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Buck AM, LaFranchi BH, Henrich TJ. Gaining momentum: stem cell therapies for HIV cure. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2024; 19:194-200. [PMID: 38686850 PMCID: PMC11155292 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Durable HIV-1 remission has been reported in a person who received allogeneic stem cell transplants (SCTs) involving CCR5 Δ32/Δ32 donor cells. Much of the reduction in HIV-1 burden following allogeneic SCT with or without donor cells inherently resistant to HIV-1 infection is likely due to cytotoxic graft-versus-host effects on residual recipient immune cells. Nonetheless, there has been growing momentum to develop and implement stem cell therapies that lead to durable long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART)-free remission without the need for SCT. RECENT FINDINGS Most current research leverages gene editing techniques to modify hematopoietic stem cells which differentiate into immune cells capable of harboring HIV-1. Approaches include targeting genes that encode HIV-1 co-receptors using Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFN) or CRISPR-Cas-9 to render a pool of adult or progenitor cells resistant to de-novo infection. Other strategies involve harnessing multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells to foster immune environments that can more efficiently recognize and target HIV-1 while promoting tissue homeostasis. SUMMARY Many of these strategies are currently in a state of infancy or adolescence; nonetheless, promising preclinical and first-in-human studies have been performed, providing further rationale to focus resources on stem cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Buck
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Mohammadzadeh N, Chomont N, Estaquier J, Cohen EA, Power C. Is the Central Nervous System Reservoir a Hurdle for an HIV Cure? Viruses 2023; 15:2385. [PMID: 38140626 PMCID: PMC10747469 DOI: 10.3390/v15122385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
There is currently no cure for HIV infection although adherence to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses replication of the virus in blood, increases CD4+ T-cell counts, reverses immunodeficiency, and increases life expectancy. Despite these substantial advances, ART is a lifelong treatment for people with HIV (PWH) and upon cessation or interruption, the virus quickly rebounds in plasma and anatomic sites, including the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in disease progression. With recent advances in quantifying viral burden, detection of genetically intact viral genomes, and isolation of replication-competent virus from brain tissues of PWH receiving ART, it has become apparent that the CNS viral reservoir (largely comprised of macrophage type cells) poses a substantial challenge for HIV cure strategies. Other obstacles impacting the curing of HIV include ageing populations, substance use, comorbidities, limited antiretroviral drug efficacy in CNS cells, and ART-associated neurotoxicity. Herein, we review recent findings, including studies of the proviral integration sites, reservoir decay rates, and new treatment/prevention strategies in the context of the CNS, together with highlighting the next steps for investigations of the CNS as a viral reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
| | - Nicolas Chomont
- Department of Immunopathology, Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada;
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada;
| | - Jerome Estaquier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada;
| | - Eric A. Cohen
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada;
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montreal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Christopher Power
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
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Buck AM, Deveau TM, Henrich TJ, Deitchman AN. Challenges in HIV-1 Latent Reservoir and Target Cell Quantification in CAR-T Cell and Other Lentiviral Gene Modifying HIV Cure Strategies. Viruses 2023; 15:1126. [PMID: 37243212 PMCID: PMC10222761 DOI: 10.3390/v15051126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-modification therapies are at the forefront of HIV-1 cure strategies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells pose a potential approach to target infected cells during antiretroviral therapy or following analytical treatment interruption (ATI). However, there are technical challenges in the quantification of HIV-1-infected and CAR-T cells in the setting of lentiviral CAR gene delivery and also in the identification of cells expressing target antigens. First, there is a lack of validated techniques to identify and characterize cells expressing the hypervariable HIV gp120 in both ART-suppressed and viremic individuals. Second, close sequence homology between lentiviral-based CAR-T gene modification vectors and conserved regions of HIV-1 creates quantification challenges of HIV-1 and lentiviral vector levels. Consideration needs to be taken into standardizing HIV-1 DNA/RNA assays in the setting of CAR-T cell and other lentiviral vector-based therapies to avoid these confounding interactions. Lastly, with the introduction of HIV-1 resistance genes in CAR-T cells, there is a need for assays with single-cell resolution to determine the competence of the gene inserts to prevent CAR-T cells from becoming infected in vivo. As novel therapies continue to arise in the HIV-1 cure field, resolving these challenges in CAR-T-cell therapy will be crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. Buck
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Tyler-Marie Deveau
