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Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2) genetic variants influence expression levels and disease outcome in HIV-1 chronically infected patients. Retrovirology 2022; 19:3. [PMID: 35081977 PMCID: PMC8793201 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-022-00588-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2) also known as Tetherin (CD317/HM1.24), is a host restriction factor that blocks the release of HIV-1 virions from infected cells. Previous studies reported that BST-2 genetic variants or single nucleotide polymorphims (SNPs) have a preventative role during HIV-1 infection. However, the influence of BST-2 SNPs on expression levels remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the influence of BST-2 SNPs on expression levels and disease outcome in HIV-1 subtype C chronically infected antiretroviral therapy naïve individuals. Results We quantified BST-2 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), determined BST-2 protein expression on the surface of CD4+ T cells using flow cytometry and genotyped two intronic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs919267 and rs919266 together with one SNP rs9576 located in the 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of bst-2 gene using TaqMan assays from HIV-1 uninfected and infected participants. Subsequently, we determined the ability of plasma antibody levels to mediate antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) using gp120 consensus C and p24 subtype B/C protein. Fc receptor-mediated NK cell degranulation was evaluated as a surrogate for ADCC activity using plasma from HIV-1 positive participants. BST-2 mRNA expression levels in PBMCs and protein levels on CD4+ T cells were lower in HIV-1 infected compared to uninfected participants (p = 0.075 and p < 0.001, respectively). rs919267CT (p = 0.042) and rs919267TT (p = 0.045) were associated with lower BST-2 mRNA expression levels compared to rs919267CC in HIV-1 uninfected participants. In HIV-1 infected participants, rs919267CT associated with lower CD4 counts, (p = 0.003), gp120-IgG1 (p = 0.040), gp120-IgG3 (p = 0.016) levels but higher viral loads (p = 0.001) while rs919267TT was associated with lower BST-2 mRNA levels (p = 0.046), CD4 counts (p = 0.001), gp120-IgG1 levels (p = 0.033) but higher plasma viral loads (p = 0.007). Conversely, rs9576CA was associated with higher BST-2 mRNA expression levels (p = 0.027), CD4 counts (p = 0.079), gp120-IgG1 (p = 0.009), gp120-IgG3 (p = 0.039) levels but with lower viral loads (p = 0.037). Conclusion Our findings show that bst-2 SNPs mediate BST-2 expression and disease outcome, correlate with gp120-IgG1, gp120-IgG3 levels but not p24-IgG levels, ADCC and ADCP activity. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12977-022-00588-2.
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Singer SN, Ndumnego OC, Kim RS, Ndung'u T, Anastos K, French A, Churchyard G, Paramithiothis E, Kasprowicz VO, Achkar JM. Plasma host protein biomarkers correlating with increasing Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection activity prior to tuberculosis diagnosis in people living with HIV. EBioMedicine 2022; 75:103787. [PMID: 34968761 PMCID: PMC8718743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomarkers correlating with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection activity/burden in asymptomatic individuals are urgently needed to identify and treat those at highest risk for developing active tuberculosis (TB). Our main objective was to identify plasma host protein biomarkers that change over time prior to developing TB in people living with HIV (PLHIV). METHODS Using multiplex MRM-MS, we investigated host protein expressions from 2 years before until time of TB diagnosis in longitudinally collected (every 3-6 months) and stored plasma from PLHIV with incident TB, identified within a South African (SA) and US cohort. We performed temporal trend and discriminant analyses for proteins, and, to assure clinical relevance, we further compared protein levels at TB diagnosis to interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA; SA) or tuberculin-skin test (TST; US) positive and negative cohort subjects without TB. SA and US exploratory data were analyzed separately. FINDINGS We identified 15 proteins in the SA (n=30) and 10 in the US (n=24) incident TB subjects which both changed from 2 years prior until time of TB diagnosis after controlling for 10% false discovery rate, and were significantly different at time of TB diagnosis compared to non-TB subjects (p<0.01). Five proteins, CD14, A2GL, NID1, SCTM1, and A1AG1, overlapped between both cohorts. Furthermore, after cross-validation, panels of 5 - 12 proteins were able to predict TB up to two years before diagnosis. INTERPRETATION Host proteins can be biomarkers for increasing Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection activity/burden, incipient TB, and predict TB development in PLHIV. FUNDING NIH/NIAID AI117927, AI146329, and AI127173 to JMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Singer
