Evaluation of passively transferred, nonneutralizing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity-mediating IgG in protection of neonatal rhesus macaques against oral SIV_maC251 challenge

Previously, Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) was significantly correlated with reduced acute viremia upon intrarectal SIV_mac251 challenge of immunized rhesus macaques. To directly assess ADCC protective efficacy, six neonatal macaques were infused s.c. with immune IgG (220 mg/kg) purified from the immunized animals and positive for ADCC and Ab-dependent cell-mediated viral inhibition (ADCVI) activities. Six neonates received control IgG. The neonates were challenged twice orally with 10⁵ 50% inhibiting tissue culture-infective dose of SIV_mac251 2 days post-IgG infusion. At challenge, plasma of neonates that received immune IgG did not neutralize SIV_mac251 but had geometric mean ADCC titers of 48,130 and 232,850 against SIV_mac251-infected and gp120-coated targets, respectively. Peak ADCVI activity varied from 62 to 81%. ADCC activity declined with the 2-wk IgG half-life but was boosted at wk 4, together with de novo ADCC-mediating Abs in controls, by postchallenge viremia. ADCVI activity was similarly induced. No protection, assessed by viral burdens, CD4 counts, and time to euthanasia was observed Possible factors contributing to the discrepancy between the previous correlation and lack of protection here include: the high oral challenge dose compared with the 400-fold lower intrarectal dose; the challenge route with regard to viral dissemination and distribution of infused IgG; insufficient NK effector activity and/or poor functionality in newborns; insufficient immune IgG; and the possibility that the previous correlation of ADCC with protection was augmented by cellular immune responses also present at challenge. Future studies should explore additional challenge routes in juvenile macaques using higher amounts of potent IgG preparations.