Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract (Dle) Suppresses Transcription Factor Nf-Kb Activity In Unstimulated Mt-4 Cells

Authors: Ojeda, M., Fernández-Ortega, C. And M.J. Araña

Institution: Cell Biology Division, Center For Biological Research, La Habana, Cuba.

Abstract:

Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract (DLE) derived from immune lymphocytes is capable of transferring specific immunity to naive T-cells. Clinical effectiveness of this biological extract has been demonstrated in a broad spectrum of diseases. Others have used DLE in AIDS patients and we observed a remarkable response in asymptomatic Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected individuals treated with DLE. Among the cellular transcription factors, NF-Kb plays a key role in the control of transcription of HIV, through the interaction with specific element from the long terminal repeat (LTR). In this work we examined the effect of DLE on NF-kB activation by EMSA, in cells that are commonly used to study HIV replication. The T-lymphocyte cell line MT-4 was exposed to several doses of DLE (0, 1,25 and 2,5 U/mL) during seven days, and nuclear extracts were prepared after 0, 3h, 3 and 7 days of treatment. Under these experimental conditions, we observed a remarkable inhibitory effect on NF-kB activity by DLE treatment. Reduction of DNA-protein complex formation was directly related with increments in DLE dose. Surprisingly, DLE at 2,5 U/mL completely suppressed NF-kB activation after seven days of MT-$ treatment. This effect is time related with the inhibition of HIV replication observed after DLE treatment in the same system, as we previously report. NF-kB is critical for proper immune function, cell growth and survival. Control of transcription by NF-kB represents a potential regulatory step of HIV gene expression. Our data indicate that DLE has the remarkable ability of inhibiting NF-kB DNA-binding activity. These results significantly contribute to our knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for the effectiveness of DLE therapy in asymptomatic HIV patients.