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Namba MD, Xie Q, Park K, Jackson JG, Barker JM. EcoHIV Infection Modulates the Effects of Cocaine Exposure Pattern and Abstinence on Cocaine Seeking and Neuroimmune Protein Expression in Male Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.15.589615. [PMID: 38659915 PMCID: PMC11042347 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.15.589615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Cocaine use disorders (CUDs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remain persistent public health dilemmas throughout the world. One major hurdle for treating CUD is the increase in cocaine craving and seeking behavior that occurs over a protracted period of abstinence, an effect known as the incubation of craving. Little is known about how HIV may modulate this process. Thus, we sought to examine the impact of chronic HIV infection on the incubation of cocaine craving and associated changes in the central and peripheral immune systems. Here, mice were inoculated with EcoHIV, which is a chimeric HIV-1 construct that produces chronic HIV infection in mice. EcoHIV- and sham-infected mice were conditioned with cocaine daily or intermittently in a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, followed by 1 or 21 days of forced abstinence prior to assessing preference for the cocaine-paired chamber. Under both conditioning regimens, sham mice exhibited incubation of cocaine CPP after 21 days of abstinence. EcoHIV-infected mice conditioned daily with cocaine showed enhanced cocaine seeking at both abstinence timepoints, whereas infected mice conditioned intermittently showed a reversal of the incubation effect, with higher cocaine seeking after 1 day of abstinence compared to 21 days. Analysis of corticolimbic CX3CL1-CX3CR1 and glutamate receptor expression revealed alterations in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) CX3CL1 and nucleus accumbens (NAc) GluN2A receptors that correlated with cocaine seeking following daily cocaine exposure. Moreover, examination of peripheral immune markers showed that the effect of abstinence and EcoHIV infection on these measures depended on the cocaine exposure regimen. Altogether, these results highlight the importance of cocaine abstinence and exposure pattern as critical variables that modulate HIV-associated neuroimmune outcomes and relapse vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Namba
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Qiaowei Xie
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University
| | - Kyewon Park
- Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joshua G. Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jacqueline M. Barker
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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2
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Zhou C, Li T, Xia M, Wu Z, Zhong X, Li A, Rashid HK, Ma C, Zhou R, Duan H, Zhang X, Peng J, Li L. Bcl-2 Antagonist Obatoclax Reactivates Latent HIV-1 via the NF-κB Pathway and Induces Latent Reservoir Cell Apoptosis in Latently Infected Cells. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:2105-2118. [PMID: 37796279 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00218] [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] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has rendered HIV-1 infection clinically manageable and efficiently improves the quality of life for patients with AIDS. However, the persistence of a latent HIV-1 reservoir is a major obstacle to achieving a cure for AIDS. A "shock and kill" strategy aims to reactivate latent HIV and then kill it by the immune system or cART drugs. To date, none of the LRA candidates has yet demonstrated effectiveness in achieving a promising functional cure. Interestingly, the phosphorylation and activation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein induce resistance to apoptosis during HIV-1 infection and the reactivation of HIV-1 latency in central memory CD4+ T cells from HIV-1-positive patients. Therefore, a Bcl-2 antagonist might be an effective LRA candidate for HIV-1 cure. In this study, we reported that a pan-Bcl-2 antagonist obatoclax induces HIV-1 reactivation in latently infected cell lines in vitro and in PBMCs/CD4+ T cells of HIV-infected individuals ex vivo. Obatoclax promotes HIV-1 transcriptional initiation and elongation by regulating the NF-κB pathway. Obatoclax activates caspase 8 and does not induce the phosphorylation of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 in latent HIV-1 infected cell lines. More importantly, it preferentially induces apoptosis in latently infected cells. In addition, obatoclax exhibited potent anti-HIV-1 activity on target cells. The abilities to reactivate latent HIV-1 reservoirs, inhibit HIV-1 infection, and induce HIV-1 latent cell apoptosis make obatoclax worth investigating for development as an ideal LRA for use in the "shock and kill" approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenliang Zhou
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Ting Li
- Aviation Hygiene Management Division, China Southern Airlines Company Limited, Guangzhou 510406, P. R. China
| | - Muye Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Ziyao Wu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Xuelin Zhong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Axing Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Huba Khamis Rashid
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Chengnuo Ma
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Ruijing Zhou
