associated with precursor cell differentiation along the myelomonocytic pathway are required for optimal replication of monocytotropic HIV-1 strains in vitro.

Research paper thumbnail of Identification and Characterization of a Low-Affinity Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptor on Primary and Cultured Human Melanoma Cells

Hematopoietic growth factor receptors are present on cells of normal nonhematopoietic tissues suc... more Hematopoietic growth factor receptors are present on cells of normal nonhematopoietic tissues such as endothelium and placenta. We previously demonstrated functional human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM- CSF) receptors on small cell carcinoma of the lung cell lines, and others have reported that certain solid tumor cell lines respond to GM-CSF in clonogenic assays. In the current study, we examine human

Research paper thumbnail of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Env-Independent Infection of Human CD4- Cells

Journal of Virology, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Tetrahydrocannabinol suppresses immune function and enhances HIV replication in the huPBL-SCID mouse

Life Sciences, 2005

Epidemiologic studies identify marijuana as a potential cofactor in the development and progressi... more Epidemiologic studies identify marijuana as a potential cofactor in the development and progression of HIV infection. To evaluate this interaction we employed a hybrid model in which human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) were implanted into severe combined immunodeficient mice (huPBL-SCID) and infected with an HIV reporter construct in the presence or absence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure. Administration of THC alone, in the absence of HIV, decreased CD4 counts and the CD4:CD8 ratio. Co-administration of THC and HIV did not reduce CD4 counts further, but significantly increased the percentage of HIV-infected PBL when compared to saline-treated animals (17 F 4.6% vs. 7 F 1.4%). Quantitative PCR confirmed a 50-fold increase in systemic viral load in THC-treated animals. The CCR5 and CXCR4 chemokine receptors function as coreceptors essential for HIV infection. Administration of THC for 5 days increased the percentage of PBL expressing CCR5 and, to a lesser extent, CXCR4. This effect was lost after 10 days of THC administration, but the number of HIV-infected cells had significantly increased by that time suggesting a role for early upregulation of these coreceptors in the pathogenic effect of THC. Finally, the impact of treatment on the number of human interferon-gamma (IFN-g) 0024-3205/$ -see front matter D (G.C. Baldwin).

Research paper thumbnail of Cocaine and  -1 receptors modulate HIV infection, chemokine receptors, and the HPA axis in the huPBL-SCID model

Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 2005

Cocaine is associated with an increased risk for, and progression of, clinical disease associ- at... more Cocaine is associated with an increased risk for, and progression of, clinical disease associ- ated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infec- tion. A human xenograft model, in which human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were implanted into severe combined immunodeficiency mice (huPBL-SCID) and infected with a HIV reporter vi- rus, was used to investigate the biological interactions between cocaine and HIV

Research paper thumbnail of Alterations in phenotype and cell-surface antigen expression levels of human monocytes: Differential response to in vivo administration of rhm-csf or rhgm-csf

Cytometry, 1995

We investigated, via multicolor flow cytometry, the in vivo effects of colony-stimulating factors... more We investigated, via multicolor flow cytometry, the in vivo effects of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) on cell size, frequencies, and expression of surface antigens on peripheral blood monocytes from melanoma patients treated concurrently with CSFs and tumor-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) R24. Recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhM-CSF) increased cell size, relative percentages of monocytes, percentages of CD14+, HLA-DQ+, C D l l b+, and CD16+ monocytes, and cell-surface expressions of HLA-DR and C D l l b; rhM-CSF also up-regulated cell-surface expression of CD14 on CD14brigh'CD16-monocytes. Recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) increased cell size, percentages of CD14+, HLA-DQ+, and C D l l b+ monocytes, and cell-surface expressions of HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, C D l l b, and CD58. Relative percentages of monocytes and CD16+ cells and cell-surface expression of CD14 on CD14brightCD1 6-monocytes decreased. In addition, monocytes derived from patients treated with rhM-CSF showed functional activity when assayed in vitro for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). During treatment and coincident with increased CD16 expression, monocytes derived from rhM-CSF patients had enhanced levels of cytotoxicity towards melanoma target cells compared to healthy controls and to patients treated with rhGM-CSF. o 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Research paper thumbnail of Production of functional myeloid cells from CD34-selected hematopoietic progenitor cells using a clinically relevant ex vivo expansion system

Stem Cells, 1994

There is increasing clinical interest focused on ex vivo manipulation and expansion of hematopoie... more There is increasing clinical interest focused on ex vivo manipulation and expansion of hematopoietic cells. In this study, we demonstrate that a simple combination of growth factors can expand progenitors to yield functional myeloid cells. Furthermore, this system can produce mature, functionally competent cells in the absence of fetal bovine serum (FBS), which will enhance the clinical utility of this approach.

