Inhibition of lymphokine-activated killer activity during HIV infection: role of HIV-1 gp41 synthetic peptides

Lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) activity was analyzed in 31 human immune deficiency virus 1 (HIV-1)-infected patients. It was found to be reduced in all groups of patients, being more pronounced in those with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related complex compared to HIV-1-seropositive, asymptomatic individuals. Only high doses of interleukin-2 were able to restore LAK activity comparable to that of normal controls. In addition, HIV-1 gp41 synthetic peptide sequences 735-752 and 846-860 were able to significantly inhibit normal LAK activity at all the effector:target ratios tested. HIV-1-positive serum and the supernatant fluids from cultured peripheral-blood mononuclear cells from HIV-1-infected patients had the same inhibitory effect on normal LAK activity. These data provide evidence that (1) LAK activity appears to be impaired during the course of HIV-1 infection and (2) HIV-1-positive serum and HIV-1 components could exert a profound inhibition of this functional activity.