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Heng Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Xuanxuan Zhang
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Jie Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Lin Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
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Cook CM, Craddock VD, Ram AK, Abraham AA, Dhillon NK. HIV and Drug Use: A Tale of Synergy in Pulmonary Vascular Disease Development. Compr Physiol 2023; 13:4659-4683. [PMID: 37358518 PMCID: PMC10693986 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210049] [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: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, with the advent and adoption of highly active anti-retroviral therapy, HIV-1 infection, a once fatal and acute illness, has transformed into a chronic disease with people living with HIV (PWH) experiencing increased rates of cardio-pulmonary vascular diseases including life-threatening pulmonary hypertension. Moreover, the chronic consequences of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use are increasingly seen in older PWH. Drug use, specifically, can have pathologic effects on the cardiovascular health of these individuals. The "double hit" of drug use and HIV may increase the risk of HIV-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (HIV-PAH) and potentiate right heart failure in this population. This article explores the epidemiology and pathophysiology of PAH associated with HIV and recreational drug use and describes the proposed mechanisms by which HIV and drug use, together, can cause pulmonary vascular remodeling and cardiopulmonary hemodynamic compromise. In addition to detailing the proposed cellular and signaling pathways involved in the development of PAH, this article proposes areas ripe for future research, including the influence of gut dysbiosis and cellular senescence on the pathobiology of HIV-PAH. © 2023 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 13:4659-4683, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Cook
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Vaughn D Craddock
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Anil K Ram
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Ashrita A Abraham
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Navneet K Dhillon
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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Namba MD, Phillips MN, Chen PJ, Blass BE, Olive MF, Neisewander JL. HIV gp120 impairs nucleus accumbens neuroimmune function and dopamine D3 receptor-mediated inhibition of cocaine seeking in male rats. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 5:100062. [PMID: 36909738 PMCID: PMC9997483 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2023.100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine Use Disorders (CUDs) are associated with an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Cocaine and the HIV envelope protein gp120 each induce distinct deficits to mesocorticolimbic circuit function and motivated behavior; however, little is known regarding how they interact to dysregulate these functions or how such interactions impact pharmacotherapeutic efficacy. We have previously shown that the selective, weak partial agonist of the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R), MC-25-41, attenuates cocaine-seeking behavior in male rats. Here, we sought to characterize changes in striatal neuroimmune function in gp120-exposed rats across abstinence from operant access to cocaine (0.75 mg/kg, i.v.) or sucrose (45 mg/pellet), and to examine the impact of gp120 exposure on MC-25-41-reduced cocaine seeking. After establishing a history of cocaine or sucrose self-administration, rats received intracerebroventricular gp120 infusions daily the first 5 days of abstinence and were sacrificed either on day 6 or after 21 days of forced abstinence and a cue-induced cocaine seeking test. We demonstrated that MC-25-41 treatment attenuated cue-induced cocaine seeking among control rats but not gp120-exposed rats. Moreover, postmortem analysis of nucleus accumbens (NAc) core neuroimmune function indicated cocaine abstinence- and gp120-induced impairments, and the expression of several immune factors within the NAc core significantly correlated with cocaine-seeking behavior. We conclude that cocaine abstinence dysregulates striatal neuroimmune function and interacts with gp120 to inhibit the effectiveness of a D3R partial agonist in reducing cocaine seeking. These findings highlight the need to consider comorbidities, such as immune status, when evaluating the efficacy of novel pharmacotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Namba
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Megan N Phillips
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Peng-Jen Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin E Blass
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Foster Olive