Research paper thumbnail of Human immunodeficiency virus causes mononuclear phagocyte dysfunction

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1990

There is compelling clinical evidence for dysfunction of the mononuclear phagocyte system in pati... more There is compelling clinical evidence for dysfunction of the mononuclear phagocyte system in patients with AIDS, which is believed due in part to loss of T-cell cooperativity. The direct consequences of human immunodeficiency virus infection on macrophage function are unknown. To address this question we infected normal human macrophages in vitro with a monocytotropic strain of human immunodeficiency virus and performed assays to quantify their extra-and intracellular killing ability. Human immunodeficiency virusinfected macrophages were signflicandy less effective than control cells in mediating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against leukemic cell targets and intracellular killing of Candidapseudotropicals. The functional defects were

Research paper thumbnail of Repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure inhibits HIV replication in primary human macrophages☆

Microbes and Infection, 2006

Repetitive exposure of macrophages to microbial antigen is known to tolerize them to further stim... more Repetitive exposure of macrophages to microbial antigen is known to tolerize them to further stimulation and to inhibit proinflammatory cytokine release. Using transgenic (Tg) mice that incorporate the entire HIV-1 genome we have previously shown that toll like receptor (TLR)-2, -4, and -9 ligands induced tolerance as assessed by decreased proinflammatory cytokine secretion and nuclear factor-kappa beta activation. Yet, despite cytokine modulation, HIV-1 p24 production was enhanced in tolerized cells in vitro and in vivo. Since mice are not natural hosts for HIV infection, in the following report we examined whether TLR2 and TLR4 ligands induced tolerance in human monocytic cell lines stably expressing the HIV-long terminal repeat (LTR) luciferase construct (THP-LTR-Luc) as well as in primary macrophages that had been infected with HIV(BAL)in vitro. In THP-LTR-luc, TLR2 and TLR4 tolerization suppressed tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha release and HIV-LTR transactivation. In HIV(BAL) infected macrophages, repeated LPS exposure inhibited HIV replication as assessed by decreased genetic expression and protein production of HIV-1 p24, although TNF-alpha release was not inhibited. These observations may have important clinical implications in understanding the role of macrophages as HIV reservoirs at anatomical sites where there is repeated exposure to microbial antigens.

Research paper thumbnail of Erratum to: Repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure inhibits HIV replication in primary human macrophages☆

Microbes and Infection, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Regulation of HIV-1 infection in astrocytes: Expression of Nef, TNF-α and IL-6 is enhanced in coculture of astrocytes with macrophages

Journal of Neurovirology, 1996

'Restricted' human immunodeficiency virus type (HIV-1) infection of astrocytes is... more 'Restricted' human immunodeficiency virus type (HIV-1) infection of astrocytes is recognized in vivo in some pediatric and adult AIDS brains and in vitro in a small proportion of transfected primary fetal astrocytes. We investigated the extent of HIV-1JR-FL expression in fetal astrocytes and macrophages cultivated alone or together. Peak HIV-1 p24 antigen titres in supernatant fluids of macrophage cultures were increased with monocyte/macrophages from certain donors and were higher when macrophages were cocultivated with astrocytes. Structural HIV-1 gene (gp 41 and pol) products (protein and mRNA) were observed only in macrophages. Ten days after HIV-1JR-FL infection, astrocytes in a monoculture were stained negative or only weakly positive (1-2+) for Nef, whereas in a coculture up to 100% of astrocytes displayed Nef staining (up to 4+) in the cytoplasm. The streptavidine-biotine-peroxidase technique with certain monoclonal antibodies to Nef (Ovod et al, 1992) was specific for infected astrocytes. The intensity of Nef staining was higher in astrocytes cultivated with monocyte/macrophages from certain donors. In the coculture, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was expressed in the astrocyte cytoplasm earlier after coinfection with HIV-1 and cytomegalovirus (CMV) compared to infection with HIV-1 alone. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was secreted spontaneously and transiently in uninfected cocultures, but in a prolonged fashion following HIV-1 and HIV-1/CMV infections. The interactions between HIV-1- and CMV-infected macrophages and astrocytes lead to upregulation of TNF-alpha and IL-6 and enhancement of productive HIV-1 infection of macrophages and of 'restricted' HIV-1 infection of astrocytes with implications for the pathogenesis of AIDS dementia.

Research paper thumbnail of Acute and chronic effects of cocaine on the immune system and the possible link to AIDS

Journal of Neuroimmunology, 1998

The pathogenesis of AIDS is a complex and prolonged process that is affected by a variety of cofa... more The pathogenesis of AIDS is a complex and prolonged process that is affected by a variety of cofactors, including the abuse of both intravenous and smoked (crack) cocaine. The exact mechanisms by which cocaine facilitates this disease are yet to be proven, but likely include a combination of increased risk due to cocaine-related social behaviours, a wide-ranging capacity for cocaine to suppress the immune system, and an effect of cocaine on the infectivity and replication of HIV. While sometimes contradictory, both human and animal studies document that cocaine alters the function of natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, neutrophils and macrophages, and alters the ability of these cells to secrete immunoregulatory cytokines. In addition to these effects on the immune system, cocaine also enhances the infectivity and/or replication of HIV when tested using human cells in vitro.

