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Seronegative MSM at high risk of HIV-1 acquisition show an immune quiescent profile with a normal immune response against common antigens. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277120. [PMID: 36480500 PMCID: PMC9731495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection still represents a major public health problem worldwide, and its vaccine remains elusive. The study of HIV-exposed seronegative individuals (HESN) brings important information about the natural resistance to HIV, allows a better understanding of the infection, and opens doors for new preventive and therapeutic strategies. Among HESN groups, there are some men who have sex with men (MSM) with high-risk sexual behaviors, who represent an adequate cohort for HESN study because of their major HIV exposure without infection. This study aimed to compare the immunological profile of Colombian seronegative MSM with different risk sexual behaviors. This study included 60 MSM at high-risk (n = 16) and low-risk (n = 44) of HIV-1 acquisition. No sex worker nor homozygous delta 32 mutation subjects were included. All participants were negative for anti-HIV-1/2 antibodies and HIV-1 proviral DNA. A higher frequency of sexual partners in the last 3 months before the study participation (median, 30 vs. 2), lifetime sexual partners (median, 1,708 vs. 26), and unprotected anal intercourse (median 12.5 vs. 2) was determined in high-risk MSM than low-risk MSM. High-risk MSM also showed a quiescent profile of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, with a significantly lower percentage of CD4+CD38+, CD4+HLADR-CD38+, CD4+Ki67+ T cells, and NKG2D+ NK cells (CD3-CD16+CD56+), a significantly higher percentage of CD4+HLADR-CD38-, and a tendency to show a higher percentage of CD8+HLADR+CD38- T cells than the low-risk group. Likewise, they showed higher mRNA levels of Serpin A1 from PBMCs. The results suggest that this MSM cohort could be HESN individuals and their resistance would be explained by a quiescent profile of T cells and NK cells and an increased Serpin A1 expression. Further study on MSM at high risk of exposure to HIV-1 is necessary to better understand the natural resistance to HIV.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Early steps of HIV infection are mediated by the binding of the envelope to mucosal receptors as α4β7 and the C-type lectins DC-SIGN and langerin. Previously Env-specific B-cell responses have been reported in highly exposed seronegative individuals (HESN). METHOD Here, we studied gp120-specific antibodies ability to block HIV interaction with α4β7, DC-SIGN and/or langerinin HESN. New cell-based assays were developed to analyze whether antibodies that can alter gp120 binding to α4β7, DC-SIGN and/or langerin are induced in HESN. A mucosal blocking score (MBS) was defined based on the ability of antibodies to interfere with gp120/α4β7, gp120/DC-SIGN, and gp120/langerin binding. A new MBS was evaluated in a cohort of 86 HESN individuals and compared with HIV+ patients or HIV- unexposed healthy individuals. RESULTS Antibodies reducing gp120 binding to both α4β7 and DC-SIGN were present in HESN serum but also in mucosal secretions, whereas antibodies from HIV+ patients facilitated gp120 binding to DC-SIGN. Any correlation was observed between MBS and the capacity of antibodies to neutralize infection of α4β7 CD4+ T cells with primary isolates. CONCLUSIONS MBS is significantly associated with protection in HESN and might reflect altered HIV spreading to mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues.
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Genetic and immune determinants of immune activation in HIV-exposed seronegative individuals and their role in protection against HIV infection. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 66:325-334. [PMID: 29258786 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Soon thereafter infection is established, hosts strive for an efficient eradication of microorganisms, with as limited tissue damage as possible, and durable immunological protection against re-infection. On the other hand, pathogens have developed countermeasures to escape host surveillance and to warrant diffusion to other hosts. In this molecular arms race the final results relies on multiple variables, including the genetic and immunologic e correlates of protection available for the host. In the field of HIV-infection, natural protection has been repeatedly associated to the presence of an immune activation state, at least in some cohorts of HESN (HIV-exposed seronegative). Indeed, these subjects, who naturally resist HIV-infection despite repeated exposure to the virus, are characterized by an increased expression of activation markers on circulating cells and greater production of immunological effector molecules both in basal condition and upon specific-stimulation. Although these results are not univocally shared, several publications emphasize the existence of a correlation between polymorphisms in genes associated with increased immune activation and the HESN phenotype. In this review, we will describe some of the genetic variants associated with protection against HIV infection. Understanding the basis of HIV resistance in HESN is mandatory to develop new preventative and therapeutic interventions.
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Imran M, Waheed Y, Ghazal A, Ullah S, Safi SZ, Jamal M, Ali M, Atif M, Imran M, Ullah F. Modern biotechnology-based therapeutic approaches against HIV infection. Biomed Rep 2017; 7:504-507. [PMID: 29250325 PMCID: PMC5727756 DOI: 10.3892/br.2017.1006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The causative agent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Since its discovery before 30 years, a number of drugs known as highly active antiretroviral therapy have been developed to suppress the life cycle of the virus at different stages. With the current therapeutic approaches, ending AIDS means providing treatment to 35 million individuals living with HIV for the rest of their lives or until a cure is developed. Additionally, therapy is associated with various other challenges such as potential of drug resistance, toxicity and presence of latent viral reservoir. Therefore, it is imperative to search for treatments and to identify new therapeutic approaches against HIV infection to avoid daily intake of drugs. The aim of the current review was to summarize different therapeutic strategies against HIV infection, including stem cell therapy, RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 pathways, antibodies, intrabodies and nanotechnology. Silencing RNA against chemokine receptor 5 and other HIV RNAs have been tested and found to elicit homology-based, post-transcriptional silencing. The CRISPR/Cas9 is a gene editing technology that produces a double-stranded nick in the virus DNA, which is repaired by the host machinery either by non-homology end joining mechanism or via homology recombination leading to insertion, deletion mutation which further leads to frame shift mutation and non-functional products. Intrabodies are intracellular-expressed antibodies that are directed towards the targets inside the cell unlike the naturally expressed antibodies which target outside the cell. Different nanotechnology-based therapeutic approaches are also in progress against HIV. HIV eradication is not feasible without deploying a cure or vaccine alongside the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran
- Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | - Yasir Waheed
- Foundation University Medical College, Foundation University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Ghazal
- Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | - Sajjad Ullah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Imperial College of Business Studies, Lahore 53720, Pakistan
| | - Sher Zaman Safi
- Interdisciplinary Research Center in Biomedical Materials (IRCBM), COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhsin Jamal
- Department of Microbiology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Garden Campus, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Management Technology, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Atif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Aljouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Department of Diet and Nutrition, Imperial College of Business Studies, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
- Correspondence to: Dr Muhammad Imran, Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Khayaban-e-Jamia Punjab, Lahore 54600, Pakistan, E-mail:
| | - Farman Ullah