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Timothy J. Henrich
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Amelia N. Deitchman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
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Hsu J, Besien KV, Glesby MJ, Pahwa S, Coletti A, Warshaw MG, Petz L, Moore TB, Chen YH, Pallikkuth S, Dhummakupt A, Cortado R, Golner A, Bone F, Baldo M, Riches M, Mellors JW, Tobin NH, Browning R, Persaud D, Bryson Y. HIV-1 remission and possible cure in a woman after haplo-cord blood transplant. Cell 2023; 186:1115-1126.e8. [PMID: 36931242 PMCID: PMC10616809 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Previously, two men were cured of HIV-1 through CCR5Δ32 homozygous (CCR5Δ32/Δ32) allogeneic adult stem cell transplant. We report the first remission and possible HIV-1 cure in a mixed-race woman who received a CCR5Δ32/Δ32 haplo-cord transplant (cord blood cells combined with haploidentical stem cells from an adult) to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Peripheral blood chimerism was 100% CCR5Δ32/Δ32 cord blood by week 14 post-transplant and persisted through 4.8 years of follow-up. Immune reconstitution was associated with (1) loss of detectable replication-competent HIV-1 reservoirs, (2) loss of HIV-1-specific immune responses, (3) in vitro resistance to X4 and R5 laboratory variants, including pre-transplant autologous latent reservoir isolates, and (4) 18 months of HIV-1 control with aviremia, off antiretroviral therapy, starting at 37 months post-transplant. CCR5Δ32/Δ32 haplo-cord transplant achieved remission and a possible HIV-1 cure for a person of diverse ancestry, living with HIV-1, who required a stem cell transplant for acute leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingmei Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology& Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine / New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Koen Van Besien
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology& Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine / New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Marshall J. Glesby
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine / New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Savita Pahwa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pediatrics and Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Anne Coletti
- Family Health International 360, Durham, NC, 27761, USA
| | - Meredith G Warshaw
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Larry Petz
- StemCyte International Cord Blood Center, Baldwin Park, California, 91706, USA
| | - Theodore B. Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology& Oncology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ya Hui Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21025, USA
| | - Suresh Pallikkuth
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Adit Dhummakupt
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21025, USA
| | - Ruth Cortado
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Mattel Children’s, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Amanda Golner
- Frontier Science & Technology Research Foundation, Inc, Amherst, NY, 14226, USA
| | - Frederic Bone
- Frontier Science & Technology Research Foundation, Inc, Amherst, NY, 14226, USA
| | - Maria Baldo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology& Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine / New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Marcie Riches
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - John W. Mellors
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburg School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Nicole H. Tobin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Mattel Children’s, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Renee Browning
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Deborah Persaud
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21025, USA
| | - Yvonne Bryson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Mattel Children’s, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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Schmidt JK, Reynolds MR, Golos TG, Slukvin II. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to create nonhuman primate models for studying stem cell therapies for HIV infection. Retrovirology 2022; 19:17. [PMID: 35948929 PMCID: PMC9363854 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-022-00604-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are well-established basic and translational research models for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and pathophysiology, hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation, and assisted reproductive technologies. Recent advances in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technologies present opportunities to refine NHP HIV models for investigating genetic factors that affect HIV replication and designing cellular therapies that exploit genetic barriers to HIV infections, including engineering mutations into CCR5 and conferring resistance to HIV/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infections. In this report, we provide an overview of recent advances and challenges in gene editing NHP embryos and discuss the value of genetically engineered animal models for developing novel stem cell-based therapies for curing HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Kropp Schmidt
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Matthew R Reynolds
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thaddeus G Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Igor I Slukvin
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1220 Capitol Court, Madison, WI, 53715, USA.