Research paper thumbnail of Respiratory and immunologic consequences of marijuana smoking

Journal of clinical pharmacology, 2002

Habitual smoking of marijuana has a number of effects on the respiratory and immune systems that ... more Habitual smoking of marijuana has a number of effects on the respiratory and immune systems that may be clinically relevant. These include alterations in lung function ranging from no to mild airflow obstruction without evidence of diffusion impairment, an increased prevalence of acute and chronic bronchitis, striking endoscopic findings of airway injury (erythema, edema, and increased secretions) that correlate with histopathological alterations in bronchial biopsies, and dysregulated growth of the bronchial epithelium associated with altered expression of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins involved in the pathogenesis of bronchogenic carcinoma. Other consequences of regular marijuana use include ultrastructual abnormalities in human alveolar macrophages along with impairment of their cytokine production, antimicrobial activity, and tumoricidal function. Cannabinoid receptor expression is altered in leukocytes collected from the blood of chronic smokers, and experimental models suppo...

Research paper thumbnail of Isomerically selective photoionization of mercury-197

Journal of Applied Physics, 1985

We report the second of a series of experiments on selective photoionization of mercury isotopes ... more We report the second of a series of experiments on selective photoionization of mercury isotopes in which we show that radioactive atoms containing either isomeric form of the radionuclide 197Hg can be selectively ionized in the presence of natural mercury isotopes by doubly resonant three-step laser photoionization, and discuss its implications as a test case for nuclear-isomer separation.

Research paper thumbnail of Electrophoretic variation between class II molecules expressed on HLA-DRw8 homozygous typing cells reveals multiple distinct haplotypes

Immunogenetics, 1985

Two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis of immunoprecipitated HLA-DR antigens from eight homozyg... more Two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis of immunoprecipitated HLA-DR antigens from eight homozygous typing cells (HTC) expressing the HLA-DRw8 specificity revealed a clustering of polymorphic beta chain patterns into distinct electrophoretic variants. The variant patterns correlate with three discrete HLA-D clusters that are defined in the mixed leukocyte culture reaction (MLR) using DRw8-positive HTC. These HLA-D clusters have been provisionally designated Dw"8.1", detected primarily in Caucasoids, Dw"8.2", detected primarily in American Indians, and Dw"8.3", detected predominantly in Orientals. All three HLA-Dw"8.1" cell lines express a single DR-locus product as defined by immunoprecipitation with a DR-specific monoclonal antibody, P4.1. This DR beta chain is identical among the Dw"8.1" cell lines and different from the DR beta chains of the Dw"8.2" and Dw"8.3" cell lines. Two separate Dw"8.2" HTC express a shared DR beta chain that is slightly more basic than the 8.1 DR molecule; interestingly, one of these lines also expresses an additional DR-like beta chain not found in the other cells. Thus, the two lines defining the Dw"8.2" cluster share one distinct class II molecule, but differ in another and therefore are not biochemically HLA-identical. Cells from the Dw"8.3" cluster are likewise distinct from all other Dw8 clusters. One additional DRw8-positive HTC has been analyzed and found to be distinct from the Dw"8.1", "8.2" and "8.3" clusters by both MLR and 2D gels. Immunoprecipitates using monoclonal antibody 1B5 [anti-DR and anti-DQ(DS)] identify additional polymorphic class II variants among the cell lines tested. These data indicate that HLA-DRw8 is a public serologic specificity present on class II molecules expressed on multiple distinct haplotypes. These haplotypes differ from each other in expression of polymorphic class II molecules encoded by at least two HLA loci. They also differ in HLA-D, even though they all type as HLA-DRw8 homozygous. In Dw"8.2", variation in expressed beta chains is not reflected in variation in HLA-D, indicating that MLR, as well as serologic typing, does not detect the full degree of allelic polymorphism within HLA.