- Department of Physiology, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical university Islamabad, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
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Ruiz MJ, Salido J, Abusamra L, Ghiglione Y, Cevallos C, Damilano G, Rodriguez AM, Trifone C, Laufer N, Giavedoni LD, Sued O, Salomón H, Gherardi MM, Turk G. Evaluation of Different Parameters of Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in HIV Serodiscordant Heterosexual Couples: Humoral Response Potentially Implicated in Modulating Transmission Rates. EBioMedicine 2017; 26:25-37. [PMID: 29129698 PMCID: PMC5832641 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As the HIV/AIDS pandemic still progresses, understanding the mechanisms governing viral transmission as well as protection from HIV acquisition is fundamental. In this context, cohorts of HIV serodiscordant heterosexual couples (SDC) represent a unique tool. The present study was aimed to evaluate specific parameters of innate, cellular and humoral immune responses in SDC. Specifically, plasma levels of cytokines and chemokines, HIV-specific T-cell responses, gp120-specific IgG and IgA antibodies, and HIV-specific antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity were assessed in nine HIV-exposed seronegative individuals (ESN) and their corresponding HIV seropositive partners (HIV+-P), in eighteen chronically infected HIV subjects (C), nine chronically infected subjects known to be HIV transmitters (CT) and ten healthy HIV− donors (HD). Very low magnitude HIV-specific cellular responses were found in two out of six ESN. Interestingly, HIV+-P had the highest ADCC magnitude, the lowest IgA levels and the highest IgG/IgA ratio, all compared to CT. Positive correlations between CD4+ T-cell counts and both IgG/IgA ratios and %ADCC killing uniquely distinguished HIV+-P. Additionally, evidence of IgA interference with ADCC responses from HIV+-P and CT is provided. These data suggest for the first time a potential role of ADCC and/or gp120-specific IgG/IgA balance in modulating heterosexual transmission. In sum, this study provides key information to understand the host factors that influence viral transmission, which should be considered in both the development of prophylactic vaccines and novel immunotherapies for HIV-1 infection. The evaluation of different immune parameters in HIV serodiscordant couples helped identify factors shaping transmission. Innate and cellular immune responses were apparently not involved in this scenario. HIV-specific ADCC, IgA titer and IgG/IgA balance were identified as factors involved in modulating viral transmission.
The existence of individuals that remain HIV negative despite being repeatedly exposed to the virus has long been described. To date, only homozygosis for a 32-base pair deletion in the ccr5 gene has been consistently shown to be a determinant of HIV resistance. Still, subjects bearing the WT ccr5 gene have also been described as resistant or less susceptible to HIV. Thus, other mechanisms must be involved in this phenomenon. The results presented here postulate ADCC and IgG/IgA ratio as potential mechanisms involved in modulating HIV transmission in the context of serodiscordant couples and inspire further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Julia Ruiz
- CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jimena Salido
- CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Yanina Ghiglione
- CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cintia Cevallos
- CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriel Damilano
- CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana María Rodriguez
- CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - César Trifone
- CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Laufer
- CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Hospital Juan A. Fernández, Unidad Enfermedades Infecciosas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis D Giavedoni
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Omar Sued
- Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Hospital Juan A. Fernández, Unidad Enfermedades Infecciosas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Horacio Salomón
- CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Magdalena Gherardi
- CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Turk
- CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Lajoie J, Mwangi L, Fowke KR. Preventing HIV infection without targeting the virus: how reducing HIV target cells at the genital tract is a new approach to HIV prevention. AIDS Res Ther 2017; 14:46. [PMID: 28893304 PMCID: PMC5594430 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-017-0166-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
For over three decades, HIV infection has had a tremendous impact on the lives of individuals and public health. Microbicides and vaccines studies have shown that immune activation at the genital tract is a risk factor for HIV infection. Furthermore, lower level of immune activation, or what we call immune quiescence, has been associated with a lower risk of HIV acquisition. This unique phenotype is observed in highly-exposed seronegative individuals from different populations including female sex workers from the Pumwani cohort in Nairobi, Kenya. Here, we review the link between immune activation and susceptibility to HIV infection. We also describe a new concept in prevention where, instead of targeting the virus, we modulate the host immune system to resist HIV infection. Mimicking the immune quiescence phenotype might become a new strategy in the toolbox of biomedical methods to prevent HIV infection. Clinical trial registration on clinicaltrial.gov: #NCT02079077.
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Gonzalez SM, Taborda NA, Rugeles MT. Role of Different Subpopulations of CD8 + T Cells during HIV Exposure and Infection. Front Immunol 2017; 8:936. [PMID: 28824656 PMCID: PMC5545716 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
During HIV infection, specific responses exhibited by CD8+ T cells are crucial to establish an early, effective, and sustained viral control, preventing severe immune alterations and organ dysfunction. Several CD8+ T cells subsets have been identified, exhibiting differences in terms of activation, functional profile, and ability to limit HIV replication. Some of the most important CD8+ T cells subsets associated with viral control, production of potent antiviral molecules, and strong polyfunctional responses include Th1-like cytokine pattern and Tc17 cells. In addition, the expression of specific activation markers has been also associated with a more effective response of CD8+ T cells, as evidenced in HLA-DR+ CD38− cells. CD8+ T cells in both, peripheral blood and gut mucosa, are particularly important in individuals with a resistant phenotype, including HIV-exposed seronegative individuals (HESNs), long-term non-progressors (LTNPs) and HIV-controllers. Although the role of CD8+ T cells has been extensively explored in the context of an established HIV-1 infection, the presence of HIV-specific cells with effector abilities and a defined functional profile in HESNs, remain poorly understood. Here, we reviewed studies carried out on different subpopulations of CD8+ T cells in relation with natural resistance to HIV infection and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Milena Gonzalez
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Natalia Andrea Taborda
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia.,Grupo de Investigaciones Biomédicas Uniremington, Programa de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Corporación Universitaria Remington, Medellín, Colombia
| | - María Teresa Rugeles
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
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Imran M, Manzoor S, Saalim M, Resham S, Ashraf J, Javed A, Waqar AB. HIV-1 and hijacking of the host immune system: the current scenario. APMIS 2016; 124:817-31. [PMID: 27539675 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a major health burden across the world which leads to the development of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This review article discusses the prevalence of HIV, its major routes of transmission, natural immunity, and evasion from the host immune system. HIV is mostly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa and low income countries. It is mostly transmitted by sharing syringe needles, blood transfusion, and sexual routes. The host immune system is categorized into three main types; the innate, the adaptive, and the intrinsic immune system. Regarding the innate immune system against HIV, the key players are mucosal membrane, dendritic cells (DCs), complement system, interferon, and host Micro RNAs. The major components of the adaptive immune system exploited by HIV are T cells mainly CD4+ T cells and B cells. The intrinsic immune system confronted by HIV involves (apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like 3G) APOBEC3G, tripartite motif 5-α (TRIM5a), terherin, and (SAM-domain HD-domain containing protein) SAMHD1. HIV-1 efficiently interacts with the host immune system, exploits the host machinery, successfully replicates and transmits from one cell to another. Further research is required to explore evasion strategies of HIV to develop novel therapeutic approaches against HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Bio-Sciences, Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Manzoor