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Allogeneic MHC-matched T-cell receptor α/β-depleted bone marrow transplants in SHIV-infected, ART-suppressed Mauritian cynomolgus macaques. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12345. [PMID: 35853970 PMCID: PMC9296477 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16306-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (allo-HSCTs) dramatically reduce HIV reservoirs in antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppressed individuals. However, the mechanism(s) responsible for these post-transplant viral reservoir declines are not fully understood. Therefore, we modeled allo-HSCT in ART-suppressed simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)-infected Mauritian cynomolgus macaques (MCMs) to illuminate factors contributing to transplant-induced viral reservoir decay. Thus, we infected four MCMs with CCR5-tropic SHIV162P3 and started them on ART 6-16 weeks post-infection (p.i.), maintaining continuous ART during myeloablative conditioning. To prevent graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), we transplanted allogeneic MHC-matched α/β T cell-depleted bone marrow cells and prophylactically treated the MCMs with cyclophosphamide and tacrolimus. The transplants produced ~ 85% whole blood donor chimerism without causing high-grade GvHD. Consequently, three MCMs had undetectable SHIV DNA in their blood post-transplant. However, SHIV-harboring cells persisted in various tissues, with detectable viral DNA in lymph nodes and tissues between 38 and 62 days post-transplant. Further, removing one MCM from ART at 63 days post-transplant resulted in SHIV rapidly rebounding within 7 days of treatment withdrawal. In conclusion, transplanting SHIV-infected MCMs with allogeneic MHC-matched α/β T cell-depleted bone marrow cells prevented high-grade GvHD and decreased SHIV-harboring cells in the blood post-transplant but did not eliminate viral reservoirs in tissues.
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Gilles I, Lesage S, Barbieux C, Alessandrini M, Jackson-Perry D, Vittoz L, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, Calmy A. Brief Report: Representations and Willingness of People Living With HIV in Switzerland to Participate in HIV Cure Trials: The Case of Gene-Modified Cell Therapies. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:1154-1160. [PMID: 34229328 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances made in cell and gene therapies for cancer suggest that they represent plausible strategies to cure HIV. However, the health risks and constraints associated with these therapies require a deeper understanding of the expectations of such treatments among people living with HIV (PLWH). METHODS We conducted 15 semistructured in-depth interviews among patients from 2 HIV units in Switzerland. After a conversation about their perceptions of research on HIV therapies, participants were provided with a trial description using a gene-modified cell therapy as a potentially curative approach. They were invited to discuss how they might consider participation in the trial. Content analysis was performed to identify core themes. RESULTS Participants perceived the trial as burdensome and uncertain. Most were aware that cure was not guaranteed, and 6 of the 15 considered that they would participate. Two main concerns were expressed about potential participation: (1) the impact on the professional life and fear to be stigmatized because of this and (2) the fact that stopping antiretroviral treatment would challenge the balance currently achieved in their lives. The decision to participate would depend on their understanding of the trial, the availability of sufficient information, and the relationship with health care professionals. CONCLUSION Involving PLWH in early stages of research would be crucial to improve their understanding of gene-modified cell therapies. It could also help adapt trials to address key factors, including the anticipation of stigma, which may discourage PLWH from participating in treatment research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Gilles
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Saphir Lesage
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Barbieux
- HIV/AIDS Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marco Alessandrini
- Department of Pathology and Immunology (PATIM), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; and
| | - David Jackson-Perry
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lucie Vittoz
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Peytremann-Bridevaux
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Calmy
- HIV/AIDS Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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Bruxelle JF, Trattnig N, Mureithi MW, Landais E, Pantophlet R. HIV-1 Entry and Prospects for Protecting against Infection. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020228. [PMID: 33499233 PMCID: PMC7911371 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus type-1 (HIV-1) establishes a latent viral reservoir soon after infection, which poses a major challenge for drug treatment and curative strategies. Many efforts are therefore focused on blocking infection. To this end, both viral and host factors relevant to the onset of infection need to be considered. Given that HIV-1 is most often transmitted mucosally, strategies designed to protect against infection need to be effective at mucosal portals of entry. These strategies need to contend also with cell-free and cell-associated transmitted/founder (T/F) virus forms; both can initiate and establish infection. This review will discuss how insight from the current model of HIV-1 mucosal transmission and cell entry has highlighted challenges in developing effective strategies to prevent infection. First, we examine key viral and host factors that play a role in transmission and infection. We then discuss preventive strategies based on antibody-mediated protection, with emphasis on targeting T/F viruses and mucosal immunity. Lastly, we review treatment strategies targeting viral entry, with focus on the most clinically advanced entry inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Bruxelle
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
- Correspondence: (J.-F.B.); (R.P.)
| | - Nino Trattnig
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Marianne W. Mureithi
- KAVI—Institute of Clinical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box, Nairobi 19676–00202, Kenya;
| | - Elise Landais
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ralph Pantophlet
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
- Correspondence: (J.-F.B.); (R.P.)
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