Research paper thumbnail of Amelioration of graft versus host disease by galectin-1

Clinical Immunology, 2003

Graft versus host disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic ... more Graft versus host disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Galectin-1, a mammalian lectin that modulates T cell function and apoptosis, has been shown to be immunomodulatory in animal models of autoimmune disease. We investigated the efficacy of galectin-1 in a murine model of graft versus host disease and found that 68% of galectin-1-treated mice survived, compared to 3% of vehicle-treated mice. Galectin-1-treated animals also had reduced inflammatory infiltrates in tissues compared to animals treated with vehicle alone. Galectin-1 did not affect engraftment of donor hematopoietic cells. However, galectin-1-treated animals demonstrated increased cellularity in bone marrow and spleen with increased numbers of splenic B cells and CD4 T cells compared to those animals treated with vehicle alone. Galectin-1 treatment also significantly improved reconstitution of normal splenic architecture following transplant. Production of type I cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-␥ was reduced in splenocytes derived from galectin-1-treated transplanted mice when compared to animals treated with vehicle alone, while production of the type II cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, was similar between the two groups of animals. Although splenocytes from galectin-1-treated transplanted animals responded to both third party antigens and leukemic challenge, host alloreactivity was significantly reduced when compared to cells from vehicle-treated animals. These results demonstrate that galectin-1 therapy is capable of increasing survival and suppressing the graft versus host immune response without compromising engraftment or immune reconstitution following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on human immune function and host defense

Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, 2002

This review examines evidence that delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can regulate and suppress ... more This review examines evidence that delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can regulate and suppress human immune responses. Leukocytes express both cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2), and levels of mRNA encoding for them are increased in peripheral blood leukocytes obtained from marijuana smokers, suggesting cannabinoid receptor activation in vivo. Exposure of human T-cells to THC suppresses their proliferation, inhibits the release of interferon-gamma, and skews the balance of T-helper cytokines towards a type 2 response. The majority of these effects are CB2 receptor-dependent. Consistent with an impact of THC on cell-mediated immunity, alveolar macrophages (AMs) recovered from the lungs of marijuana smokers are suppressed in their ability to release pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO), and kill bacteria. Macrophage function is restored by treatment with interferon-gamma, a type 1 cytokine. Habitual exposure to THC appears capable of impacting on human cell-mediated immunity and host defense.

Research paper thumbnail of Marijuana and Cocaine Impair Alveolar Macrophage Function and Cytokine Production

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 1997

Use of marijuana and cocaine is on the rise in the United States. Although pulmonary toxicity fro... more Use of marijuana and cocaine is on the rise in the United States. Although pulmonary toxicity from these drugs has occasionally been reported, little is known about their effects on the lung microenvironment. We evaluated the function of alveolar macrophages (AMs) recovered from the lungs of nonsmokers and habitual smokers of either tobacco, marijuana, or crack cocaine. AMs recovered from marijuana smokers were deficient in their ability to phagocytose Staphylococcus aureus (p < 0.01). AMs from marijuana smokers and from cocaine users were also severely limited in their ability to kill both bacteria and tumor cells (p < 0.01). Studies using NG-monomethyl-L-arginine monoacetate, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, suggest that AMs from nonsmokers and tobacco smokers were able to use nitric oxide as an antibacterial effector molecule, while AMs from smokers of marijuana and cocaine were not. Finally, AMs from marijuana smokers, but not from smokers of tobacco or cocaine, produced less than normal amounts of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin-6 when stimulated in culture with lipopolysaccharide. In contrast, the production of transforming growth factor-beta, an immunosuppressive cytokine, was similar in all groups. These findings indicate that habitual exposure of the lung to either marijuana or cocaine impairs the function and/or cytokine production of AMs. The ultimate outcome of these effects may be an enhanced susceptibility to infectious disease, cancer, and AIDS.

Research paper thumbnail of Biological Links between Cannabinoids and HIV Infection

Infectious Agents and Pathogenesis, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Amelioration of graft versus host disease by galectin-1

Graft versus host disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic ... more Graft versus host disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Galectin-1, a mammalian lectin that modulates T cell function and apoptosis, has been shown to be immunomodulatory in animal models of autoimmune disease. We investigated the efficacy of galectin-1 in a murine model of graft versus host disease and found that 68% of galectin-1-treated mice survived, compared to 3% of vehicle-treated mice. Galectin-1-treated animals also had reduced inflammatory infiltrates in tissues compared to animals treated with vehicle alone. Galectin-1 did not affect engraftment of donor hematopoietic cells. However, galectin-1-treated animals demonstrated increased cellularity in bone marrow and spleen with increased numbers of splenic B cells and CD4 T cells compared to those animals treated with vehicle alone. Galectin-1 treatment also significantly improved reconstitution of normal splenic architecture following transplant. Production of type I cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-␥ was reduced in splenocytes derived from galectin-1-treated transplanted mice when compared to animals treated with vehicle alone, while production of the type II cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, was similar between the two groups of animals. Although splenocytes from galectin-1-treated transplanted animals responded to both third party antigens and leukemic challenge, host alloreactivity was significantly reduced when compared to cells from vehicle-treated animals. These results demonstrate that galectin-1 therapy is capable of increasing survival and suppressing the graft versus host immune response without compromising engraftment or immune reconstitution following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Research paper thumbnail of Differentiating Agents Facilitate Infection of Myeloid Leukemia Cell Lines by Monocytotropic HIV1 Strains