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Bio-Sciences, Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. ,
| | - Muhammad Saalim
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Bio-Sciences, Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Saleha Resham
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Bio-Sciences, Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Aneela Javed
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Bio-Sciences, Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ahmed Bilal Waqar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS), Lahore, Pakistan.,Imperial Post Graduate Medical Institute, Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS), Lahore, Pakistan
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Identification of innate immune antiretroviral factors during in vivo and in vitro exposure to HIV-1. Microbes Infect 2015; 18:211-9. [PMID: 26548606 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2015.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Defensins, RNases and cytokines are present at mucosal barriers, main ports of HIV entry, and are potential mediators of the resistant phenotype exhibited by HIV-1-exposed seronegative individuals (HESN) during sexual exposure. We aimed to determine the role of soluble factors in natural resistance to HIV-1 infection. Vaginal/endocervical/oral mucosal samples were taken from 60 HESN, 60 seropositive (SP) and 61 healthy controls (HC). Human neutrophil peptide 1 (hNP-1), human beta defensin (hBD) 2 and 3, RNases, MIP-1β and RANTES mRNA transcripts were quantified by qPCR and in vitro single-round, recombinant-based viral infectivity assay was used to evaluate the anti-HIV-1 activity of hBDs and RNases. HESN expressed significantly higher levels of hNP-1, hBDs mRNA in oral mucosa compared to HC (P < 0.05). In genital mucosa, significantly higher mRNA levels of MIP-1β, RANTES and RNases were found in HESN compared to HC (P < 0.05). HBDs and RNases inhibit HIV-1 replication, particularly R5 at entry, reverse transcription and nuclear import of the viral life cycle. hNP-1, hBDs, MIP-1β, RANTES and RNases, collectively could contribute to HIV-1 resistance during sexual exposure. Moreover, the inhibition of HIV-1 infection in vitro by hBDs and RNases suggests that they may be exploited as potential antiretrovirals.
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High Expression of Antiviral Proteins in Mucosa from Individuals Exhibiting Resistance to Human Immunodeficiency Virus. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131139. [PMID: 26091527 PMCID: PMC4474690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several soluble factors have been reported to have the capacity of inhibiting HIV replication at different steps of the virus life cycle, without eliminating infected cells and through enhancement of specific cellular mechanisms. Yet, it is unclear if these antiviral factors play a role in the protection from HIV infection or in the control of viral replication. Here we evaluated two cohorts: i) one of 58 HIV-exposed seronegative individuals (HESNs) who were compared with 59 healthy controls (HCs), and ii) another of 13 HIV-controllers who were compared with 20 HIV-progressors. Peripheral blood, oral and genital mucosa and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) samples were obtained to analyze the mRNA expression of ELAFIN, APOBEC3G, SAMHD1, TRIM5α, RNase 7 and SerpinA1 using real-time PCR. RESULTS HESNs exhibited higher expression of all antiviral factors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), oral or genital mucosa when compared with HCs. Furthermore, HIV-controllers exhibited higher levels of SerpinA1 in GALT. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the activity of these factors is compartmentalized and that these proteins have a predominant role depending on the tissue to avoid the infection, reduce the viral load and modulate the susceptibility to HIV infection.
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Taborda NA, Hernández JC, Lajoie J, Juno JA, Kimani J, Rugeles MT, Fowke KR. Short Communication: Low Expression of Activation and Inhibitory Molecules on NK Cells and CD4(+) T Cells Is Associated with Viral Control. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2015; 31:636-40. [PMID: 25738606 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2014.0325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic HIV-1 infection induces severe immune alterations, including hyperactivation, exhaustion, and apoptosis. In fact, viral control has been associated with low frequencies of these processes. Here, we evaluated the expression of activation and inhibitory molecules on natural killer (NK) and CD4(+) T cells and plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines in individuals exhibiting viral control: a cohort of HIV-1-exposed-seronegative individuals (HESN) and a cohort of HIV controllers. There was lower expression of CD69, LAG-3, PD-1, and TIM-3 in both cohorts when compared to a low-risk population or HIV progressors. In addition, HIV controllers exhibited lower plasma levels of proinflamatory molecules TNF-α and IP-10. These findings suggest that individuals exhibiting viral control have lower basal expression of markers associated with cellular activation and particularly immune exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A. Taborda
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan C. Hernández
- Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Julie Lajoie
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jennifer A. Juno
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - María T. Rugeles
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Keith R. Fowke
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Shen R, Smith PD. Mucosal correlates of protection in HIV-1-exposed sero-negative persons. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:219-27. [PMID: 24428610 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to HIV-1 infection in HIV-1-exposed sero-negative (HESN) persons offers a promising opportunity to identify mechanisms of 'natural' protection. Unique features of the mucosa in particular may contribute to this protection. Here, we highlight several key issues pertaining to the mucosal correlates of protection in HESN persons, including humoral immune responses, mechanisms of mucosal HIV-1 neutralization, immune cell activation, and role of the microbiota in mucosal responses. We also discuss mucosal model systems that can be used to investigate the mechanisms of resistance in HESN subjects. A clear understanding of the mucosal correlates of protection against HIV-1 in HESN persons will provide critical new insights for the development of effective vaccine and microbicide strategies for the prevention of HIV-1 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhong Shen
- Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Jespers V, Harandi AM, Hinkula J, Medaglini D, Grand RL, Stahl-Hennig C, Bogers W, Habib RE, Wegmann F, Fraser C, Cranage M, Shattock RJ, Spetz AL. Assessment of mucosal immunity to HIV-1. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 9:381-94. [DOI: 10.1586/erv.10.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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14