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Sharma AL, Shaffer D, Netting D, Tyagi M. Cocaine sensitizes the CD4 + T cells for HIV infection by co-stimulating NFAT and AP-1. iScience 2022; 25:105651. [PMID: 36483012 PMCID: PMC9722482 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The productive infection of HIV, which generates new viral progeny, depends on the activation status of the cell. In this study, we found cocaine exposure sensitizes partially active CD4+ T cells and makes them poised for productive HIV infection. We discovered that cocaine treatment enhances the metabolic state of the cells by co-stimulating several transcription factors, mainly NFAT and AP-1, the two transcription factors, which specifically play a crucial role in enhancing both HIV and the overall cellular gene expression in T cells. We found that cocaine-induced AP-1 works in tandem with NFAT to boost HIV transcription. The enhanced HIV transcription upon cocaine exposure was further confirmed through higher phosphorylation of the crucial serine residues at the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II. The insights gained from this study could aid in developing highly specialized therapeutics combating the deleterious effects of cocaine on the cocaine-using HIV population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dylan Shaffer
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Daniel Netting
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Mudit Tyagi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Kong L, Shata MTM, Brown JL, Lyons MS, Sherman KE, Blackard JT. The synthetic opioid fentanyl increases HIV replication and chemokine co-receptor expression in vitro. J Neurovirol 2022; 28:583-594. [PMID: 35976538 PMCID: PMC11135282 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-022-01090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The US is experiencing a major public health crisis that is fueled by the illicit use of synthetic opioids including fentanyl. While several drugs of abuse can enhance viral replication and/or antagonize immune responses, the impact of specific synthetic opioids on HIV pathogenesis is poorly understood. Thus, we evaluated the effects of fentanyl on HIV replication in vitro. HIV-susceptible or HIV-expressing cell lines were incubated with fentanyl. HIV p24 synthesis and chemokine receptor levels were quantified by ELISA in culture supernatants and cell lysates, respectively. Addition of fentanyl resulted in a dose-dependent increase in HIV replication. Fentanyl enhanced expression of the HIV chemokine co-receptors CXCR4 and CCR5 and caused a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability. The opioid antagonist naltrexone blocked the effect of fentanyl on HIV replication and CCR5 receptor levels but not CXCR4 receptor levels. TLR9 expression was induced by HIV; however, fentanyl inhibited TLR9 expression in a dose-dependent manner. These data demonstrate that the synthetic opioid fentanyl can promote HIV replication in vitro. As increased HIV levels are associated with accelerated disease progression and higher likelihood of transmission, additional research is required to enhance the understanding of opioid-virus interactions and to develop new and/or optimized treatment strategies for persons with HIV and opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Kong
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, ML 0595, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA
| | - Mohamed Tarek M Shata
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, ML 0595, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA
| | - Jennifer L Brown
- Addiction Sciences Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Michael S Lyons
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kenneth E Sherman
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, ML 0595, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jason T Blackard
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, ML 0595, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA.
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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7
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Oral Enrichment of Streptococcus and its Role in Systemic Inflammation Related to Monocyte Activation in Humans with Cocaine Use Disorder. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2022; 17:305-317. [PMID: 34448131 PMCID: PMC8881519 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-021-10007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine use is commonly associated with increased chronic systemic inflammation. However, the drivers for cocaine use-mediated systemic inflammation are not fully understood. In the current study, we recruited individuals with cocaine use disorder and healthy individuals who did not use cocaine and collected paired saliva and blood samples. The saliva samples were used to assess the oral microbiome, and the plasma samples were evaluated for 33 cytokines and chemokines. Cocaine users exhibited decreased saliva microbial diversities compared to non-users. Streptococcus was the only increased genus in the saliva from cocaine users, whereas several genera were decreased in cocaine users compared to non-users. Notably, cocaine users exhibited increased plasma levels of several monocyte activation markers, including monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-4, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-3α, macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), all of which were correlated with increased saliva levels of three Streptococcus species. Furthermore, treatment with Streptococcus or its lipoteichoic acid preferentially activated primary human monocytes to produce proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as MIP-3α and TARC, in vitro compared to controls. However, monocytes failed to produce these chemokines after exposure to cocaine or cocaine plus bacteria compared to medium or bacteria alone. This study revealed that chronic cocaine use-associated inflammation in the blood may result from increased oral Streptococcus and its effects on myeloid cell activation, but does not result from cocaine directly.
