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Abdel-Mohsen M, Deeks S, Giron L, Hong KY, Goldman A, Zhang L, Huang SSY, Verrill D, Guo S, Selzer L, de Vries CR, Vendrame E, SenGupta D, Wallin JJ, Cai Y. Circulating immune and plasma biomarkers of time to HIV rebound in HIV controllers treated with vesatolimod. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1405348. [PMID: 38979421 PMCID: PMC11229794 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1405348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-1 treatment has improved lifespan but requires lifelong adherence for people living with HIV (PLWH), highlighting the need for a cure. Evaluation of potential cure strategies requires analytic treatment interruption (ATI) with close monitoring of viral rebound. Predictive biomarkers for HIV-1 rebound and/or duration of control during ATI will facilitate these HIV cure trials while minimizing risks. Available evidence suggests that host immune, glycomic, lipid, and metabolic markers of inflammation may be associated with HIV-1 persistence in PLWH who are treated during chronic HIV-1 infection. Methods We conducted post-hoc analysis of HIV controllers who could maintain low levels of plasma HIV-1 without ART in a phase 1b vesatolimod trial. Baseline and pre-ATI levels of immune, glycomic, lipidomic, and metabolomic markers were tested for association with ATI outcomes (time of HIV-1 rebound to 200 copies/mL and 1,000 copies/mL, duration of HIV-1 RNA ≤400 copies/mL and change in intact proviral HIV-1 DNA during ATI) using Spearman's correlation and Cox proportional hazards model. Results Higher levels of CD69+CD8+ T-cells were consistently associated with shorter time to HIV-1 rebound at baseline and pre-ATI. With few exceptions, baseline fucosylated, non-galactosylated, non-sialylated, bisecting IgG N-glycans were associated with shorter time to HIV rebound and duration of control as with previous studies. Baseline plasma MPA and HPA binding glycans and non-galactosylated/non-sialylated glycans were associated with longer time to HIV rebound, while baseline multiply-galactosylated glycans and sialylated glycans, GNA-binding glycans, NPA-binding glycans, WGA-binding glycans, and bisecting GlcNAc glycans were associated with shorter time to HIV rebound and duration of control. Fourteen bioactive lipids had significant baseline associations with longer time to rebound and duration of control, and larger intact proviral HIV-1 DNA changes; additionally, three baseline bioactive lipids were associated with shorter time to first rebound and duration of control. Conclusion Consistent with studies in HIV non-controllers, proinflammatory glycans, lipids, and metabolites were generally associated with shorter duration of HIV-1 control. Notable differences were observed between HIV controllers vs. non-controllers in some specific markers. For the first time, exploratory biomarkers of ATI viral outcomes in HIV-controllers were investigated but require further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdel-Mohsen
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Steven Deeks
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Leila Giron
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kai Ying Hong
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Aaron Goldman
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Liao Zhang
- Clinical Bioinformatics and Exploratory Analytics, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, United States
| | - Susie S Y Huang
- Clinical Bioinformatics and Exploratory Analytics, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, United States
| | - Donovan Verrill
- Statistical Programming, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, United States
| | - Susan Guo
- Biostatistics, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, United States
| | - Lisa Selzer
- Clinical Virology, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, United States
| | | | - Elena Vendrame
- Clinical Development, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, United States
| | - Devi SenGupta
- Clinical Development, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey J Wallin
- Biomarker Sciences and Diagnostics, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, United States
| | - Yanhui Cai
- Biomarker Sciences and Diagnostics, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, United States