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Zapata W, Aguilar-Jiménez W, Pineda-Trujillo N, Rojas W, Estrada H, Rugeles MT. Influence of CCR5 and CCR2 genetic variants in the resistance/susceptibility to HIV in serodiscordant couples from Colombia. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2013; 29:1594-603. [PMID: 24098976 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2012.0299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The main genetic factor related to HIV-1 resistance is the CCR5-Δ32 mutation; however, the homozygous genotype is uncommon. The CCR5-Δ32 mutation along with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CCR5 promoter and the CCR2-V64I mutation have been included in seven human haplogroups (HH) previously associated with resistance/susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and different rates of AIDS progression. Here, we determined the association of the CCR5 promoter SNPs, the CCR5-Δ32 mutation, CCR2-V64I SNP, and HH frequencies with resistance/susceptibility to HIV-1 infection in a cohort of HIV-1-serodiscordant couples from Colombia. Seventy HIV-1-exposed, but seronegative (HESN) individuals, 57 seropositives (SP), and 112 healthy controls (HC) were included. The CCR5-Δ32 mutation and CCR2-V64I SNP were identified by PCR, and the CCR5 promoter SNPs were evaluated by sequencing. None of the individuals exhibited a homozygous Δ32 genotype; the CCR2-I allele was more frequent in HESN (34%) than HC (23%) (p=0.039, OR=1.672). The frequency of the 29G allele was higher in SP than HC (p=0.003, OR=3). HHF2 showed a higher frequency in HC (19%) than SP (9%) (p=0.027), while HHG1 was more frequent in SP (11.1%) than in HC (4.2%) (p=0.019). The AGACCAC-CCR2-I-CCR5 wild-type haplotype showed a higher frequency in SP (14.2%) than in HC (3.7%) (p=0.001). In conclusion, the CCR5-Δ32 allele is not responsible for HIV-1 resistance in this HESN group; however, the CCR2-I allele could be protective, while the 29G allele might increase the likelihood of acquiring HIV-1 infection. HHG1 and the AGACCAC-CCR2-I-CCR5 wild-type haplotype might promote HIV-1 infection while HHF2 might be related to resistance. However, additional studies are required to evaluate the implications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wildeman Zapata
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | | | - Winston Rojas
- Genética Molecular (GENMOL), Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - María T. Rugeles
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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Sivro A, Su RC, Plummer FA, Ball TB. HIV and interferon regulatory factor 1: a story of manipulation and control. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2013; 29:1428-33. [PMID: 23984938 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2013.0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family control the expression of numerous proteins, many of which are central to regulating host immune responses. IRF1 is one of the central mediators of the innate and adaptive immune responses required for antigen processing and presentation, Th1/Th2 differentiation, and natural killer (NK) cell and macrophage function. Many viruses have evolved mechanisms to target the IRF1 pathway in order to promote viral pathogenesis. During early HIV infection, IRF1 acts as a double-edged sword, critical for driving viral replication as well as eliciting antiviral responses. In this review, we describe the strategies that HIV-1 has evolved to modulate IRF1 in order to enhance viral replication and to disarm the host immune system. IRF1 has been shown to be an important factor in natural protection against HIV in highly exposed seronegative (HESN) individuals and is crucial in regulating the initial stages of HIV replication and HIV disease progression, as well as the establishment of latency. An understanding of how the protective effects of IRF1 responses are controlled in HESN individuals, naturally resistant to HIV infection, may provide important clues on how to regain control of HIV and tip the balance of immunity in favor of the host, or provide new opportunities to eliminate HIV in its host altogether.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Sivro
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ruey-Chyi Su
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Francis A. Plummer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- National Microbiology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - T. Blake Ball
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- National Microbiology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Pattacini L, Murnane PM, Kahle EM, Bolton MJ, Delrow JJ, Lingappa JR, Katabira E, Donnell D, McElrath MJ, Baeten JM, Lund JM. Differential regulatory T cell activity in HIV type 1-exposed seronegative individuals. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2013; 29:1321-9. [PMID: 23815575 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2013.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential role of conventional and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in protection from HIV-1 infection remains unclear. To address this question, we analyzed samples from 129 HIV-1-exposed seronegative individuals (HESN) from an HIV-1-serodiscordant couples cohort. To assess the presence of HIV-specific T cell responses and Treg function, we measured the proliferation of T cells in response to HIV-1 peptide pools in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and PBMCs depleted of Tregs. We identified HIV-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses and, surprisingly, the overall CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell response rate was not increased when Tregs were removed from cell preparations. Of the 20 individuals that had HIV-1-specific CD4(+) T cell responses, only eight had Tregs that could suppress this proliferation. When compared with individuals whose Tregs could suppress HIV-1-specific CD4(+) T cell proliferation, individuals with Tregs unable to suppress showed a trend toward increased T cell activation and Treg frequency and a significant increase in HIV-1-specific production of microphage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β) by CD4(+) T cells, autocrine production of which has been shown to be protective in terms of HIV-1 infection of CD4(+) T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pattacini
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Pamela M. Murnane
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Erin M. Kahle
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michael J. Bolton
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jeffrey J. Delrow
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jairam R. Lingappa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Elly Katabira
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Deborah Donnell
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - M. Juliana McElrath
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jennifer M. Lund
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Voss JG, Dobra A, Morse C, Kovacs JA, Danner RL, Munson PJ, Logan C, Rangel Z, Adelsberger JW, McLaughlin M, Adams LD, Raju R, Dalakas MC. Fatigue-related gene networks identified in CD(14)+ cells isolated from HIV-infected patients: part I: research findings. Biol Res Nurs 2013; 15:137-51. [PMID: 23324479 DOI: 10.1177/1099800411421957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related fatigue (HRF) is multicausal and potentially related to mitochondrial dysfunction caused by antiretroviral therapy with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). METHODOLOGY The authors compared gene expression profiles of CD14(+) cells of low versus high fatigued, NRTI-treated HIV patients to healthy controls (n = 5/group). The authors identified 32 genes predictive of low versus high fatigue and 33 genes predictive of healthy versus HIV infection. The authors constructed genetic networks to further elucidate the possible biological pathways in which these genes are involved. RELEVANCE FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Genes including the actin cytoskeletal regulatory proteins Prokineticin 2 and Cofilin 2 along with mitochondrial inner membrane proteins are involved in multiple pathways and were predictors of fatigue status. Previously identified inflammatory and signaling genes were predictive of HIV status, clearly confirming our results and suggesting a possible further connection between mitochondrial function and HIV. Isolated CD14(+) cells are easily accessible cells that could be used for further study of the connection between fatigue and mitochondrial function of HIV patients. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE The findings from this pilot study take us one step closer to identifying biomarker targets for fatigue status and mitochondrial dysfunction. Specific biomarkers will be pertinent to the development of methodologies to diagnosis, monitor, and treat fatigue and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim G Voss
- Biobehavioral Nursing & Health Systems Department, University of Washington, School of Nursing, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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19