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Chivero ET, Sil S, Singh S, Thangaraj A, Gordon L, Evah-Nzoughe GB, Ferguson N, Callen S, Buch S. Protective Role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Probiotic in Reversing Cocaine-Induced Oxidative Stress, Glial Activation and Locomotion in Mice. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2022; 17:62-75. [PMID: 34628571 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-021-10020-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine abuse is known to cause inflammation, oxidative injury and alterations in the gut microbiota. Although emerging studies have demonstrated the role of gut microbiota in modulating neurological complications and behavior, the mechanism(s) underlying these processes remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic on cocaine-induced oxidative stress, glial activation, and locomotion in mice. In this study, groups of male C56BL6 mice were administered gut-resident commensal bacteria L. rhamnosus probiotic (oral gavage) concurrently with cocaine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline for 28 days and assessed for oxidative stress and cellular activation in both the gut and brain as well as alterations in locomotion behavior. Cocaine-induced gut dysregulation was associated with increased formation of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) adducts, increased expression of pERK-1/2, pNF-kB-p65 and antioxidant mediators (SOD1, GPx1). In cocaine administered mice, there was increased activation of both microglia and astrocytes in the striatum and cortex of the brain as shown by enhanced expression of CD11b and GFAP, respectively. Cocaine administration also resulted in increased locomotor activity in the open field test in these mice. Administration of L. rhamnosus attenuated cocaine-induced gut oxidative stress and inflammation as well as glial activation and locomotion. These results suggest the potential of microbial-based interventions to attenuate cocaine-mediated behavioral responses and neuroinflammation, in addition to systemic inflammation and oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest T Chivero
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
| | - Susmita Sil
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Seema Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Annadurai Thangaraj
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Lila Gordon
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Grace B Evah-Nzoughe
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Natasha Ferguson
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Shannon Callen
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Shilpa Buch
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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Sonti S, Tyagi K, Pande A, Daniel R, Sharma AL, Tyagi M. Crossroads of Drug Abuse and HIV Infection: Neurotoxicity and CNS Reservoir. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020202. [PMID: 35214661 PMCID: PMC8875185 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug abuse is a common comorbidity in people infected with HIV. HIV-infected individuals who abuse drugs are a key population who frequently experience suboptimal outcomes along the HIV continuum of care. A modest proportion of HIV-infected individuals develop HIV-associated neurocognitive issues, the severity of which further increases with drug abuse. Moreover, the tendency of the virus to go into latency in certain cellular reservoirs again complicates the elimination of HIV and HIV-associated illnesses. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) successfully decreased the overall viral load in infected people, yet it does not effectively eliminate the virus from all latent reservoirs. Although ART increased the life expectancy of infected individuals, it showed inconsistent improvement in CNS functioning, thus decreasing the quality of life. Research efforts have been dedicated to identifying common mechanisms through which HIV and drug abuse lead to neurotoxicity and CNS dysfunction. Therefore, in order to develop an effective treatment regimen to treat neurocognitive and related symptoms in HIV-infected patients, it is crucial to understand the involved mechanisms of neurotoxicity. Eventually, those mechanisms could lead the way to design and develop novel therapeutic strategies addressing both CNS HIV reservoir and illicit drug use by HIV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Sonti
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (S.S.); (A.L.S.)
| | - Kratika Tyagi
- Department of Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Vanasthali, Jaipur 304022, Rajasthan, India;
| | - Amit Pande
- Cell Culture Laboratory, ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal, Nainital 263136, Uttarakhand, India;
| | - Rene Daniel
- Farber Hospitalist Service, Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
| | - Adhikarimayum Lakhikumar Sharma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (S.S.); (A.L.S.)
| | - Mudit Tyagi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (S.S.); (A.L.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-215-503-5157 or +1-703-909-9420
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Drugs of Abuse and Their Impact on Viral Pathogenesis. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122387. [PMID: 34960656 PMCID: PMC8707190 DOI: 10.3390/v13122387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Commonly misused substances such as alcohol, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and opioids suppress immune responses and may impact viral pathogenesis. In recent years, illicit use of opioids has fueled outbreaks of several viral pathogens, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). This review focuses on the myriad of mechanisms by which drugs of abuse impact viral replication and disease progression. Virus–drug interactions can accelerate viral disease progression and lead to increased risk of virus transmission.
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Hokello J, Sharma AL, Tyagi P, Bhushan A, Tyagi M. Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 (HIV-1) Transcriptional Regulation, Latency and Therapy in the Central Nervous System. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9111272. [PMID: 34835203 PMCID: PMC8618135 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111272] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is highly compartmentalized and serves as a specific site of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Therefore, an understanding of the cellular populations that are infected by HIV or that harbor latent HIV proviruses is imperative in the attempts to address cure strategies, taking into account that HIV infection and latency in the CNS may differ considerably from those in the periphery. HIV replication in the CNS is reported to persist despite prolonged combination antiretroviral therapy due to the inability of the current antiretroviral drugs to penetrate and cross the blood–brain barrier. Consequently, as a result of sustained HIV replication in the CNS even in the face of combination antiretroviral therapy, there is a high incidence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). This article, therefore, provides a comprehensive review of HIV transcriptional regulation, latency, and therapy in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Hokello
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Education, Busitema University, Tororo P.O. Box 236, Uganda;
| | | | - Priya Tyagi
- Cherry Hill East High School, 1750 Kresson Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003, USA;
| | - Alok Bhushan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jefferson College of Pharmacy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
