Effect of Saquinavir on proliferation and telomerase activity of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

The present study describes the effect of Saquinavir on proliferation, interferon-γ production and telomerase activity of non-stimulated, or activated non-adherent mononuclear cells (NAMNC), obtained from peripheral blood of healthy donors. Fresh NAMNC, non-stimulated or activated in vitro with PHA or with a mixture of monoclonal antibodies against CD3 and against CD28 membrane antigens (in order to obtain prevalent T cell responses), were exposed to Saquinavir before or at the time of mitogenic stimulation. Control and treated cells were tested for DNA synthesis ( 3H-thymidine incorporation), interferon-γ production and telomerase activity (TRAP assay). The results indicate that Saquinavir is able to increase proliferation and interferon-γ release in PHA-stimulated NAMNC, and telomerase activity either in non-stimulated and in PHA or antibody-activated cells. These results suggest that the activity against HIV infection afforded by Saquinavir, could be corroborated by its effects on the host. These include its adjuvant activity on mitogen-induced responses of lymphocytes, and its possible antagonistic effects against lymphoid cell senescence, through telomerase activation.