The human IL-15 superagonist ALT-803 directs SIV-specific CD8+ T cells into B-cell follicles

GM Webb, S Li, G Mwakalundwa, JM Folkvord… - Blood …, 2018 - ashpublications.org
GM Webb, S Li, G Mwakalundwa, JM Folkvord, JM Greene, JS Reed, JJ Stanton…
Blood advances, 2018ashpublications.org
Sequestering of latent HIV in follicular helper T cells within B-cell follicles that largely
exclude cytotoxic T cells is a major barrier to cellular immune-based approaches to
eradicate HIV. Here, we show that the clinical-grade human interleukin-15 (IL-15)
superagonist ALT-803 activates and redirects simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)–specific
CD8+ T cells from the peripheral blood into B-cell follicles. In agreement with the increased
trafficking of SIV-specific cytotoxic T cells to sites of cryptic viral replication, lymph nodes of …
Abstract
Sequestering of latent HIV in follicular helper T cells within B-cell follicles that largely exclude cytotoxic T cells is a major barrier to cellular immune-based approaches to eradicate HIV. Here, we show that the clinical-grade human interleukin-15 (IL-15) superagonist ALT-803 activates and redirects simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)–specific CD8+ T cells from the peripheral blood into B-cell follicles. In agreement with the increased trafficking of SIV-specific cytotoxic T cells to sites of cryptic viral replication, lymph nodes of elite controlling macaques contained fewer cells expressing SIV RNA or harboring SIV DNA post–ALT-803 treatment. These data establish ALT-803 as an immunotherapeutic for HIV and other chronic viral pathogens that evade host immunity by persisting in B-cell follicles.
ashpublications.org