Monocytotropic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates from patients with acquired i... more Monocytotropic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates from patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) infect mononuclear phagocytes as well as activated T cells, but do not usually infect immature human myeloid cell lines in vitro. The HL-60 promyelocytic/myeloblastic cell line and the promonocytic line, U937, were susceptible to productive infection by monocytotropic HIV-1 isolates (HIV-1JR-FL and HTLV-IIIBa-L) after treatment with retinoic acid, dimethyl sulfoxide, dibutyryl cAMP, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), or 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Virus production was only detected when these compounds were added before virus infection. Virus replication did not correlate with CD4 receptor expression because undifferentiated HL-60 cells express CD4 and the level of CD4 expression did not increase after differentiation in the presence of retinoic acid, 1,25(OH)2D3, or TPA. A mature monocytic cell line (THP-1) was capable of infection without pretreatment, and treatment with differentiating agents enhanced virus production. A chronically infected cell line (J-HL-60) was isolated after HIV-1JR-FL infection of HL-60 cells treated with retinoic acid. Virus production in this cell line was enhanced more than 10-fold after differentiation in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3 or TPA. The majority of virus production by 1,25(OH)2D3-treated J-HL-60 cells was associated with the mature, adherent population. Molecular analysis of a cloned line of J-HL-60 showed integration of a single DNA provirus. These results suggest that cellular factors associated with precursor cell differentiation along the myelomonocytic pathway are required for optimal replication of monocytotropic HIV-1 strains in vitro.

Research paper thumbnail of Identification and Characterization of a Low-Affinity Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptor on Primary and Cultured Human Melanoma Cells

Hematopoietic growth factor receptors are present on cells of normal nonhematopoietic tissues suc... more Hematopoietic growth factor receptors are present on cells of normal nonhematopoietic tissues such as endothelium and placenta. We previously demonstrated functional human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM- CSF) receptors on small cell carcinoma of the lung cell lines, and others have reported that certain solid tumor cell lines respond to GM-CSF in clonogenic assays. In the current study, we examine human

Research paper thumbnail of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Env-Independent Infection of Human CD4- Cells

Journal of Virology, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Tetrahydrocannabinol suppresses immune function and enhances HIV replication in the huPBL-SCID mouse

Life Sciences, 2005

Epidemiologic studies identify marijuana as a potential cofactor in the development and progressi... more Epidemiologic studies identify marijuana as a potential cofactor in the development and progression of HIV infection. To evaluate this interaction we employed a hybrid model in which human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) were implanted into severe combined immunodeficient mice (huPBL-SCID) and infected with an HIV reporter construct in the presence or absence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure. Administration of THC alone, in the absence of HIV, decreased CD4 counts and the CD4:CD8 ratio. Co-administration of THC and HIV did not reduce CD4 counts further, but significantly increased the percentage of HIV-infected PBL when compared to saline-treated animals (17 F 4.6% vs. 7 F 1.4%). Quantitative PCR confirmed a 50-fold increase in systemic viral load in THC-treated animals. The CCR5 and CXCR4 chemokine receptors function as coreceptors essential for HIV infection. Administration of THC for 5 days increased the percentage of PBL expressing CCR5 and, to a lesser extent, CXCR4. This effect was lost after 10 days of THC administration, but the number of HIV-infected cells had significantly increased by that time suggesting a role for early upregulation of these coreceptors in the pathogenic effect of THC. Finally, the impact of treatment on the number of human interferon-gamma (IFN-g) 0024-3205/$ -see front matter D (G.C. Baldwin).

Research paper thumbnail of Cocaine and  -1 receptors modulate HIV infection, chemokine receptors, and the HPA axis in the huPBL-SCID model

Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 2005

Cocaine is associated with an increased risk for, and progression of, clinical disease associ- at... more Cocaine is associated with an increased risk for, and progression of, clinical disease associ- ated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infec- tion. A human xenograft model, in which human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were implanted into severe combined immunodeficiency mice (huPBL-SCID) and infected with a HIV reporter vi- rus, was used to investigate the biological interactions between cocaine and HIV

Research paper thumbnail of Alterations in phenotype and cell-surface antigen expression levels of human monocytes: Differential response to in vivo administration of rhm-csf or rhgm-csf