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Taborda N, Zapata-Builes W, Montoya C, Rugeles MT. Short communication: Increased expression of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in oral mucosa of Colombian HIV type 1-exposed seronegative individuals. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2012; 28:1059-62. [PMID: 22149181 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2011.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The exposure to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) does not always result in infection. Indeed, there are individuals who have been repeatedly exposed to HIV-1 but do not exhibit clinical or serological evidence of infection; they are known as HIV-exposed seronegative individuals (HESN). To determine if secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), a soluble factor secreted by epithelial cells lining mucosal surfaces that showed anti-HIV activity in vitro, was associated with natural resistance to HIV infection, we measured by real time RT-PCR the expression of SLPI in oral mucosa of a cohort of Colombian HESN, in chronically HIV-1-infected individuals and in healthy controls. The HESN expressed significantly higher levels of SLPI mRNA than healthy controls (p=0.033) and chronically infected subjects (p=0.011). These findings suggest an association between SLPI expression and the natural resistance to HIV-1 infection exhibited by our HESN cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Taborda
- Immunovirology Group, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | | | - Carlos Montoya
- Immunovirology Group, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
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20
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Chege D, Chai Y, Huibner S, Kain T, Wachihi C, Kimani M, Barasa S, McKinnon LR, Muriuki FK, Kariri A, Jaoko W, Anzala O, Kimani J, Ball TB, Plummer FA, Kaul R. Blunted IL17/IL22 and pro-inflammatory cytokine responses in the genital tract and blood of HIV-exposed, seronegative female sex workers in Kenya. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43670. [PMID: 22928014 PMCID: PMC3425491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying the immune correlates of reduced susceptibility to HIV remains a key goal for the HIV vaccine field, and individuals who are HIV-exposed, seronegative (HESN) may offer important clues. Reduced systemic immune activation has been described in HESN individuals. Conversely, pro-inflammatory T cell subsets, particularly CD4+ T cells producing the cytokine IL17 (Th17 cells), may represent a highly susceptible target for HIV infection after sexual exposure. Therefore, we characterized the cellular pro-inflammatory and IL17/IL22 cytokine immune milieu in the genital mucosa and blood of HESN female sex workers (FSWs). METHODS AND RESULTS Blinded lab personnel characterized basal and mitogen-induced gene and cytokine immune responses in the cervix and blood of HESN FSWs (n = 116) and non-FSW controls (n = 17) using qPCR and ELISA. IL17 and IL22 production was significantly reduced in both the cervix and blood of HESNs, both in resting cells and after mitogen stimulation. In addition, HESN participants demonstrated blunted production of both pro-inflammatory cytokines and β-chemokines. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS We conclude that HIV exposure without infection was associated with blunted IL17/IL22 and pro-inflammatory responses, both systemically and at the site of mucosal HIV exposure. It will be important for further studies to examine the causal nature of the association and to define the cell subsets responsible for these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Chege
- Departments of Medicine/University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yijie Chai
- Departments of Medicine/University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sanja Huibner
- Departments of Medicine/University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Taylor Kain
- Departments of Medicine/University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charles Wachihi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Makubo Kimani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samson Barasa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lyle R. McKinnon
- Departments of Medicine/University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Festus K. Muriuki
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anthony Kariri
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Walter Jaoko
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Omu Anzala
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Departments of Immunology and Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - T. Blake Ball
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Departments of Immunology and Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Laboratory for HIV Immunology, National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Francis A. Plummer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Departments of Immunology and Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Laboratory for HIV Immunology, National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Departments of Medicine/University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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21
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Higher SLPI expression, lower immune activation, and increased frequency of immune cells in a cohort of Colombian HIV-1 controllers. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2012; 60:12-9. [PMID: 22240462 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e31824876ca] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are 2 new phenotypes of HIV-1-positive individuals who exhibit a spontaneous and sustained control of viral replication at least for 1 year without antiretroviral therapy (elite controllers <50 copies/mL and viremic controllers <2000 copies/mL). Mechanisms related to this spontaneous control of viral replication are poorly understood. METHODS The study included HIV-1 controllers (patients with at least 1 year of HIV-1 diagnosis, highly active antiretroviral therapy naive, and with viral loads less than 2000 copies/mL) and HIV-1 progressors without antiretroviral therapy (viral load >2500 copies/mL, and CD4 T-cell count >250 cells/μL at the time of sampling). The expression of soluble factors, leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and human α-defensins-1 (HAD-1), was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction from neutrophil cultures with or without HIV stimulation; the frequency and phenotype of innate and adaptive immune cells were determined by flow cytometry, and frequency of human leukocyte antigen alleles was determined by polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific oligonucleotide typing. RESULTS As expected, HIV-1 controllers had higher CD4 T-cell counts and lower viral load when compared with HIV-1 progressor individuals; in addition, they exhibited lower expression of activation markers, higher frequency of myeloid dendritic cell, lower percentage of regulatory T cells and natural killer cells, and higher expression of SLPI. CONCLUSIONS All together, these findings suggest that the control of the immune activation status and the production of antiviral proteins by innate immune cells could be associated to the mechanisms involved in the control of HIV-1 replication and better preservation of the CD4 T-cell count.
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22
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Interplay between HIV-1 and Host Genetic Variation: A Snapshot into Its Impact on AIDS and Therapy Response. Adv Virol 2012; 2012:508967. [PMID: 22666249 PMCID: PMC3361994 DOI: 10.1155/2012/508967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Revised: 02/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As of February 2012, 50 circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) have been reported for HIV-1 while one CRF for HIV-2. Also according to HIV sequence compendium 2011, the HIV sequence database is replete with 414,398 sequences. The fact that there are CRFs, which are an amalgamation of sequences derived from six or more subtypes (CRF27_cpx (cpx refers to complex) is a mosaic with sequences from 6 different subtypes besides an unclassified fragment), serves as a testimony to the continual divergent evolution of the virus with its approximate 1% per year rate of evolution, and this phenomena per se poses tremendous challenge for vaccine development against HIV/AIDS, a devastating disease that has killed 1.8 million patients in 2010. Here, we explore the interaction between HIV-1 and host genetic variation in the context of HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral therapy response.