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Thiele RJ, Grünhagel B, Muenchhoff M, Pujantell-Graell M, Jocham L, Düsedau A, Hennesen J, Hildebrandt H, Hagen SH, Sandfort D, Bunders MJ, Keppler OT, Hoffmann C, Altfeld M. Magnitude of Type I Interferon Responses by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells After TLR7 Stimulation Is Associated With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Reservoir Sizes in Cisgender Women With HIV-1 on Antiretroviral Therapy. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:1781-1785. [PMID: 38385222 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) disease manifestations differ between cisgender women and men, including better control of viral replication during primary infection and less frequent residual HIV-1 replication on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in cisgender women with HIV-1 (WWH). Investigating plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) functions and HIV-1 reservoir sizes in 20 WWH on stable ART, we observed inverse correlations between interferon-α and tumor necrosis factor responses of pDCs to Toll-like receptor 7/8 stimulation and intact/total proviral HIV-1 DNA levels. Additionally, ISG15 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells correlated with cytokine responses of pDCs. These findings demonstrate an association between higher type I interferon responses and lower HIV-1 reservoir sizes in WWH on ART, warranting studies to identify the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca-Jo Thiele
- Department of Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg
| | | | - Maximilian Muenchhoff
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute and Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, Munich
- German Centre for Infection Research, Hamburg and Munich
| | | | - Linda Jocham
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute and Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, Munich
- German Centre for Infection Research, Hamburg and Munich
| | - Arne Düsedau
- Department of Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg
| | - Jana Hennesen
- Department of Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg
| | - Heike Hildebrandt
- Department of Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg
| | | | - Deborah Sandfort
- Department of Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg
| | - Madeleine J Bunders
- Department of Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg
- Center for Internal Medicine, III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg
| | - Oliver T Keppler
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute and Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, Munich
- German Centre for Infection Research, Hamburg and Munich
| | | | - Marcus Altfeld
- Department of Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg
- German Centre for Infection Research, Hamburg and Munich
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Abstract
The lack of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cure has heightened interest in immunotherapy. As such, type I interferons (IFNs), in particular, IFN alpha (IFN-α), have gained renewed attention. However, HIV pathogenesis is driven by sustained IFN-mediated immune activation, and the use of IFNs is rather controversial. The following questions therein remain: (i) which IFN-α subtype to use, (ii) at which regimen, and (iii) at what time point in HIV infection it might be beneficial. Here, we used IFN-α14 modified by PASylation for its long half-life in vivo to eventually treat HIV infection. We defined the IFN dosing regimen based on the maximum increase in interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression 6 h after its administration and a return to baseline of ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18) prior to the next dose. Notably, USP18 is the major negative regulator of type I IFN signaling. HIV infection resulted in increased ISG expression levels in humanized mice. Intriguingly, high baseline ISG levels correlated with lower HIV load. No effect was observed on HIV replication when PASylated IFN-α14 was administered in the chronic phase. However, combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) restored responsiveness to IFN, and PASylated IFN-α14 administered during analytical cART interruption resulted in a transiently lower HIV burden than in the mock-treated mice. In conclusion, cART-mediated HIV suppression restored transient IFN responsiveness and provided a potential window for immunoenhancing therapies in the context of analytical cART interruption. IMPORTANCE cART is highly efficient in suppressing HIV replication in HIV-infected patients and has resulted in a dramatic reduction in morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected people, yet it does not cure HIV infection. In addition, cART has several disadvantages. Thus, the HIV research community is exploring novel ways to control HIV infection for longer periods without cART. Here, we explored novel, long-acting IFN-α14 for its efficacy to control HIV replication in HIV-infected humanized mice. We found that IFN-α14 had no effect on chronic HIV infection. However, when mice were treated first with cART, we observed a transiently restored responsiveness to INF and a transiently lower HIV burden after stopping cART. These data emphasize (i) the value of cART-mediated HIV suppression and immune reconstitution in creating a window of opportunity for exploring novel immunotherapies, (ii) the potential of IFNs for constraining HIV, and (iii) the value of humanized mice for exploring novel immunotherapies.