Cytometry, 1995

We investigated, via multicolor flow cytometry, the in vivo effects of colony-stimulating factors... more We investigated, via multicolor flow cytometry, the in vivo effects of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) on cell size, frequencies, and expression of surface antigens on peripheral blood monocytes from melanoma patients treated concurrently with CSFs and tumor-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) R24. Recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhM-CSF) increased cell size, relative percentages of monocytes, percentages of CD14+, HLA-DQ+, C D l l b+, and CD16+ monocytes, and cell-surface expressions of HLA-DR and C D l l b; rhM-CSF also up-regulated cell-surface expression of CD14 on CD14brigh'CD16-monocytes. Recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) increased cell size, percentages of CD14+, HLA-DQ+, and C D l l b+ monocytes, and cell-surface expressions of HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, C D l l b, and CD58. Relative percentages of monocytes and CD16+ cells and cell-surface expression of CD14 on CD14brightCD1 6-monocytes decreased. In addition, monocytes derived from patients treated with rhM-CSF showed functional activity when assayed in vitro for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). During treatment and coincident with increased CD16 expression, monocytes derived from rhM-CSF patients had enhanced levels of cytotoxicity towards melanoma target cells compared to healthy controls and to patients treated with rhGM-CSF. o 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Research paper thumbnail of Production of functional myeloid cells from CD34-selected hematopoietic progenitor cells using a clinically relevant ex vivo expansion system

Stem Cells, 1994

There is increasing clinical interest focused on ex vivo manipulation and expansion of hematopoie... more There is increasing clinical interest focused on ex vivo manipulation and expansion of hematopoietic cells. In this study, we demonstrate that a simple combination of growth factors can expand progenitors to yield functional myeloid cells. Furthermore, this system can produce mature, functionally competent cells in the absence of fetal bovine serum (FBS), which will enhance the clinical utility of this approach.

Research paper thumbnail of Human immunodeficiency virus causes mononuclear phagocyte dysfunction

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1990

There is compelling clinical evidence for dysfunction of the mononuclear phagocyte system in pati... more There is compelling clinical evidence for dysfunction of the mononuclear phagocyte system in patients with AIDS, which is believed due in part to loss of T-cell cooperativity. The direct consequences of human immunodeficiency virus infection on macrophage function are unknown. To address this question we infected normal human macrophages in vitro with a monocytotropic strain of human immunodeficiency virus and performed assays to quantify their extra-and intracellular killing ability. Human immunodeficiency virusinfected macrophages were signflicandy less effective than control cells in mediating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against leukemic cell targets and intracellular killing of Candidapseudotropicals. The functional defects were

Research paper thumbnail of Repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure inhibits HIV replication in primary human macrophages☆

Microbes and Infection, 2006

Repetitive exposure of macrophages to microbial antigen is known to tolerize them to further stim... more Repetitive exposure of macrophages to microbial antigen is known to tolerize them to further stimulation and to inhibit proinflammatory cytokine release. Using transgenic (Tg) mice that incorporate the entire HIV-1 genome we have previously shown that toll like receptor (TLR)-2, -4, and -9 ligands induced tolerance as assessed by decreased proinflammatory cytokine secretion and nuclear factor-kappa beta activation. Yet, despite cytokine modulation, HIV-1 p24 production was enhanced in tolerized cells in vitro and in vivo. Since mice are not natural hosts for HIV infection, in the following report we examined whether TLR2 and TLR4 ligands induced tolerance in human monocytic cell lines stably expressing the HIV-long terminal repeat (LTR) luciferase construct (THP-LTR-Luc) as well as in primary macrophages that had been infected with HIV(BAL)in vitro. In THP-LTR-luc, TLR2 and TLR4 tolerization suppressed tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha release and HIV-LTR transactivation. In HIV(BAL) infected macrophages, repeated LPS exposure inhibited HIV replication as assessed by decreased genetic expression and protein production of HIV-1 p24, although TNF-alpha release was not inhibited. These observations may have important clinical implications in understanding the role of macrophages as HIV reservoirs at anatomical sites where there is repeated exposure to microbial antigens.

Research paper thumbnail of Erratum to: Repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure inhibits HIV replication in primary human macrophages☆

Microbes and Infection, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Regulation of HIV-1 infection in astrocytes: Expression of Nef, TNF-α and IL-6 is enhanced in coculture of astrocytes with macrophages

