Evaluation of HTLV-1 HBZ and proviral load, together with host IFN λ3, in pathogenesis of HAM/TSP

Retroviral b-Zip protein (HBZ) contributes to the release of soluble and exosomal immune checkpoint molecules in the context of neuroinflammation

HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a chronic, progressive, neuroinflammatory demyelinating condition of the spinal cord. We have previously shown that aberrant expression and activity of immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules such as PD-1 and PD-L1/PD-L2, negatively associates with the cytolytic potential of T cells in individuals with HAM/TSP. Interestingly, ICPs can exist in a soluble cell-free form and can be carried on extracellular vesicles (EVs) and exosomes (small EVs, <300nm) while maintaining their immunomodulatory activity. Therefore, we investigated the role of soluble and exosomal ICPs in HTLV-1 associated neuroinflammation. For the very first time, we demonstrate a unique elevated presence of several stimulatory (CD27, CD28, 4-1BB) and inhibitory (BTLA, CTLA-4, LAG-3, PD-1, PD-L2) ICP receptors in HAM/TSP sera, and in purified exosomes from a HAM/TSP-derived HTLV-1-producing (OSP2) cells. These ICPs were found to be co-localized with the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) pathway proteins and exhibited functional binding with their respective ligands. Viral proteins and cytokines (primarily IFNγ) were found to be present in purified exosomes. IFNγ exposure enhanced the release of ICP molecules while antiretroviral drugs (Azidothymidine and Lopinavir) significantly inhibited this process. HTLV-1 b-Zip protein (HBZ) has been linked to factors that enhance EV release and concurrent knockdown here led to the reduced expression of ESCRT associated genes (eg. Hrs, Vsp4, Alix, Tsg101) as well as abrogated the release of ICP molecules, suggesting HBZ involvement in this process. Moreso, exosomes from OSP2 cells adversely affected CD8 T-cell functions by dimishing levels of cytokines and cytotoxic factors. Collectively, these findings highlight exosome-mediated immunmodulation of T-cell functions with HBZ and ESCRT pathways as an underlying mechanism in the context of HTLV-1-induced neuroinflammation.

Human T Lymphotropic Virus 1-Associated Myelopathy: Overview of Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus-1/2 Tests and Potential Biomarkers

Human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-1-associated myelopathy is a chronic, disabling inflammatory disorder of the spinal cord caused by HTLV-1 infection. The diagnosis of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM) is based on clinical and laboratorial findings. The disease is characterized by the presence of spastic paraparesis associated with detection of anti-HTLV-1 antibodies or HTLV-1 genomes in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). New inflammatory markers have been proposed for the diagnosis and assessment of the prognosis of HAM. We reviewed the laboratory diagnostic and potential surrogate markers for HAM. The serological screening tests for detection of anti-HTLV-1/2 antibodies are highly sensitive and specific, but confirmation and typing of HTLV-1 or HTLV-2 infection by other serological or molecular methods are essential. Detection of intrathecal anti-HTLV-1 antibodies and quantification of the HTLV-1 provirus in CSF provide additional evidence for diagnosis especially in atypical cases or where alternative causes of neuroinflammation cannot be excluded. The CXC motif chemokine ligand 10 and neopterin in serum and CSF are now emerging as inflammatory markers with prognostic value and for HAM monitoring and management. In addition, measures of neurodegeneration, such as neurofilament light chain in the CSF and blood, may also contribute to the HAM prognosis. This review is useful for clinicians and researchers evaluating potential benefits and limitations of each biomarker in clinical practice. The advent of new markers makes it necessary to update the criteria for the best evidence-based approach and for worldwide consensus regarding the use of diagnostic and surrogate markers for HAM.

Identification of dysregulated pathways underlying HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis through co-expression network analysis

Human T cell lymphotropic virus-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a pathogen-caused disease which is associated with the progressive neurological disorder. HAM/TSP affects the expression level of several proteins and dysregulates some biological pathways. To identify the interaction patterns among expressed genes in HAM/TSP patients, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied. Three microarray datasets regarding HAM/TSP were merged, and the co-expression network was constructed among genes. A total of 38 modules were identified. Three preserved modules in HAM/TSP in comparison to the healthy subjects which also had the most connected proteins and enriched in the biological pathways were selected. These modules were enriched in pathways related to immune systems, cell cycle, viral infection, and neuronal systems. Moreover, the involvement of novel immunological-related proteins including C1QB, GBP5, PSME1, SERPING1, and UBE2C; neurological-related proteins including TUBA4A, TUBB8, and TP63; and also proteins including TRPC6, PRKG2, OPRD1, PRKACA, and TUBB4A involved in the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, thyroid hormone synthesis, and recruitment of mitotic centrosome proteins and complexes were found. Therefore, tracing these proteins and the identified modules can shed light on the pathogenesis mechanism of HAM/TSP and help to find potential therapeutic targets. However, further experimental validation should be performed to confirm the proposed functional players.

Nanotechnology based strategies for HIV-1 and HTLV-1 retroviruses gene detection

Early detection of retroviruses including human T-cell lymphotropic virus and human immunodeficiency virus in the human body is indispensable to prevent retroviral infection propagation and improve clinical treatment. Until now, diverse techniques have been employed for the early detection of viruses. Traditional methods are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and laborious performing. Therefore, designing and constructing a selective and sensitive diagnosis system to detect serious diseases is highly demanded. Genetic detection with high sensitivity has striking significance for the early detection and remedy of disparate pathogenic diseases. The nucleic acid biosensors are based on the identification of specific DNA sequences in biological samples. Nanotechnology has an important impact on the development of sensitive biosensors. Different kinds of nanomaterials include nanoparticles, nanoclusters, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, nanocomposites, etc., with different properties have been used to improve the performance of biosensors. Recently, DNA nanobiosensors are developed to provide simple, fast, selective, low-cost, and sensitive detection of infectious diseases. In this paper, the research progresses of nano genosensors for the detection of HIV-1 and HTLV-1 viruses, based on electrochemical, optical, and photoelectrochemical platforms are overviewed.

Ku70 Senses HTLV-1 DNA and Modulates HTLV-1 Replication

Human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) belongs to the deltaretrovirus family and has been linked to multiple diseases. However, the innate host defense against HTLV-1 is unclear. In this study, we report that the expression of Ku70, a known DNA sensor against DNA viruses, could be induced by HTLV-1 infection in HeLa, PMA-differentiated THP1 cells, primary human monocytes, and human monocyte-derived macrophages. In these cells, the overexpression of Ku70 inhibited the HTLV-1 protein expression, whereas the knockdown of Ku70 promoted the HTLV-1 protein expression. Furthermore, the overexpression of Ku70 enhanced the cellular response to HTLV-1 infection, whereas Ku70 knockdown yielded the opposite effect. Additionally, Ku70 was found to interact with HTLV-1 reverse transcription intermediate ssDNA90. ssDNA90 stimulation induced Ku70 expression and Ku70 promoted ssDNA90-triggered innate immune responses. Finally, HTLV-1 infection enhanced the association between Ku70 and stimulator of IFN genes, suggesting that stimulator of IFN genes was involved in Ku70-mediated host defenses against HTLV-1 infection. Taken together, our findings suggest a new sensor that detects HTLV-1 reverse transcription intermediate and controls HTLV-1 replication. These findings may provide new angles to understand host defenses against HTLV-1 infection and HTLV-1-associated diseases.