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Marquis KA, Merenstein C, Bushman FD. 2-Hydroxyisovalerate Is Produced During Bacterial Vaginosis and Boosts HIV Infection in Resting T Cells. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2024; 40:158-170. [PMID: 37548528 PMCID: PMC10924192 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2022.0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the ensuing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) disproportionally affect young women, yet understanding of the factors promoting heterosexual transmission in the female genital tract is limited. Colonization with highly diverse, Lactobacillus-deficient communities (HDCs) increases a woman's risk of acquiring HIV-1 compared with colonization with Lactobacillus-dominated low diversity communities (LDCs). The polymicrobial nature of these communities has made it challenging to elucidate the microbial mechanisms responsible for modulating HIV susceptibility. Here, we analyzed conserved changes in small-molecule metabolites present in the cervicovaginal lavage fluid collected from women colonized with HDCs and LDCs with the goal of identifying possible chemicals influencing HIV infection. As in previous studies, we found that the catabolite of the branched-chain amino acid valine, 2-hydroxyisovalerate (2-HV), was a consistent component of dysbiotic HDC microbiota. Effects of 2-HV on HIV infection were assessed. In experimental infections with HIV, treatment with 2-HV increased infections of resting CD4+ T cells. To understand bacterial production of 2-HV in more detail, we cultured purified HDC and LDC bacteria and used mass spectrometry to identify two HDC bacteria that synthesize high levels of 2-HV. In contrast, protective vaginal Lactobacilli did not produce high levels of 2-HV. A genomic analysis of genes encoding 2-HV synthetic pathways showed a correlation between high-level production of 2-HV and pathways for synthesis of the immediate precursor 2-ketoisovalerate. Thus, 2-HV is a candidate mediator linking vaginal microbiome structure and heterosexual HIV transmission in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin A. Marquis
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Carter Merenstein
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Frederic D. Bushman
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Bragazzi NL, Khamisy-Farah R, Tsigalou C, Mahroum N. HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Its Impact on the Gut Microbiome in Men Having Sex With Men. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:922887. [PMID: 35814651 PMCID: PMC9260425 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.922887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV/AIDS still imposes a high epidemiological and societal burden. Together with antiretroviral therapy, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) represents a fundamental tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS. PrEP is considered effective and safe, even though it may affect organs like the kidney, bone, and liver, as shown by randomized clinical trials (RCTs). These side effects may be mediated by alterations of the gut microbiome. Whilst the impact of the human rectal and vaginal microbiome on HIV prevention has been highly investigated among women, less is known about its effect among men having sex with men (MSM), a vulnerable population at high risk for HIV and disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. In the present paper, we will overview the effects of PrEP on the gut microbiota in MSM. Mining PubMed/MEDLINE, we identified three studies that have found significant changes affecting the gut microbiota. However, these shifts in the gut microbiome composition are variable, probably due to methodological differences, even though all studies reviewed in the present overview consistently report aberrations at the level of the gut microbiota. More data are needed, especially concerning the long-term side effects of PrEP: despite the studies included being a high-quality RCT, and two well-designed cross-sectional studies, evidence related to the impact of HIV PrEP on the gut microbiome in MSM is scarce and based on small populations. A better understanding of the interactions between the gut microbiota, sexual orientation/identity, and HIV prevention is expected to improve PrEP adherence and devise strategies to counteract PrEP-related side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Nicola Luigi Bragazzi,
| | - Rola Khamisy-Farah
- Clalit Health Services, Akko, Israel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Christina Tsigalou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Naim Mahroum
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
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3
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Austin MN, Meyn LA, Avolia HA, Petrina MA, Cosentino LA, Alphonse C, Chen BA, Bunge K, Noguchi L, Beigi R, Squires K, Hillier SL. Impact of Dapivirine and Placebo Vaginal Rings on the Microbiota of Adolescent, Lactating, and Postmenopausal Females. J Infect Dis 2022; 225:2208-2218. [PMID: 34865071 PMCID: PMC9200158 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A 25-mg dapivirine vaginal ring has been demonstrated to reduce risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition in nonpregnant adult women. In this secondary analysis of studies conducted in US adolescent, lactating, and postmenopausal females, vaginal microbiota was assessed prior to and after ring use, and between dapivirine and placebo ring users. METHODS Vaginal fluid swabs were collected before and after product use for the evaluation of microbiota using Nugent criteria, quantitative culture, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Vaginal ring use did not impact bacterial vaginosis prevalence among the 3 populations and was associated with minimal shifts in microbiota. Adolescents in both arms demonstrated an increased prevalence of Lactobacillus crispatus and a decrease in quantity of Megasphaera lornae. Postmenopausal active and placebo ring users demonstrated an increased prevalence of lactobacilli and non-albicans yeast, while dapivirine ring users demonstrated an increased prevalence of Candida albicans and increased quantity of group B Streptococcus and non-albicans yeasts. Prevotella species were increased in lactating women, whereas Prevotella timonensis increased in prevalence and concentration among adolescent and postmenopausal females and Prevotella bivia increased in prevalence among adolescent dapivirine ring users. CONCLUSIONS Dapivirine vaginal ring use was associated with minimal changes in the vaginal microbiota that are likely not clinically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leslie A Meyn
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hilary A Avolia
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Calins Alphonse