- Departments of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | | | - Ryung S Kim
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Thumbi Ndung'u
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban 4013, South Africa; HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Max Planck Institute of Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kathryn Anastos
- Departments of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Audrey French
- Department of Medicine, Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gavin Churchyard
- Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Eustache Paramithiothis
- CellCarta Biosciences Inc, 201 President-Kennedy Ave., Suite 3900 Montreal, H2×3Y7, Quebec, Canada
| | - Victoria O Kasprowicz
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban 4013, South Africa; HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Achkar
- Departments of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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Viral control in chronic HIV-1 subtype C infection is associated with enrichment of p24 IgG1 with Fc effector activity. AIDS 2018; 32:1207-1217. [PMID: 29620716 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000001812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Postinfection HIV viral control and immune correlates analysis of the RV144 vaccine trial indicate a potentially critical role for Fc receptor-mediated antibody functions. However, the influence of functional antibodies in clade C infection is largely unknown. DESIGN Plasma samples from 361 chronic subtype C-infected, antiretroviral therapy-naive participants were tested for their HIV-specific isotype and subclass distributions, along with their Fc receptor-mediated functional potential. METHOD Total IgG, IgG subclasses and IgA binding to p24 clade B/C and gp120 consensus C proteins were assayed by multiplex. Antibody-dependent uptake of antigen-coated beads and Fc receptor-mediated natural killer cell degranulation were evaluated as surrogates for antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), respectively. RESULTS p24 IgG1 was the only subclass associated with viral control (P = 0.01), with higher p24-specific ADCP and ADCC responses detected in individuals with high p24 IgG1. Although p24 IgG1 levels were enriched in patients with elevated Gag-specific T-cell responses, these levels remained an independent predictor of low-viral loads (P = 0.04) and high CD4+ cell counts (P = 0.004) after adjusting for Gag-specific T-cell responses and for protective HLA class I alleles. CONCLUSION p24 IgG1 levels independently predict viral control in HIV-1 clade C infection. Whether these responses contribute to direct antiviral control via the recruited killing of infected cells via the innate immune system or simply mark a qualitatively superior immune response to HIV, is uncertain, but highlights the role of p24-specific antibodies in control of clade C HIV-1 infection.
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Berry A, Busse WW. Biomarkers in asthmatic patients: Has their time come to direct treatment? J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 137:1317-24. [PMID: 27155028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with multiple phenotypes that have variable risk factors and responses to therapeutics. Mild-to-moderate asthma often responds to traditional medications, whereas severe disease can be refractory to inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting β-agonists, and leukotriene receptor antagonists. There is robust research into the variable phenotypes of asthma. Biomarkers help define the specific pathophysiology of different asthma phenotypes and identify potential therapeutic targets. The following review will discuss the current use of biomarkers for the diagnosis of asthma, triaging the severity of a patient's disease, and the potential efficacy of treatments. This information can be used to define certain patient populations that are more likely to respond to inhaled corticosteroids or biologics. As knowledge of patient phenotypes and endotypes and biological agents to target specific classes of asthma emerge, the ability to provide personalized care to asthmatic patients will follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alalia Berry
- Department of Medicine, Section of Allergy Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis
| | - William W Busse
- Department of Medicine, Section of Allergy Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis.