| | - Mudit Tyagi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Mehta G, Sharma A, Arora SK. Short Communication: Acquisition of Additional Nuclear Factor Kappa B Binding Sites in Long Terminal Repeat of Genetically Evolving HIV-1 Subtype C Viral Species in Host with Comorbidities. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2021; 37:380-384. [PMID: 33307941 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2020.0195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 causes millions of deaths around the world. Higher disease progression and mortality are seen in HIV positive individuals with comorbidities. Two of the most pertinent conditions are coinfection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Intravenous Drug abuse. The mechanisms involved, however, still remain unresolved. To elucidate the mechanisms involved, we evaluated the genetic alterations in terms of additional nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) sites in the long terminal repeat (LTR) of HIV-1 subtype-C isolates from infected human individuals from North India, supposedly acquired by the emerging viral quasi-species in the infected host in presence of these two comorbid conditions. Interestingly the results indicate higher number of NF-κB sites in the viral isolates from HIV-tuberculosis coinfected (n = 26, 16 isolates with 3 sites and 10 isolates with 2 sites) and intravenous drug users (n = 20, 13 isolates with 3 sites and 7 isolates with 2 sites) compared to the mono-infected hosts (n = 30, 10 isolates with 3 sites, 18 isolates with 2 sites, 2 isolates with 1 site). The biological relevance of these alterations in the NF-κB sites within the HIV-1 LTR with respect to viral replicative capacity and HIV disease progression needs to be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurleen Mehta
- Department of Immunopathology and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Aman Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sunil K. Arora
- Department of Immunopathology and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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13
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Namba MD, Leyrer-Jackson JM, Nagy EK, Olive MF, Neisewander JL. Neuroimmune Mechanisms as Novel Treatment Targets for Substance Use Disorders and Associated Comorbidities. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:650785. [PMID: 33935636 PMCID: PMC8082184 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.650785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies examining the neurobiology of substance abuse have revealed a significant role of neuroimmune signaling as a mechanism through which drugs of abuse induce aberrant changes in synaptic plasticity and contribute to substance abuse-related behaviors. Immune signaling within the brain and the periphery critically regulates homeostasis of the nervous system. Perturbations in immune signaling can induce neuroinflammation or immunosuppression, which dysregulate nervous system function including neural processes associated with substance use disorders (SUDs). In this review, we discuss the literature that demonstrates a role of neuroimmune signaling in regulating learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity, emphasizing specific cytokine signaling within the central nervous system. We then highlight recent preclinical studies, within the last 5 years when possible, that have identified immune mechanisms within the brain and the periphery associated with addiction-related behaviors. Findings thus far underscore the need for future investigations into the clinical potential of immunopharmacology as a novel approach toward treating SUDs. Considering the high prevalence rate of comorbidities among those with SUDs, we also discuss neuroimmune mechanisms of common comorbidities associated with SUDs and highlight potentially novel treatment targets for these comorbid conditions. We argue that immunopharmacology represents a novel frontier in the development of new pharmacotherapies that promote long-term abstinence from drug use and minimize the detrimental impact of SUD comorbidities on patient health and treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Namba
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | | | - Erin K. Nagy
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - M. Foster Olive
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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14
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Hokello J, Lakhikumar Sharma A, Tyagi M. AP-1 and NF-κB synergize to transcriptionally activate latent HIV upon T-cell receptor activation. FEBS Lett 2021; 595:577-594. [PMID: 33421101 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Latent HIV-1 proviruses are capable of reactivating productive lytic infection, but the precise molecular mechanisms underlying emergence from latency are poorly understood. In this study, we determined the contribution of the transcription factors NF-κB, NFAT, and AP-1 in the reactivation of latent HIV following T-cell receptor (TCR) activation using Jurkat T-cell clones harboring single latent HIV proviruses. Our findings demonstrate that during reactivation from latency, NF-κB enhances HIV transcription while NFAT inhibits it by competing with NF-κB for overlapping binding sites on the HIV long terminal repeat (LTR). We have also demonstrated for the first time the molecular contribution of AP-1 in the reactivation of HIV from latency, whereby AP-1 synergizes with NF-κB to regulate HIV transcriptional elongation following TCR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Hokello
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | | | - Mudit Tyagi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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15
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NLRP3 Inflammasome Blockade Reduces Cocaine-Induced Microglial Activation and Neuroinflammation. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2215-2230. [PMID: 33417223 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02184-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine use disorder is a major health crisis that is associated with increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. While the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in mediating neuroinflammation is well-recognized, whether cocaine induces this response remains unexplored. Based on the premise that cocaine induces both reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as microglial activation, we hypothesized that cocaine-mediated microglial activation involves both ROS and NLRP3 signaling pathways. We examined activation of the NLRP3 pathway in microglia exposed to cocaine, followed by validation in mice administered either cocaine or saline for 7 days, with or without pretreatment with the NLRP3 inhibitor, MCC950, and in postmortem cortical brain tissues of chronic cocaine-dependent humans. We found that microglia exposed to cocaine exhibited significant induction of NLRP3 and mature IL-1β expression. Intriguingly, blockade of ROS (Tempol) attenuated cocaine-mediated priming of NLRP3 and microglial activation (CD11b). Blockade of NLRP3 by both pharmacological (MCC950) as well as gene silencing (siNLRP3) approaches underpinned the critical role of NLRP3 in cocaine-mediated activation of inflammasome and microglial activation. Pretreatment of mice with MCC950 followed by cocaine administration for 7 days mitigated cocaine-mediated upregulation of mature IL-1β and CD11b, in both the striatum and the cortical regions. Furthermore, cortical brain tissues of chronic cocaine-dependent humans also exhibited upregulated expression of the NLRP3 pathway mediators compared with non-cocaine dependent controls. Collectively, these findings suggest that cocaine activates microglia involving the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, thereby contributing to neuroinflammation. NLRP3 can thus be considered as a potential therapeutic target for alleviating cocaine-mediated neuroinflammation.