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Beatrice A Chen
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Lisa Noguchi
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard Beigi
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Sharon L Hillier
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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4
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Krog MC, Madsen ME, Bliddal S, Bashir Z, Vexø LE, Hartwell D, Hugerth LW, Fransson E, Hamsten M, Boulund F, Wannerberger K, Engstrand L, Schuppe-Koistinen I, Nielsen HS. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac015. [PMID: 35441092 PMCID: PMC9014536 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the microbiome profile across different body sites in relation to the normal menstrual cycle (with and without hormonal contraception), recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) (before and during pregnancy, pregnancy loss or birth) and endometriosis (before, during and after surgery)? How do these profiles interact with genetics, environmental exposures, immunological and endocrine biomarkers? WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The microbiome is a key factor influencing human health and disease in areas as diverse as immune functioning, gastrointestinal disease and mental and metabolic disorders. There is mounting evidence to suggest that the reproductive microbiome may be influential in general and reproductive health, fertility and pregnancy outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a prospective, longitudinal, observational study using a systems biology approach in three cohorts totalling 920 participants. Since microbiome profiles by shot-gun sequencing have never been investigated in healthy controls during varying phases of the menstrual cycle, patients with RPL and patients with endometriosis, no formal sample size calculation can be performed. The study period is from 2017 to 2024 and allows for longitudinal profiling of study participants to enable deeper understanding of the role of the microbiome and of host–microbe interactions in reproductive health. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Participants in each cohort are as follows: Part 1 MiMens—150 healthy women with or without hormonal contraception; Part 2 MiRPL—200 couples with RPL, 50 healthy couples with prior uncomplicated pregnancy and 150 newborns; Part 3 MiEndo—120 patients with endometriosis requiring surgery with or without hormonal treatment. Microbiome profiles from saliva, faeces, rectal mucosa, vaginal fluid and endometrium will be studied, as well as the Omics profile, endocrine disrupting chemicals and endocrine and immune factors in blood, hair, saliva and urine. Pregnancy loss products, seminal microbiome, HLA types, endometriotic tissue and genetic risk and comprehensive questionnaire data will also be studied, where appropriate. Correlations with mental and physical health will be evaluated. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work is supported by funding from Ferring Pharmaceuticals ([#MiHSN01] to H.S.N., M.C.K., M.E.M., L.E.V., L.E., I.S.-K., F.B., L.W.H., E.F. and M.H.), Rigshospitalet’s Research Funds ([#E-22614-01 and #E-22614-02] to M.C.K. and [#E-22222-06] to S.B.), Niels and Desiree Yde’s Foundation (S.B., endocrine analyses [#2015-2784]), the Musikforlæggerne Agnes and Knut Mørk’s Foundation (S.B., endocrine and immune analyses [#35108-001]) and Oda and Hans Svenningsen’s Foundation ([#F-22614-08] to H.S.N.). Medical writing assistance with this manuscript was provided by Caroline Loat, PhD, and funded by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. H.S.N. reports personal fees from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck Denmark A/S, Ibsa Nordic, Astra Zeneca and Cook Medical outside the submitted work. K.W. is a full-time employee of Ferring Pharmaceuticals. No other conflicts are reported. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE N/A DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT N/A
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Christine Krog
- Correspondence address. The Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Fertility Clinic 4071, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. E-mail:
| | | | - Sofie Bliddal
- The Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
- Institute for Inflammation Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Zahra Bashir
- The Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospitals Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Laura Emilie Vexø
- The Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospitals Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Gynecology, The Endometriosis Unit, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Dorthe Hartwell
- Department of Gynecology, The Endometriosis Unit, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Luisa W Hugerth
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emma Fransson
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marica Hamsten
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Boulund
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Lars Engstrand
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ina Schuppe-Koistinen
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henriette Svarre Nielsen
- The Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, The Capital Region, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospitals Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Observations of differing bacterial, intestinal microbiomes in people living with HIV have propelled interest in contributions of the microbiome to HIV disease. Non-human primate (NHP) models of HIV infection provide a controlled setting for assessing contributions of the microbiome by standardizing environmental confounders. We provide an overview of the findings of microbiome contributions to aspects of HIV disease derived from these animal models. Recent Findings Observations of differing bacterial, intestinal microbiomes are inconsistently observed in the NHP model following SIV infection. Differences in lentiviral susceptibility and vaccine efficacy have been attributed to variations in the intestinal microbiome; however, by-and-large, these differences have not been experimentally assessed. Summary Although compelling associations exist, clearly defined contributions of the microbiome to HIV and SIV disease are lacking. The empirical use of comprehensive multi-omics assessments and longitudinal and interventional study designs in NHP models is necessary to define this contribution more clearly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Brenchley
- Barrier Immunity Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, USA
| | - Alexandra M Ortiz
- Barrier Immunity Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, USA.
