J3ExoA: A Novel Anti-HIV Immunotoxin Fusion of Anti-Gp120 J3VHH and PE38 Fragment of Pseudomonas Exotoxin A

Background. We are developing cytotoxic anti-HIV immunoconjugates to attack the reservoir of infected cells that persist after years of fully suppressive anti-retroviral therapy. Methods. We have produced a chimeric fusion protein, J3ExoA, consisting of J3VHH, a broadly reactive anti-gp120 camelid nanobody, joined to the de-immunized PE38 fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. The efficacy of J3ExoA was compared to that of a well-studied anti-gp41 immunotoxin (IT), 7B2-dgA, in cytotoxicity assays and for inhibition of infectivity. Immunogenicity of the ITs was tested in mice. Results. J3ExoA killed cells expressing the HIV envelope with specificity in concentrations in the ng/mL range. Of all anti-HIV ITs we have tested, only J3ExoA compared to 7B2-dgA in cytotoxic efficacy, although there were differences between the two ITs on different target cells. J3ExoA suppressed the spread of HIV infection in tissue culture. J3ExoA was less immunogenic than 7B2-dgA, but mice made antibodies to both portions of the fusion protein. Conclusions. J3ExoA represents a novel IT that may be used to eliminate infected cells in the persistent HIV reservoir of infection, the barrier to an HIV “cure.” Additional approaches for addressing IT immunogenicity are discussed.