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16
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Lu D, Sun H, Yu J, Kuang YQ, Wang KH. Chemical sex drugs regulate HIV infection and replication in immune cells: a vicious circle. AIDS 2021; 35:147-150. [PMID: 33048887 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Danfeng Lu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine
- Scientific Research Laboratory Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hua Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine
| | - Juehua Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine
- Scientific Research Laboratory Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yi-Qun Kuang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine
- Scientific Research Laboratory Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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17
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Blackard JT, Brown JL, Lyons MS. Synthetic Opioid Use and Common Injection-associated Viruses: Expanding the Translational Research Agenda. Curr HIV Res 2020; 17:94-101. [PMID: 31210115 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x17666190618154534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The US is in the midst of a major epidemic of opioid addiction and related comorbidities. People with opioid use disorder (OUD) are at significant risk for transmission of several blood-borne pathogens including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Commonly abused opioids and their receptors promote viral replication and virus-mediated pathology. However, most studies demonstrating an adverse effect of drugs of abuse have been conducted in vitro, the specific effects of synthetic opioids on viral replication have been poorly characterized, and the evaluation of opioid-virus interactions in clinically relevant populations is rare. Rigorous characterization of the interactions among synthetic opioids, host cells, and common injection-associated viral infections will require an interdisciplinary research approach and translational studies conducted on humans. Such research promises to improve clinical management paradigms for difficult-to-treat populations, facilitate rational public health policies given severely strained resources, and reveal additional pathways for novel target-specific therapeutic interventions. This mini-review examines the published literature on the effects of opioids on HIV, HBV, and HCV pathogenesis and proposes a series of scientific questions and considerations to establish a translational research agenda focused on opioid-virus interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T Blackard
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Jennifer L Brown
- Addiction Sciences Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Michael S Lyons
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
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18
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Zicari S, Sharma AL, Sahu G, Dubrovsky L, Sun L, Yue H, Jada T, Ochem A, Simon G, Bukrinsky M, Tyagi M. DNA dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) enhances HIV transcription by promoting RNA polymerase II activity and recruitment of transcription machinery at HIV LTR. Oncotarget 2020; 11:699-726. [PMID: 32133046 PMCID: PMC7041937 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite reductions in mortality from the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the presence of latent or transcriptionally silent proviruses prevents HIV cure/eradication. We have previously reported that DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) facilitates HIV transcription by interacting with the RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) complex recruited at HIV LTR. In this study, using different cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HIV-infected patients, we found that DNA-PK stimulates HIV transcription at several stages, including initiation, pause-release and elongation. We are reporting for the first time that DNA-PK increases phosphorylation of RNAP II C-terminal domain (CTD) at serine 5 (Ser5) and serine 2 (Ser2) by directly catalyzing phosphorylation and by augmenting the recruitment of the positive transcription elongation factor (P-TEFb) at HIV LTR. Our findings suggest that DNA-PK expedites the establishment of euchromatin structure at HIV LTR. DNA-PK inhibition/knockdown leads to the severe impairment of HIV replication and reactivation of latent HIV provirus. DNA-PK promotes the recruitment of Tripartite motif-containing 28 (TRIM28) at LTR and assists the release of paused RNAP II through TRIM28 phosphorylation. These results provide the mechanisms through which DNA-PK controls the HIV gene expression and, likely, can be extended to cellular gene expression, including during cell malignancy, where the role of DNA-PK has been well-established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Zicari
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.,Section of Intercellular Interactions, Eunice-Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Pediatric Medicine, The Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Adhikarimayum Lakhikumar Sharma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Geetaram Sahu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington DC 20037, USA.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Larisa Dubrovsky
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington DC 20037, USA
| | - Lin Sun
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington DC 20037, USA
| | - Han Yue
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington DC 20037, USA
| | - Tejaswi Jada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington DC 20037, USA
| | - Alex Ochem
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Wernher and Beit Building (South), Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gary Simon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington DC 20037, USA