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Laher F, Ranasinghe S, Porichis F, Mewalal N, Pretorius K, Ismail N, Buus S, Stryhn A, Carrington M, Walker BD, Ndung'u T, Ndhlovu ZM. HIV Controllers Exhibit Enhanced Frequencies of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Tetramer + Gag-Specific CD4 + T Cells in Chronic Clade C HIV-1 Infection. J Virol 2017; 91:e02477-16. [PMID: 28077659 PMCID: PMC5355603 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02477-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune control of viral infections is heavily dependent on helper CD4+ T cell function. However, the understanding of the contribution of HIV-specific CD4+ T cell responses to immune protection against HIV-1, particularly in clade C infection, remains incomplete. Recently, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II tetramers have emerged as a powerful tool for interrogating antigen-specific CD4+ T cells without relying on effector functions. Here, we defined the MHC class II alleles for immunodominant Gag CD4+ T cell epitopes in clade C virus infection, constructed MHC class II tetramers, and then used these to define the magnitude, function, and relation to the viral load of HIV-specific CD4+ T cell responses in a cohort of untreated HIV clade C-infected persons. We observed significantly higher frequencies of MHC class II tetramer-positive CD4+ T cells in HIV controllers than progressors (P = 0.0001), and these expanded Gag-specific CD4+ T cells in HIV controllers showed higher levels of expression of the cytolytic proteins granzymes A and B. Importantly, targeting of the immunodominant Gag41 peptide in the context of HLA class II DRB1*1101 was associated with HIV control (r = -0.5, P = 0.02). These data identify an association between HIV-specific CD4+ T cell targeting of immunodominant Gag epitopes and immune control, particularly the contribution of a single class II MHC-peptide complex to the immune response against HIV-1 infection. Furthermore, these results highlight the advantage of the use of class II tetramers in evaluating HIV-specific CD4+ T cell responses in natural infections.IMPORTANCE Increasing evidence suggests that virus-specific CD4+ T cells contribute to the immune-mediated control of clade B HIV-1 infection, yet there remains a relative paucity of data regarding the role of HIV-specific CD4+ T cells in shaping adaptive immune responses in individuals infected with clade C, which is responsible for the majority of HIV infections worldwide. Understanding the contribution of HIV-specific CD4+ T cell responses in clade C infection is particularly important for developing vaccines that would be efficacious in sub-Saharan Africa, where clade C infection is dominant. Here, we employed MHC class II tetramers designed to immunodominant Gag epitopes and used them to characterize CD4+ T cell responses in HIV-1 clade C infection. Our results demonstrate an association between the frequency of HIV-specific CD4+ T cell responses targeting an immunodominant DRB1*11-Gag41 complex and HIV control, highlighting the important contribution of a single class II MHC-peptide complex to the immune response against HIV-1 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faatima Laher
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Srinika Ranasinghe
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology and Immunogen Discovery, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Filippos Porichis
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology and Immunogen Discovery, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Nikoshia Mewalal
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Karyn Pretorius
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nasreen Ismail
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Søren Buus
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anette Stryhn
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Mary Carrington
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Bruce D Walker
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Thumbi Ndung'u
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV (K-RITH), Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zaza M Ndhlovu
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Matthews PC, Beloukas A, Malik A, Carlson JM, Jooste P, Ogwu A, Shapiro R, Riddell L, Chen F, Luzzi G, Jaggernath M, Jesuthasan G, Jeffery K, Ndung’u T, Goulder PJR, Geretti AM, Klenerman P. Prevalence and Characteristics of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Coinfection among HIV-Positive Women in South Africa and Botswana. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26218239 PMCID: PMC4517770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
There is progressive concern about the evolving burden of morbidity and mortality caused by coinfection with HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus (HBV) in sub-Saharan Africa, but the epidemiology and impact of this problem are not well defined. We therefore set out to assimilate more information about the nature of HBV/HIV coinfection in this region by undertaking a retrospective observational study of southern African adult women. We used samples from previously recruited HIV-1 positive women attending antenatal clinics in three settings in South Africa and Botswana (n = 950) and added a small cohort of HIV-negative antenatal South African women for comparison (n = 72). We tested for HBsAg and followed up HBsAg-positive samples by testing for HBeAg, HBV DNA, HBV genotype, presence of drug-resistance associated mutations (RAMs) and HDV. We identified HBsAg in 72 individuals (7% of the whole cohort), of whom 27% were HBeAg-positive, and the majority HBV genotypes A1 and A2. We did not detect any HDV coinfection. HBV prevalence was significantly different between geographically distinct cohorts, but did not differ according to HIV status. Among adults from South Africa, HBV/HIV coinfected patients had lower CD4+ T cell counts compared to those with HIV-monoinfection (p = 0.02), but this finding was not replicated in the cohort from Botswana. Overall, these data provide a snapshot of the coinfection problem at the heart of the HIV/HBV co-epidemic, and are important to inform public health policy, resource allocation, education, surveillance and clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa C. Matthews
