Pivotal role of cyclic nucleoside phosphodiesterase 4 in Tat-mediated CD4+ T cell hyperactivation and HIV type 1 replication

We show here that HIV type 1 (HIV-1) Tat protein, in combination with anti-CD3/CD28 mAbs, promotes IL-2 production and proliferation of primary CD4⁺ T lymphocytes, obtained from HIV-1-seronegative donors. This effect was observed when Tat was immobilized on a solid support, but it was not observed with soluble Tat. Such hyperactivation was accomplished by recruiting the rolipram-sensitive cyclic nucleoside phosphodiesterase 4 and resulted in increased susceptibility to HIV-1 infection. Accordingly, rolipram potently inhibited HIV-1 replication in cultures stimulated by anti-CD3/CD28 ± Tat. These results add to the concept that decreasing Tat activity is an important addition to anti-HIV-1 therapy, and they suggest a target for anti-HIV-1 chemotherapy, phosphodiesterase 4.