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Sloboda Z, Glantz MD, Tarter RE. Revisiting the concepts of risk and protective factors for understanding the etiology and development of substance use and substance use disorders: implications for prevention. Subst Use Misuse 2012; 47:944-62. [PMID: 22676565 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2012.663280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 20 years we have accumulated a greater knowledge and understanding of the genetic, neurobiological, and behavioral factors that may be associated with young people initiating the use of drugs and other substances and to progressing from use to abuse and dependence. This knowledge suggests that individuals may be "predisposed" to substance use disorders (SUD) and that the actual engagement in these behaviors depends on their environmental experiences from micro to macro levels. This paper summarizes this knowledge base and supports a developmental framework that examines the interaction of posited genetic, psychological, and neurobiological "predispositions" to SUD and those environmental influences that exacerbate this vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Sloboda
- Research and Development Group, JBS International, Inc., 5515 Security Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852, USA.
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Barrios CS, Abuerreish M, Lairmore MD, Castillo L, Giam CZ, Beilke MA. Recombinant human T-cell leukemia virus types 1 and 2 Tax proteins induce high levels of CC-chemokines and downregulate CCR5 in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Viral Immunol 2011; 24:429-39. [PMID: 22111594 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2011.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human T-cell leukemia viruses types 1 (HTLV-1) and 2 (HTLV-2) produce key transcriptional regulatory gene products, known as Tax1 and Tax2, respectively. Tax1 and Tax2 transactivate multiple host genes involved in cellular immune responses within the cellular microenvironment, including induction of genes encoding expression of CC-chemokines. It is speculated that HTLV Tax proteins may act as immune modulators. In this study, recombinant Tax1 and Tax2 proteins were tested for their effects on the viability of cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and their ability to induce expression of CC-chemokines and to downregulate the level of CCR5 expression in PBMCs. PBMCs obtained from uninfected donors were cultured in a range of Tax1 and Tax2 concentrations (10-100 pM), and supernatant fluids were harvested at multiple time points for quantitative determinations of MIP-1α/CCL3, MIP-1β/CCL4, and RANTES/CCL5. Treatment of PBMCs with Tax1 and Tax2 proteins (100 pM) resulted in a significant increase in viability over a 7-d period compared to controls (p<0.01). Both Tax1 and Tax2 induced high levels of all three CC-chemokines over the dosing range compared to mock-treated controls (p<0.05). The gated population of lymphocytes treated with Tax2, as well as lymphocytes from HTLV-2-infected donors, showed a significantly lower percentage of CCR5-positive cells compared to those of uninfected donors and from mock-treated lymphocytes, respectively (p<0.05). These results suggest that Tax1 and Tax2 could promote innate immunity in the extracellular environment during HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infections via CC-chemokine ligands and receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy S Barrios
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA
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Overactivation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells inhibits antiviral T-cell responses: a model for HIV immunopathogenesis. Blood 2011; 118:5152-62. [PMID: 21931112 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-03-344218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A delicate balance between immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive signals mediated by dendritic cells (DCs) and other antigen-presenting cells (APCs) regulates the strength and efficacy of antiviral T-cell responses. HIV is a potent activator of plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), and chronic pDC activation by HIV promotes the pathogenesis of AIDS. Cholesterol is pivotal in maintaining HIV envelope integrity and allowing HIV-cell interaction. By depleting envelope-associated cholesterol to different degrees, we generated virions with reduced ability to activate pDCs. We found that APC activation was dissociated from the induction of type I IFN-α/β and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-mediated immunosuppression in vitro. Extensive cholesterol withdrawal, resulting in partial protein and RNA loss from the virions, rendered HIV a more powerful recall immunogen for stimulating memory CD8 T-cell responses in HIV-exposed, uninfected individuals. These enhanced responses were dependent on the inability of cholesterol-depleted HIV to induce IFN-α/β.
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De Maria A, Cossarizza A. CD4saurus Rex &HIVelociraptor vs. development of clinically useful immunological markers: a Jurassic tale of frozen evolution. J Transl Med 2011; 9:93. [PMID: 21679413 PMCID: PMC3141501 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-9-93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most neglected areas of everyday clinical practice for HIV physicians is unexpectedly represented by CD4 T cell counts when used as an aid to clinical decisions. All who care for HIV patients believe that CD4+ T cell counts are a reliable method to evaluate a patient immune status. There is however a fatalistic acceptance that besides its general usefulness, CD4+ T cell counts have relevant clincal and immunological limits. Shortcomings of CD4 counts appear in certain clinical scenarios including identification of immunological nonresponders, subsequent development of cancer on antiretroviral teatment, failure on tretment simplification. Historical and recently described parameters might be better suited to advise management of patients at certain times during their disease history. Immunogenotypic parameters and innate immune parameters that define progression as well as immune parameters associated with immune recovery are available and have not been introduced into validation processes in larger trials. The scientific and clinical community needs an effort in stimulating clinical evolution of immunological tests beyond "CD4saurus Rex" introducing new parameters in the clinical arena after appropriate validation
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea De Maria
- Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy.
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Taborda-Vanegas N, Zapata W, Rugeles MT. Genetic and Immunological Factors Involved in Natural Resistance to HIV-1 Infection. Open Virol J 2011; 5:35-43. [PMID: 21660188 PMCID: PMC3109745 DOI: 10.2174/1874357901105010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Revised: 02/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) induces severe alterations of the immune system leading to an increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and malignancies. However, exposure to the virus does not always results in infection. Indeed, there exist individuals who have been repeatedly exposed to HIV-1 but do not exhibit clinical or serological evidence of infection, known as exposed seronegative individuals. Many studies have focused on the different mechanisms involved in natural resistance to HIV-1 infection, and have reported several factors associated with this phenomenon, including the presence of genetic polymorphisms in the viral coreceptors, innate and adaptive immune cells with particular phenotypic and functional features, and molecules such as antibodies and soluble factors that play an important role in defense against infection by HIV-1. The study of these factors could be the key for controlling this viral infection. This review summarizes the main mechanisms involved in resistance to HIV-1 infection.