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Deciphering the Role of Mucosal Immune Responses and the Cervicovaginal Microbiome in Resistance to HIV Infection in HIV-Exposed Seronegative (HESN) Women. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0047021. [PMID: 34704803 PMCID: PMC8549735 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00470-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The female genital tract (FGT) is an important site of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Discerning the nature of HIV-specific local immune responses is crucial for identifying correlates of protection in HIV-exposed seronegative (HESN) individuals. The present study involved a comprehensive analysis of soluble immune mediators, secretory immunoglobulins (sIg), natural killer (NK) cells, CXCR5+ CD8+ T cells, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, and T regulatory cells (Tregs) in the vaginal mucosa as well as the nature and composition of the cervicovaginal microbiome in HESN women. We found significantly elevated antiviral cytokines, soluble immunoglobulins, and increased frequencies of activated NK cells, CXCR5+ CD8+ T cells, and Tfh cells in HESN females compared to HIV-unexposed healthy (UH) women. Analysis of the genital microbiome of HESN women revealed a greater bacterial diversity and increased abundance of Gardnerella spp. in the mucosa. The findings suggest that the female genital tract of HESN females represents a microenvironment equipped with innate immune factors, antiviral mediators, and critical T cell subsets that protect against HIV infection. IMPORTANCE The vast majority of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections across the world occur via the sexual route. The genital tract mucosa is thus the primary site of HIV replication, and discerning the nature of HIV-specific immune responses in this compartment is crucial. The role of the innate immune system at the mucosal level in exposed seronegative individuals and other HIV controllers remains largely unexplored. This understanding can provide valuable insights to improve vaccine design. We investigated mucosal T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, CXCR5+ CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells subsets, soluble immune markers, and microbiome diversity in HIV-exposed seronegative (HESN) women. We found a significantly higher level of mucosal CXCR5+ CD8+ T cells, CD4+ Tfh cells, activated NK cell subsets, and antiviral immune cell mediators in HESN women. We also found a higher abundance of Gardnerella spp., microbiome dysbiosis, and decreased levels of inflammatory markers to be associated with reduced susceptibility to HIV infection. Our findings indicate that increased distribution of mucosal NK cells, CXCR5+ CD8+ T cells, Tfh cells, and soluble markers in HIV controllers with a highly diverse cervicovaginal microbiome could contribute effectively to protection against HIV infection. Overall, our findings imply that future vaccine design should emphasize inducing these highly functional cell types at the mucosal sites.