Journal of Neurovirology, 1996

'Restricted' human immunodeficiency virus type (HIV-1) infection of astrocytes is... more 'Restricted' human immunodeficiency virus type (HIV-1) infection of astrocytes is recognized in vivo in some pediatric and adult AIDS brains and in vitro in a small proportion of transfected primary fetal astrocytes. We investigated the extent of HIV-1JR-FL expression in fetal astrocytes and macrophages cultivated alone or together. Peak HIV-1 p24 antigen titres in supernatant fluids of macrophage cultures were increased with monocyte/macrophages from certain donors and were higher when macrophages were cocultivated with astrocytes. Structural HIV-1 gene (gp 41 and pol) products (protein and mRNA) were observed only in macrophages. Ten days after HIV-1JR-FL infection, astrocytes in a monoculture were stained negative or only weakly positive (1-2+) for Nef, whereas in a coculture up to 100% of astrocytes displayed Nef staining (up to 4+) in the cytoplasm. The streptavidine-biotine-peroxidase technique with certain monoclonal antibodies to Nef (Ovod et al, 1992) was specific for infected astrocytes. The intensity of Nef staining was higher in astrocytes cultivated with monocyte/macrophages from certain donors. In the coculture, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was expressed in the astrocyte cytoplasm earlier after coinfection with HIV-1 and cytomegalovirus (CMV) compared to infection with HIV-1 alone. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was secreted spontaneously and transiently in uninfected cocultures, but in a prolonged fashion following HIV-1 and HIV-1/CMV infections. The interactions between HIV-1- and CMV-infected macrophages and astrocytes lead to upregulation of TNF-alpha and IL-6 and enhancement of productive HIV-1 infection of macrophages and of 'restricted' HIV-1 infection of astrocytes with implications for the pathogenesis of AIDS dementia.

Research paper thumbnail of Acute and chronic effects of cocaine on the immune system and the possible link to AIDS

Journal of Neuroimmunology, 1998

The pathogenesis of AIDS is a complex and prolonged process that is affected by a variety of cofa... more The pathogenesis of AIDS is a complex and prolonged process that is affected by a variety of cofactors, including the abuse of both intravenous and smoked (crack) cocaine. The exact mechanisms by which cocaine facilitates this disease are yet to be proven, but likely include a combination of increased risk due to cocaine-related social behaviours, a wide-ranging capacity for cocaine to suppress the immune system, and an effect of cocaine on the infectivity and replication of HIV. While sometimes contradictory, both human and animal studies document that cocaine alters the function of natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, neutrophils and macrophages, and alters the ability of these cells to secrete immunoregulatory cytokines. In addition to these effects on the immune system, cocaine also enhances the infectivity and/or replication of HIV when tested using human cells in vitro.

Research paper thumbnail of Respiratory and immunologic consequences of marijuana smoking

Journal of clinical pharmacology, 2002

Habitual smoking of marijuana has a number of effects on the respiratory and immune systems that ... more Habitual smoking of marijuana has a number of effects on the respiratory and immune systems that may be clinically relevant. These include alterations in lung function ranging from no to mild airflow obstruction without evidence of diffusion impairment, an increased prevalence of acute and chronic bronchitis, striking endoscopic findings of airway injury (erythema, edema, and increased secretions) that correlate with histopathological alterations in bronchial biopsies, and dysregulated growth of the bronchial epithelium associated with altered expression of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins involved in the pathogenesis of bronchogenic carcinoma. Other consequences of regular marijuana use include ultrastructual abnormalities in human alveolar macrophages along with impairment of their cytokine production, antimicrobial activity, and tumoricidal function. Cannabinoid receptor expression is altered in leukocytes collected from the blood of chronic smokers, and experimental models suppo...

Research paper thumbnail of Isomerically selective photoionization of mercury-197

Journal of Applied Physics, 1985

We report the second of a series of experiments on selective photoionization of mercury isotopes ... more We report the second of a series of experiments on selective photoionization of mercury isotopes in which we show that radioactive atoms containing either isomeric form of the radionuclide 197Hg can be selectively ionized in the presence of natural mercury isotopes by doubly resonant three-step laser photoionization, and discuss its implications as a test case for nuclear-isomer separation.

Research paper thumbnail of Electrophoretic variation between class II molecules expressed on HLA-DRw8 homozygous typing cells reveals multiple distinct haplotypes

Immunogenetics, 1985

Two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis of immunoprecipitated HLA-DR antigens from eight homozyg... more Two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis of immunoprecipitated HLA-DR antigens from eight homozygous typing cells (HTC) expressing the HLA-DRw8 specificity revealed a clustering of polymorphic beta chain patterns into distinct electrophoretic variants. The variant patterns correlate with three discrete HLA-D clusters that are defined in the mixed leukocyte culture reaction (MLR) using DRw8-positive HTC. These HLA-D clusters have been provisionally designated Dw"8.1", detected primarily in Caucasoids, Dw"8.2", detected primarily in American Indians, and Dw"8.3", detected predominantly in Orientals. All three HLA-Dw"8.1" cell lines express a single DR-locus product as defined by immunoprecipitation with a DR-specific monoclonal antibody, P4.1. This DR beta chain is identical among the Dw"8.1" cell lines and different from the DR beta chains of the Dw"8.2" and Dw"8.3" cell lines. Two separate Dw"8.2" HTC express a shared DR beta chain that is slightly more basic than the 8.1 DR molecule; interestingly, one of these lines also expresses an additional DR-like beta chain not found in the other cells. Thus, the two lines defining the Dw"8.2" cluster share one distinct class II molecule, but differ in another and therefore are not biochemically HLA-identical. Cells from the Dw"8.3" cluster are likewise distinct from all other Dw8 clusters. One additional DRw8-positive HTC has been analyzed and found to be distinct from the Dw"8.1", "8.2" and "8.3" clusters by both MLR and 2D gels. Immunoprecipitates using monoclonal antibody 1B5 [anti-DR and anti-DQ(DS)] identify additional polymorphic class II variants among the cell lines tested. These data indicate that HLA-DRw8 is a public serologic specificity present on class II molecules expressed on multiple distinct haplotypes. These haplotypes differ from each other in expression of polymorphic class II molecules encoded by at least two HLA loci. They also differ in HLA-D, even though they all type as HLA-DRw8 homozygous. In Dw"8.2", variation in expressed beta chains is not reflected in variation in HLA-D, indicating that MLR, as well as serologic typing, does not detect the full degree of allelic polymorphism within HLA.