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Tomescu C, Abdulhaqq S, Montaner LJ. Evidence for the innate immune response as a correlate of protection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 highly exposed seronegative subjects (HESN). Clin Exp Immunol 2011; 164:158-69. [PMID: 21413945 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2011.04379.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The description of highly exposed individuals who remain seronegative (HESN) despite repeated exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 has heightened interest in identifying potential mechanisms of HIV-1 resistance. HIV-specific humoral and T cell-mediated responses have been identified routinely in HESN subjects, although it remains unknown if these responses are a definitive cause of protection or merely a marker for exposure. Approximately half of HESN lack any detectible HIV-specific adaptive immune responses, suggesting that other mechanisms of protection from HIV-1 infection also probably exist. In support of the innate immune response as a mechanism of resistance, increased natural killer (NK) cell activity has been correlated with protection from infection in several high-risk cohorts of HESN subjects, including intravenous drug users, HIV-1 discordant couples and perinatally exposed infants. Inheritance of protective NK KIR3DL1(high) and KIR3DS1 receptor alleles have also been observed to be over-represented in a high-risk cohort of HESN intravenous drug users and HESN partners of HIV-1-infected subjects. Other intrinsic mechanisms of innate immune protection correlated with resistance in HESN subjects include heightened dendritic cell responses and increased secretion of anti-viral factors such as β-chemokines, small anti-viral factors and defensins. This review will highlight the most current evidence in HESN subjects supporting the role of epithelial microenvironment and the innate immune system in sustaining resistance against HIV-1 infection. We will argue that as a front-line defence the innate immune response determines the threshold of infectivity that HIV-1 must overcome to establish a productive infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tomescu
- The Wistar Institute, HIV Immunopathogenesis Laboratory, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Guerini FR, Lo Caputo S, Gori A, Bandera A, Mazzotta F, Uglietti A, Zanzottera M, Maserati R, Clerici M. Under representation of the inhibitory KIR3DL1 molecule and the KIR3DL1+/BW4+ complex in HIV exposed seronegative individuals. J Infect Dis 2011; 203:1235-9. [PMID: 21398398 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jir020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of natural killer (NK) cells is modulated by surface molecules. We analyzed NK cells in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed seronegative (HESN) individuals by means of molecular typing of HLA B, Cw, and killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) molecules. In HESN individuals, compared with HIV patients, the frequency of the inhibitory KIR3DL1 allele and of the KIR3DL1(+)/Bw4(+) inhibitory complex was reduced, whereas that of the activatory KIR3DS1(+) ligand and the activatory Bw4(+)/3DL1(-)/3DS1(+) complex was increased, resulting in a statistically significant diversion from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (KIR3DS1 homozygote) in HESN individuals. The reciprocal equilibrium between inhibitory and activatory NK receptors and their ligands favors NK activation in HESN individuals.
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Clerzius G, Gélinas JF, Gatignol A. Multiple levels of PKR inhibition during HIV-1 replication. Rev Med Virol 2010; 21:42-53. [PMID: 21294215 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2010] [Revised: 09/13/2010] [Accepted: 09/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent therapeutic approaches against HIV-1 include IFN in combination therapy for patients with coinfections or as an alternative strategy against the virus. These treatment options require a better understanding of the weak efficacy of the IFN-stimulated genes, such as the protein kinase RNA-activated (PKR), which results in viral progression. Activated PKR has a strong antiviral activity on HIV-1 expression and production in cell culture. However, PKR is not activated upon HIV-1 infection when the virus reaches high levels of replication, due to viral and cellular controls. PKR is activated by low levels of the HIV-1 trans-activation response (TAR) RNA element, but is inhibited by high levels of this double-stranded RNA. The viral Tat protein also counteracts PKR activation by several mechanisms. In addition, HIV-1 replicates only in cells that have a high level of the TAR RNA binding protein (TRBP), a strong inhibitor of PKR activation. Furthermore, increased levels of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR1) are observed when HIV-1 replicates at high levels and the protein binds to PKR and inhibits its activation. Finally, the PKR activator (PACT) also binds to PKR during HIV-1 replication with no subsequent kinase activation. The combination of all the inhibiting pathways that prevent PKR phosphorylation contributes to a high HIV-1 production in permissive cells. Enhancing PKR activation by counteracting its inhibitory partners could establish an increased innate immune antiviral pathway against HIV-1 and could enhance the efficacy of the IFN treatment.
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Caputo A, Gavioli R, Bellino S, Longo O, Tripiciano A, Francavilla V, Sgadari C, Paniccia G, Titti F, Cafaro A, Ferrantelli F, Monini P, Ensoli F, Ensoli B. HIV-1 Tat-based vaccines: an overview and perspectives in the field of HIV/AIDS vaccine development. Int Rev Immunol 2009; 28:285-334. [PMID: 19811313 DOI: 10.1080/08830180903013026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The HIV epidemic continues to represent one of the major problems worldwide, particularly in the Asia and Sub-Saharan regions of the world, with social and economical devastating effects. Although antiretroviral drugs have had a dramatically beneficial impact on HIV-infected individuals that have access to treatment, it has had a negligible impact on the global epidemic. Hence, the inexorable spreading of the HIV pandemic and the increasing deaths from AIDS, especially in developing countries, underscore the urgency for an effective vaccine against HIV/AIDS. However, the generation of such a vaccine has turned out to be extremely challenging. Here we provide an overview on the rationale for the use of non-structural HIV proteins, such as the Tat protein, alone or in combination with other HIV early and late structural HIV antigens, as novel, promising preventative and therapeutic HIV/AIDS vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Caputo
- Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Antibody-Mediated Fcγ Receptor-Based Mechanisms of HIV Inhibition: Recent Findings and New Vaccination Strategies. Viruses 2009; 1:1265-94. [PMID: 21994593 PMCID: PMC3185537 DOI: 10.3390/v1031265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2009] [Revised: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 12/08/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The HIV/AIDS pandemic is one of the most devastating pandemics worldwide. Today, the major route of infection by HIV is sexual transmission. One of the most promising strategies for vaccination against HIV sexual infection is the development of a mucosal vaccine, which should be able to induce strong local and systemic protective immunity. It is believed that both humoral and cellular immune responses are needed for inducing a sterilizing protection against HIV. Recently, passive administration of monoclonal neutralizing antibodies in macaques infected by vaginal challenge demonstrated a crucial role of FcγRs in the protection afforded by these antibodies. This questioned about the role of innate and adaptive immune functions, including ADCC, ADCVI, phagocytosis of opsonized HIV particles and the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, in the mechanism of HIV inhibition in vivo. Other monoclonal antibodies - non-neutralizing inhibitory antibodies - which recognize immunogenic epitopes, have been shown to display potent FcγRs-dependent inhibition of HIV replication in vitro. The potential role of these antibodies in protection against sexual transmission of HIV and their biological relevance for the development of an HIV vaccine therefore need to be determined. This review highlights the potential role of FcγRs-mediated innate and adaptive immune functions in the mechanism of HIV protection.