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Agarwal K, Lewis AL. Vaginal sialoglycan foraging by Gardnerella vaginalis: mucus barriers as a meal for unwelcome guests? Glycobiology 2021; 31:667-680. [PMID: 33825850 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwab024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition of the vaginal microbiome in which there are few lactobacilli and abundant anaerobic bacteria. Members of the genus Gardnerella are often one of the most abundant bacteria in BV. BV is associated with a wide variety of poor health outcomes for women. It has been recognized since the 1980s that women with BV have detectable and sometimes markedly elevated levels of sialidase activity in vaginal fluids and that bacteria associated with this condition produce this activity in culture. Mounting evidence collected using diverse methodologies points to the conclusion that BV is associated with a reduction in intact sialoglycans in cervicovaginal secretions. Here we review evidence for the contributions of vaginal bacteria, especially Gardnerella, in the processes of mucosal sialoglycan degradation, uptake, metabolism and depletion. Our understanding of the impacts of vaginal sialoglycan degradation is still limited. However, the potential implications of sialic acid depletion are discussed in light of our current understanding of the roles played by sialoglycans in vaginal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Agarwal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla CA 92093, USA
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla CA 92093, USA
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Relaño-Rodríguez I, Muñoz-Fernández MÁ. Emergence of Nanotechnology to Fight HIV Sexual Transmission: The Trip of G2-S16 Polyanionic Carbosilane Dendrimer to Possible Pre-Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249403. [PMID: 33321835 PMCID: PMC7764023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of new, safe, and effective microbicides to prevent human immunodeficiency virus HIV sexual transmission is needed. Unfortunately, most microbicides proved ineffective to prevent the risk of HIV-infection in clinical trials. We are working with G2-S16 polyanionic carbosilane dendrimer (PCD) as a new possible vaginal topical microbicide, based on its short reaction times, wide availability, high reproducibility, and quantitative yields of reaction. G2-S16 PCD exerts anti-HIV activity at an early stage of viral replication, by blocking gp120/CD4/CCR5 interaction, and providing a barrier against infection for long periods of time. G2-S16 PCD was stable at different pH values, as well as in the presence of seminal fluids. It maintained the anti-HIV activity against R5/X4 HIV over time, did not generate any type of drug resistance, and retained the anti-HIV effect when exposed to semen-enhanced viral infection. Importantly, G2-S16 PCD did not modify vaginal microbiota neither in vitro or in vivo. Histopathological examination did not show vaginal irritation, inflammation, lesions, or damage in the vaginal mucosa, after administration of G2-S16 PCD at different concentrations and times in female mice and rabbit animal models. Based on these promising data, G2-S16 PCD could become a good, safe, and readily available candidate to use as a topical vaginal microbicide against HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Relaño-Rodríguez
- Head Section of Immunology, Molecular Immunology Laboratory, General Universitary Hospital Gregorio Marañón, C/Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Maria Ángeles Muñoz-Fernández
- Head Section of Immunology, Molecular Immunology Laboratory, General Universitary Hospital Gregorio Marañón, C/Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain;
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañon (IiSGM), C/Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Spanish HIV HGM BioBank, C/Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), C/Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +34-91-586-8565
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Assessment of In Vitro and In Silico Protocols for Sequence-Based Characterization of the Human Vaginal Microbiome. mSphere 2020; 5:5/6/e00448-20. [PMID: 33208514 PMCID: PMC7677004 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00448-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiome has been connected to a wide range of health outcomes. This has led to a thriving research environment but also to the use of conflicting methodologies to study its microbial composition. Here, we systematically assessed best practices for the sequencing-based characterization of the human vaginal microbiome. As far as 16S rRNA gene sequencing is concerned, the V1-V3 region performed best in silico, but limitations of current sequencing technologies meant that the V3-V4 region performed equally well. Both approaches presented very good agreement with qPCR quantification of key taxa, provided that an appropriate bioinformatic pipeline was used. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing presents an interesting alternative to 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing but requires deeper sequencing and more bioinformatic expertise and infrastructure. We assessed different tools for the removal of host reads and the taxonomic annotation of metagenomic reads, including a new, easy-to-build and -use reference database of vaginal taxa. This curated database performed as well as the best-performing previously published strategies. Despite the many advantages of shotgun sequencing, none of the shotgun approaches assessed here agreed with the qPCR data as well as the 16S rRNA gene sequencing.IMPORTANCE The vaginal microbiome has been connected to various aspects of host health, including susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections as well as gynecological cancers and pregnancy outcomes. This has led to a thriving research environment but also to conflicting available methodologies, including many studies that do not report their molecular biological and bioinformatic methods in sufficient detail to be considered reproducible. This can lead to conflicting messages and delay progress from descriptive to intervention studies. By systematically assessing best practices for the characterization of the human vaginal microbiome, this study will enable past studies to be assessed more critically and assist future studies in the selection of appropriate methods for their specific research questions.