Research paper thumbnail of Amelioration of graft versus host disease by galectin-1

Clinical Immunology, 2003

Graft versus host disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic ... more Graft versus host disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Galectin-1, a mammalian lectin that modulates T cell function and apoptosis, has been shown to be immunomodulatory in animal models of autoimmune disease. We investigated the efficacy of galectin-1 in a murine model of graft versus host disease and found that 68% of galectin-1-treated mice survived, compared to 3% of vehicle-treated mice. Galectin-1-treated animals also had reduced inflammatory infiltrates in tissues compared to animals treated with vehicle alone. Galectin-1 did not affect engraftment of donor hematopoietic cells. However, galectin-1-treated animals demonstrated increased cellularity in bone marrow and spleen with increased numbers of splenic B cells and CD4 T cells compared to those animals treated with vehicle alone. Galectin-1 treatment also significantly improved reconstitution of normal splenic architecture following transplant. Production of type I cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-␥ was reduced in splenocytes derived from galectin-1-treated transplanted mice when compared to animals treated with vehicle alone, while production of the type II cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, was similar between the two groups of animals. Although splenocytes from galectin-1-treated transplanted animals responded to both third party antigens and leukemic challenge, host alloreactivity was significantly reduced when compared to cells from vehicle-treated animals. These results demonstrate that galectin-1 therapy is capable of increasing survival and suppressing the graft versus host immune response without compromising engraftment or immune reconstitution following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on human immune function and host defense

Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, 2002

This review examines evidence that delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can regulate and suppress ... more This review examines evidence that delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can regulate and suppress human immune responses. Leukocytes express both cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2), and levels of mRNA encoding for them are increased in peripheral blood leukocytes obtained from marijuana smokers, suggesting cannabinoid receptor activation in vivo. Exposure of human T-cells to THC suppresses their proliferation, inhibits the release of interferon-gamma, and skews the balance of T-helper cytokines towards a type 2 response. The majority of these effects are CB2 receptor-dependent. Consistent with an impact of THC on cell-mediated immunity, alveolar macrophages (AMs) recovered from the lungs of marijuana smokers are suppressed in their ability to release pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO), and kill bacteria. Macrophage function is restored by treatment with interferon-gamma, a type 1 cytokine. Habitual exposure to THC appears capable of impacting on human cell-mediated immunity and host defense.

Research paper thumbnail of Marijuana and Cocaine Impair Alveolar Macrophage Function and Cytokine Production

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 1997

Use of marijuana and cocaine is on the rise in the United States. Although pulmonary toxicity fro... more Use of marijuana and cocaine is on the rise in the United States. Although pulmonary toxicity from these drugs has occasionally been reported, little is known about their effects on the lung microenvironment. We evaluated the function of alveolar macrophages (AMs) recovered from the lungs of nonsmokers and habitual smokers of either tobacco, marijuana, or crack cocaine. AMs recovered from marijuana smokers were deficient in their ability to phagocytose Staphylococcus aureus (p < 0.01). AMs from marijuana smokers and from cocaine users were also severely limited in their ability to kill both bacteria and tumor cells (p < 0.01). Studies using NG-monomethyl-L-arginine monoacetate, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, suggest that AMs from nonsmokers and tobacco smokers were able to use nitric oxide as an antibacterial effector molecule, while AMs from smokers of marijuana and cocaine were not. Finally, AMs from marijuana smokers, but not from smokers of tobacco or cocaine, produced less than normal amounts of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin-6 when stimulated in culture with lipopolysaccharide. In contrast, the production of transforming growth factor-beta, an immunosuppressive cytokine, was similar in all groups. These findings indicate that habitual exposure of the lung to either marijuana or cocaine impairs the function and/or cytokine production of AMs. The ultimate outcome of these effects may be an enhanced susceptibility to infectious disease, cancer, and AIDS.