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Tudor D, Derrien M, Diomede L, Drillet AS, Houimel M, Moog C, Reynes JM, Lopalco L, Bomsel M. HIV-1 gp41-specific monoclonal mucosal IgAs derived from highly exposed but IgG-seronegative individuals block HIV-1 epithelial transcytosis and neutralize CD4(+) cell infection: an IgA gene and functional analysis. Mucosal Immunol 2009; 2:412-26. [PMID: 19587640 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2009.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
AIDS is mainly a sexually transmitted disease, and accordingly, mucosal tissues are the primary sites of natural human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) transmission. Mucosal immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody specific for HIV-1 envelope gp41 subunit is one correlate of protection in individuals who are highly sexually exposed to HIV-1 but remain persistently IgG seronegative (HEPS). Understanding these peculiar IgAs at the gene and functional level is possible only with monoclonal IgAs. We have constructed a mucosal Fab IgA library from HEPS and have characterized a series of HIV-1 IgAs specific for gp41 that, in vitro, are transcytosis-blocking and infection-neutralizing. Characterization of their IgA genes shows that Fab specific for the gp41 membrane-proximal region harbors a long heavy-chain CDR3 loop (CDRH3) similar to the two broadly neutralizing IgG monoclonal antibodies, 2F5 and 4E10. Furthermore, the selected Fab IgA shows extensive somatic mutations that cluster in the CDR regions, indicating that affinity maturation due to an antigen-driven process had occurred in HEPS individuals, presumably upon multiple exposures to HIV. This analysis of HEPS monoclonal IgA gives a unique opportunity to correlate an antibody function (resistance to a pathogen in vivo) with an antibody gene. Such neutralizing monoclonal IgAs could be used in microbicide formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tudor
- Entrée Muqueuse du VIH et Immunité Muqueuse, (Mucosal Entry of HIV-1 and Mucosal Immunity), Departement de Biologie Cellulaire, (Cell Biology Department), Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS (UMR 8104), Paris, France
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Multiple T-cell responses to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 are enhanced by dendritic cells. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2009; 16:1504-16. [PMID: 19692626 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00104-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific T-cell reactivity has been related to protection from disease progression. Optimal T-cell reactivity to HIV-1 presumably requires antigen processing and presentation by professional antigen-presenting cells, particularly dendritic cells (DC). Here we examined whether multiple HIV-1-specific T-cell functions are enhanced by stimulation with HIV-1 peptide-loaded DC derived from HIV-1-infected subjects on antiretroviral therapy. We first found that mature DC increased the number of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-producing T cells detected by enzyme-linked immunospot assay to overlapping 15-mer peptides of HIV-1 Gag and Nef, compared to stimulation with peptide-loaded, immature DC or to peptides without DC. IFN-gamma production was lower in response to large pools of the Gag and Nef peptides, regardless of presentation by DC. We further observed that HIV-1 peptide-loaded, mature DC stimulated greater CD8(+) and CD4(+) T-cell proliferation than did the peptides without DC and that T-cell proliferation was lower in response to larger pools of the peptides. The lower T-cell IFN-gamma and proliferation responses to the larger peptide pools were related to lower T-cell viability. Finally, the number of polyfunctional CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells stimulated by HIV-1 peptide-loaded, mature DC, defined as positive by intracellular staining for more than one immune mediator (IFN-gamma, interleukin 2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, macrophage inhibitory protein 1beta, or CD107a), was greater than that stimulated by the peptides alone. These results indicate that DC can enhance multiple types of HIV-1-specific T-cell functions.
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Broad neutralization of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) elicited from human rhinoviruses that display the HIV-1 gp41 ELDKWA epitope. J Virol 2009; 83:5087-100. [PMID: 19279101 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00184-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In efforts to develop AIDS vaccine components, we generated combinatorial libraries of recombinant human rhinoviruses that display the well-conserved ELDKWA epitope of the membrane-proximal external region of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp41. The broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody 2F5 was used to select for viruses whose ELDKWA conformations resemble those of HIV. Immunization of guinea pigs with different chimeras, some boosted with ELDKWA-based peptides, elicited antibodies capable of neutralizing HIV-1 pseudoviruses of diverse subtypes and coreceptor usages. These recombinant immunogens are the first reported that elicit broad, albeit modest, neutralization of HIV-1 using an ELDKWA-based epitope and are among the few reported that elicit broad neutralization directed against any recombinant HIV epitope, providing a critical advance in developing effective AIDS vaccine components.
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Plotkin SA. Sang Froid in a time of trouble: is a vaccine against HIV possible? J Int AIDS Soc 2009; 12:2. [PMID: 19187552 PMCID: PMC2647531 DOI: 10.1186/1758-2652-12-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2008] [Accepted: 02/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the announcement of the STEP trial results in the past months, we have heard many sober pronouncements on the possibility of an HIV vaccine. On the other hand, optimistic quotations have been liberally used, from Shakespeare's Henry V's "Once more unto the breach, dear friends" to Winston Churchill's definition of success as "going from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm". I will forgo optimistic quotations for the phrase "Sang Froid", which translates literally from the French as "cold blood"; what it really means is to avoid panic when things look bad, to step back and coolly evaluate the situation. This is not to counsel easy optimism or to fly in face of the facts, but I believe that while the situation is serious, it is not desperate.I should stipulate at the outset that I am neither an immunologist nor an expert in HIV, but someone who has spent his life in vaccine development. What I will try to do is to provide a point of view from that experience.There is no doubt that the results of STEP were disappointing: not only did the vaccine fail to control viral load, but may have adversely affected susceptibility to infection. But HIV is not the only vaccine to experience difficulties; what lessons can we glean from prior vaccine development?
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Caputo A, Gavioli R, Bellino S, Longo O, Tripiciano A, Francavilla V, Sgadari C, Paniccia G, Titti F, Cafaro A, Ferrantelli F, Monini P, Ensoli F, Ensoli B. HIV-1 Tat-Based Vaccines: An Overview and Perspectives in the Field of HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development. Int Rev Immunol 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/08830180903013026 10.1080/08830180903013026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
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Piacentini L, Biasin M, Fenizia C, Clerici M. Genetic correlates of protection against HIV infection: the ally within. J Intern Med 2009; 265:110-24. [PMID: 19093964 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2008.02041.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Repeated exposure to HIV does not necessarily result in infection and HIV infection does not inevitably lead to the development of the AIDS. Multiple immunological and genetic features can confer resistance to HIV acquisition and progression at different steps in viral infection; a full understanding of these mechanisms could result in the development of novel therapeutic and vaccine approaches for HIV infection. In this review, we focus on the genetic mechanisms associated with resistance to HIV infection and to the progression to AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Piacentini
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, University of Milan, Segrate, Milan, Italy
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