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Adams P, Berkhout B, Pasternak AO. Towards a molecular profile of antiretroviral therapy-free HIV remission. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2022; 17:301-307. [PMID: 35938464 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the current status and highlight recent findings on predictive biomarkers for posttreatment HIV control (PTC) and virological remission. While historically, many studies focused on virological markers, there is an increasing tendency to enter immune and metabolic factors into the equation. RECENT FINDINGS On the virological side, several groups reported that cell-associated HIV RNA could predict time to viral rebound. Recent data hints at the possible importance of the genic location and chromatin context of the integrated provirus, although these factors still need to be assessed in relation to PTC and virological remission. Evidence from immunological studies highlighted innate and humoral immunity as important factors for prolonged HIV remission. Interestingly, novel metabolic markers have emerged, which offer additional angles to our understanding of latency and viral rebound. SUMMARY Facilitating PTC and virological remission remain top priorities for the HIV cure research. We advocate for clear and precise definitions for both phenomena in order to avoid misconceptions and to strengthen the conclusions that can be drawn. As no one-size-fits-all marker has emerged yet, more biomarkers are on the horizon, and viral rebound is a complex and heterogeneous process, it is likely that a combination of various biomarkers in cohesion will be necessary for a more accurate prediction of antiretroviral therapy-free HIV remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Adams
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Giron LB, Abdel-Mohsen M. Viral and Host Biomarkers of HIV Remission Post Treatment Interruption. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:217-233. [PMID: 35438384 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00607-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW HIV rebound/remission after antiretroviral therapy (ART) interruption is likely influenced by (a) the size of the inducible replication-competent HIV reservoir and (b) factors in the host environment that influence immunological pressures on this reservoir. Identifying viral and/or host biomarkers of HIV rebound after ART cessation may improve the safety of treatment interruptions and our understanding of how the viral-host interplay results in post-treatment control. Here we review the predictive and functional significance of recently suggested viral and host biomarkers of time to viral rebound and post-treatment control following ART interruption. RECENT FINDINGS There are currently no validated viral or host biomarkers of viral rebound; however, several biomarkers have been recently suggested. A combination of viral and host factors will likely be needed to predict viral rebound and to better understand the mechanisms contributing to post-treatment control of HIV, critical steps to developing a cure for HIV infection.
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Vieira VA, Herbert N, Cromhout G, Adland E, Goulder P. Role of Early Life Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte and Natural Killer Cell Immunity in Paediatric HIV Cure/Remission in the Anti-Retroviral Therapy Era. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886562. [PMID: 35634290 PMCID: PMC9130627 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Only three well-characterised cases of functional cure have been described in paediatric HIV infection over the past decade. This underlines the fact that early initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), whilst minimising the size of the viral reservoir, is insufficient to achieve cure, unless other factors contribute. In this review, we consider these additional factors that may facilitate functional cure in paediatric infection. Among the early life immune activity, these include HIV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cell responses. The former have less potent antiviral efficacy in paediatric compared with adult infection, and indeed, in early life, NK responses have greater impact in suppressing viral replication than CTL. This fact may contribute to a greater potential for functional cure to be achieved in paediatric versus adult infection, since post-treatment control in adults is associated less with highly potent CTL activity, and more with effective antiviral NK cell responses. Nonetheless, antiviral CTL responses can play an increasingly effective role through childhood, especially in individuals expressing then 'protective' HLA-I molecules HLA-B*27/57/58:01/8101. The role of the innate system on preventing infection, in shaping the particular viruses transmitted, and influencing outcome is discussed. The susceptibility of female fetuses to in utero mother-to-child transmission, especially in the setting of recent maternal infection, is a curiosity that also provides clues to mechanisms by which cure may be achieved, since initial findings are that viral rebound is less frequent among males who interrupt cART. The potential of broadly neutralising antibody therapy to facilitate cure in children who have received early cART is discussed. Finally, we draw attention to the impact of the changing face of the paediatric HIV epidemic on cure potential. The effect of cART is not limited to preventing AIDS and reducing the risk of transmission. cART also affects which mothers transmit. No longer are mothers who transmit those who carry genes associated with poor immune control of HIV. In the cART era, a high proportion (>70% in our South African study) of transmitting mothers are those who seroconvert in pregnancy or who for social reasons are diagnosed late in pregnancy. As a result, now, genes associated with poor immune control of HIV are not enriched in mothers who transmit HIV to their child. These changes will likely influence the effectiveness of HLA-associated immune responses and therefore cure potential among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius A. Vieira
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Herbert
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gabriela Cromhout
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Emily Adland
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Goulder
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa,HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,*Correspondence: Philip Goulder,
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