Tissue macrophages release MIP-1α and MIP-1β but not TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6 or IFN-γ after the internalisation of dextrin 2-sulphate

We have studied the effect of dextrin 2-sulphate (D2S) on several primary human cell types. After exposure to dextrin 2-sulphate, peritoneal macrophages were found to accumulate D2S in cytoplasmic granules. These cells were also found to release MIP-1 alpha and MIP-1 beta upon exposure to D2S without an associated release of cytokines. This did not occur with any of the other cell types studied. The supernatants from D2S-exposed peritoneal macrophages were found to possess enhanced anti-HIV-l activity when compared to equivalent concentrations of D2S and recombinant beta-chemokines. When size fractionated, the supernatants were found to contain beta-chemokines in high (669 kDa) and low (14 kDa) MWt fractions. The induction of beta-chemokine release from peritoneal macrophages without an associated release of cytokines may therefore enhance the anti-HIV-1 activity of D2S, and suggests that D2S and beta-chemokines block HIV-1 entry by acting on different cell surface receptors.