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Falasca F, Cavallari EN, Innocenti GP, Scagnolari C, Mezzaroma I, Santinelli L, Ceccarelli G, Vullo V, Turriziani O, d'Ettorre G. Antiviral Activity of Fecal Water Samples from HIV-1 Infected Subjects Treated with a Specific Probiotic Formulation. Curr HIV Res 2020; 17:183-189. [PMID: 31490760 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x17666190903230622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate if the supplementation with multistrain probiotics may be able to modulate T cell response in HIV-1 infected patients and to evaluate the anti-HIV activity of probiotic by studying fecal water (FW) samples. METHODS Three HIV-1-positive patients (Pt1, Pt2 and Pt3) on long-term suppressive combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) received a specific multi-strain probiotic supplementation (Vivomixx ®), for six months (T6). Levels of T cell subsets were evaluated by flow cytometry. Anti- HIV activity of FW samples was evaluated in vitro. RESULTS CD4+ T cells levels increased in all HIV-1 infected patients whereas activation markers (CD38 and HLA-DR) were decreased both on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. FW samples presented an increased inhibitory activity against HIV-1 compared to T0 (FW-Pt1: T0 =40%, T6 = 65% of reduction; FW Pt2: T0 = 26%, T6 = 46% of reduction; FW Pt3: T0 = 47%, T6 = 94% of reduction). DISCUSSION Our data suggest that the administration of the specific probiotic formulation improves the antiviral status of people living with HIV-1 under cART, also modulating T cell response. CONCLUSION Anti-HIV activity of FW may have several public health and social implications for sexually transmitted diseases that need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Falasca
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Ivano Mezzaroma
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Letizia Santinelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vullo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella d'Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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11
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Achilles SL, Meyn LA, Mhlanga FG, Matubu AT, Stoner KA, Beamer MA, Chirenje ZM, Hillier SL. Zim CHIC: A cohort study of immune changes in the female genital tract associated with initiation and use of contraceptives. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 84:e13287. [PMID: 32533883 PMCID: PMC7507197 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Problem Contraceptive hormones are systemically active, potent, and likely to invoke biological responses other than known fertility regulation impacts. We hypothesized that initiation of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) would increase genital HIV‐target‐cells and soluble immune mediators compared with baseline and initiation of other contraceptive methods. Method of Study We collected cervical cytobrushes and cervicovaginal fluid from healthy Zimbabwean women aged 18‐34 to assess immune cell populations, cytokines, and innate anti‐HIV activity at baseline and after 30, 90, and 180 days use of DMPA (n = 38), norethisterone enanthate (n = 41), medroxyprogesterone acetate/estradiol cypionate (n = 36), levonorgestrel implant (n = 43), etonogestrel implant (n = 47), or copper intrauterine device (Cu‐IUD) (n = 45). Cells were quantified by flow cytometry, cytokines were detected by multiplex assays, and innate anti‐HIV activity was assessed by in vitro HIV challenge. Results Compared to baseline, the number of cervical HIV target cells (#CD4 cells P < .04 and #CD11c cells P < .04), the concentration of the inflammatory cytokine IL‐1β (P < .01), and the innate in vitro anti‐HIV activity (P < .001) significantly decreased following DMPA initiation. In Cu‐IUD users, genital HIV target cells increased (#CD4 cells P < .001, #CD4CCR5 cells P = .02, #CD4CD69 cells P < .001, #CD8CD69 P = .01, and #CD11c cells P = .003) at day 30 and resolved by day 180. IFN‐γ (P < .001), IL‐1β (P < .001), IL‐6 (P < .001), IL‐8 (P < .001), IL‐10 (P < .01), and RANTES (P < .001) were also significantly increased at day 30. Minimal alterations were observed following initiation of subdermal implantable contraceptives. Conclusions This head‐to‐head study compared six contraceptives and found increased HIV target cells and cervical inflammation temporally associated with Cu‐IUD initiation. Use of hormonal contraception, including DMPA, did not increase cervical HIV target cells or inflammation. Clinical Trial Number: NCT02038335
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Achilles
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Family Planning Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leslie A Meyn
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Family Planning Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Felix G Mhlanga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Science, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Allen T Matubu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Science, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - May A Beamer
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zvavahera M Chirenje
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Science, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Sharon L Hillier
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Family Planning Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Yuan L, Hensley C, Mahsoub HM, Ramesh AK, Zhou P. Microbiota in viral infection and disease in humans and farm animals. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 171:15-60. [PMID: 32475521 PMCID: PMC7181997 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The influence of the microbiota on viral infection susceptibility and disease outcome is undisputable although varies among viruses. The purpose of understanding the interactions between microbiota, virus, and host is to identify practical, effective, and safe approaches that target microbiota for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases in humans and animals, as currently there are few effective and reliable antiviral therapies available. The initial step for achieving this goal is to gather clinical evidences, focusing on the viral pathogens-from human and animal studies-that have already been shown to interact with microbiota. The subsequent step is to identify mechanisms, through experimental evidences, to support the development of translational applications that target microbiota. In this chapter, we review evidences of virus infections altering microbiota and of microbiota enhancing or suppressing infectivity, altering host susceptibility to certain viral diseases, and influencing vaccine immunogenicity in humans and farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States; Integrated Life Science Building, Blacksburg, VA, United States.
| | - Casey Hensley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States; Integrated Life Science Building, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Hassan M Mahsoub
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States; Integrated Life Science Building, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Ashwin K Ramesh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States; Integrated Life Science Building, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Peng Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States; Integrated Life Science Building, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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