| | - Michael Bukrinsky
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington DC 20037, USA
| | - Mudit Tyagi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington DC 20037, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington DC 20037, USA
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19
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HENDERSON LJ, JOHNSON TP, SMITH BR, REOMA LB, SANTAMARIA UA, BACHANI M, DEMARINO C, BARCLAY RA, SNOW J, SACKTOR N, MCARTHUR J, LETENDRE S, STEINER J, KASHANCHI F, NATH A. Presence of Tat and transactivation response element in spinal fluid despite antiretroviral therapy. AIDS 2019; 33 Suppl 2:S145-S157. [PMID: 31789815 PMCID: PMC11032747 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to measure the protein concentration and biological activity of HIV-1 Tat in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of individuals on suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). DESIGN CSF was collected from 68 HIV-positive individuals on ART with plasma viral load less than 40 copies/ml, and from 25 HIV-negative healthy controls. Duration of HIV infection ranged from 4 to more than 30 years. METHODS Tat levels in CSF were evaluated by an ELISA. Tat protein and viral RNA were quantified from exosomes isolated from CSF, followed by western blot or quantitative reverse transcription PCR, respectively. Functional activity of Tat was assessed using an LTR transactivation assay. RESULTS Tat protein was detected in 36.8% of CSF samples from HIV-positive patients. CSF Tat concentration increased in four out of five individuals after initiation of therapy, indicating that Tat was not inhibited by ART. Similarly, exosomes from 34.4% of CSF samples were strongly positive for Tat protein and/or TAR RNA. Exosomal Tat retained transactivation activity in a CEM-LTR reporter assay in 66.7% of samples assayed, which indicates that over half of the Tat present in CSF is functional. Presence of Tat in CSF was highly associated with previous abuse of psychostimulants (cocaine or amphetamines; P = 0.01) and worse performance in the psychomotor speed (P = 0.04) and information processing (P = 0.02) cognitive domains. CONCLUSION Tat and TAR are produced in the central nervous system despite adequate ART and are packaged into CSF exosomes. Tat remains biologically active within this compartment. These studies suggest that Tat may be a quantifiable marker of the viral reservoir and highlight a need for new therapies that directly inhibit Tat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J. HENDERSON
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tory P. JOHNSON
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bryan R. SMITH
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lauren Bowen REOMA
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ulisses A. SANTAMARIA
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Muzna BACHANI
- Translational Neuroscience Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda Maryland
| | - Catherine DEMARINO
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas Virginia
| | - Robert A. BARCLAY
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas Virginia
| | - Joseph SNOW
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ned SACKTOR
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Justin MCARTHUR
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Scott LETENDRE
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, San Diego California
| | - Joseph STEINER
- Translational Neuroscience Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda Maryland
| | - Fatah KASHANCHI
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas Virginia
| | - Avindra NATH
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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20
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Chivero ET, Ahmad R, Thangaraj A, Periyasamy P, Kumar B, Kroeger E, Feng D, Guo ML, Roy S, Dhawan P, Singh AB, Buch S. Cocaine Induces Inflammatory Gut Milieu by Compromising the Mucosal Barrier Integrity and Altering the Gut Microbiota Colonization. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12187. [PMID: 31434922 PMCID: PMC6704112 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48428-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocaine use disorder (CUD), a major health crisis, has traditionally been considered a complication of the CNS; however, it is also closely associated with malnourishment and deteriorating gut health. In light of emerging studies on the potential role of gut microbiota in neurological disorders, we sought to understand the causal association between CUD and gut dysbiosis. Using a comprehensive approach, we confirmed that cocaine administration in mice resulted in alterations of the gut microbiota. Furthermore, cocaine-mediated gut dysbiosis was associated with upregulation of proinflammatory mediators including NF-κB and IL-1β. In vivo and in vitro analyses confirmed that cocaine altered gut-barrier composition of the tight junction proteins while also impairing epithelial permeability by potentially involving the MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling. Taken together, our findings unravel a causal link between CUD, gut-barrier dysfunction and dysbiosis and set a stage for future development of supplemental strategies for the management of CUD-associated gut complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest T Chivero
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Rizwan Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Annadurai Thangaraj
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Palsamy Periyasamy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Balawant Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Elisa Kroeger
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Dan Feng
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ming-Lei Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Sabita Roy
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Florida, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Punita Dhawan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA
| | - Amar B Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA
| | - Shilpa Buch
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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21
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Swepson C, Ranjan A, Balasubramaniam M, Pandhare J, Dash C. Cocaine Enhances HIV-1 Transcription in Macrophages by Inducing p38 MAPK Phosphorylation. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:823. [PMID: 27375565 PMCID: PMC4899462 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocaine is a commonly used illicit drug among HIV-1 infected individuals and is known to increase HIV-1 replication in permissive cells including PBMCs, CD4(+) T cells, and macrophages. Cocaine's potentiating effects on HIV-1 replication in macrophages- the primary targets of the virus in the central nervous system, has been suggested to play an important role in HIV-1 neuro-pathogenesis. However, the mechanism by which cocaine enhances HIV-1 replication in macrophages remain poorly understood. Here, we report the identification of cocaine-induced signaling events that lead to enhanced HIV-1 transcription in macrophages. Treatment of physiologically relevant concentrations of cocaine enhanced HIV-1 transcription in a dose-dependent manner in infected THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages (THP-1macs) and primary monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Toward decoding the underlying mechanism, results presented in this report demonstrate that cocaine induces the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), a known activator of HIV-1 transcription. We also present data suggesting that the p38 MAPK-driven HIV-1 transcription is dependent on the induction of mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase 1 (MSK1). Consequently, MSK1 mediates the phosphorylation of serine 10 residue of histone 3 (H3 Ser10), which is known to activate transcription of genes including that of HIV-1 in macrophages. Importantly, our results show that inhibition of p38 MAPK/MSK1 signaling by specific pharmacological inhibitors abrogated the positive effect of cocaine on HIV-1 transcription. These results validate the functional link between cocaine and p38 MAPK/MSK1 pathways. Together, our results demonstrate for the first time that the p38 MAPK/MSK1 signaling pathway plays a critical role in the cocaine-induced potentiating effects on HIV-1 infection, thus providing new insights into the interplay between cocaine abuse and HIV-1 neuro-pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsie Swepson
- Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Meharry Medical College, NashvilleTN, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Meharry Medical College, NashvilleTN, USA
| | - Alok Ranjan
- Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville TN, USA
| | | | - Jui Pandhare
- Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Meharry Medical College, NashvilleTN, USA; School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, NashvilleTN, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, NashvilleTN, USA
| | - Chandravanu Dash
- Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Meharry Medical College, NashvilleTN, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Meharry Medical College, NashvilleTN, USA; School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, NashvilleTN, USA
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22
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Tyagi M, Weber J, Bukrinsky M, Simon GL. The effects of cocaine on HIV transcription. J Neurovirol 2015; 22:261-74. [PMID: 26572787 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-015-0398-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Illicit drug users are a high-risk population for infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A strong correlation exists between prohibited drug use and an increased rate of HIV transmission. Cocaine stands out as one of the most frequently abused illicit drugs, and its use is correlated with HIV infection and disease progression. The central nervous system (CNS) is a common target for both drugs of abuse and HIV, and cocaine intake further accelerates neuronal injury in HIV patients. Although the high incidence of HIV infection in illicit drug abusers is primarily due to high-risk activities such as needle sharing and unprotected sex, several studies have demonstrated that cocaine enhances the rate of HIV gene expression and replication by activating various signal transduction pathways and downstream transcription factors. In order to generate mature HIV genomic transcript, HIV gene expression has to pass through both the initiation and elongation phases of transcription, which requires discrete transcription factors. In this review, we will provide a detailed analysis of the molecular mechanisms that regulate HIV transcription and discuss how cocaine modulates those mechanisms to upregulate HIV transcription and eventually HIV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudit Tyagi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, 2300 Eye Street, N.W., Washington, DC, 20037, USA. .,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20037, USA.
| | - Jaime Weber
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, 2300 Eye Street, N.W., Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Michael Bukrinsky
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Gary L Simon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, 2300 Eye Street, N.W., Washington, DC, 20037, USA
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