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Apostolos Beloukas
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Amna Malik
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan M. Carlson
- Microsoft Research, eScience Group, Redmond, Washington, United States of America
| | - Pieter Jooste
- Paediatric Department, Kimberley Hospital, Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa
| | - Anthony Ogwu
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Roger Shapiro
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lynn Riddell
- Integrated Sexual Health Services, Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton, United Kingdom
| | - Fabian Chen
- Department of Sexual Health, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Graz Luzzi
- Department of Sexual Health, High Wycombe Hospital, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
| | - Manjeetha Jaggernath
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gerald Jesuthasan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Jeffery
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thumbi Ndung’u
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV (K-RITH), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Chariteplatz, Berlin, Germany
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Philip J. R. Goulder
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anna Maria Geretti
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Klenerman
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Miedema F, Hazenberg MD, Tesselaar K, van Baarle D, de Boer RJ, Borghans JAM. Immune activation and collateral damage in AIDS pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2013; 4:298. [PMID: 24133492 PMCID: PMC3783946 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, evidence has accumulated that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced chronic immune activation drives progression to AIDS. Studies among different monkey species have shown that the difference between pathological and non-pathological infection is determined by the response of the immune system to the virus, rather than its cytopathicity. Here we review the current understanding of the various mechanisms driving chronic immune activation in HIV infection, the cell types involved, its effects on HIV-specific immunity, and how persistent inflammation may cause AIDS and the wide spectrum of non-AIDS related pathology. We argue that therapeutic relief of inflammation may be beneficial to delay HIV-disease progression and to reduce non-AIDS related pathological side effects of HIV-induced chronic immune stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Miedema
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mette D. Hazenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kiki Tesselaar
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Debbie van Baarle
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rob J. de Boer
- Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - José A. M. Borghans
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Prentice HA, Porter TR, Price MA, Cormier E, He D, Farmer PK, Kamali A, Karita E, Lakhi S, Sanders EJ, Anzala O, Amornkul PN, Allen S, Hunter E, Kaslow RA, Gilmour J, Tang J. HLA-B*57 versus HLA-B*81 in HIV-1 infection: slow and steady wins the race? J Virol 2013; 87:4043-51. [PMID: 23365442 PMCID: PMC3624227 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03302-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Two human leukocyte antigen (HLA) variants, HLA-B*57 and -B*81, are consistently known as favorable host factors in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected Africans and African-Americans. In our analyses of prospective data from 538 recent HIV-1 seroconverters and cross-sectional data from 292 subjects with unknown duration of infection, HLA-B*57 (mostly B*57:03) and -B*81 (exclusively B*81:01) had mostly discordant associations with virologic and immunologic manifestations before antiretroviral therapy. Specifically, relatively low viral load (VL) in HLA-B*57-positive subjects (P ≤ 0.03 in various models) did not translate to early advantage in CD4(+) T-cell (CD4) counts (P ≥ 0.37). In contrast, individuals with HLA-B*81 showed little deviation from the normal set point VL (P > 0.18) while maintaining high CD4 count during early and chronic infection (P = 0.01). These observations suggest that discordance between VL and CD4 count can occur in the presence of certain HLA alleles and that effective control of HIV-1 viremia is not always a prerequisite for favorable prognosis (delayed immunodeficiency). Of note, steady CD4 count associated with HLA-B*81 in HIV-1-infected Africans may depend on the country of origin, as observations differed slightly between subgroups enrolled in southern Africa (Zambia) and eastern Africa (Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew A. Price
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), New York City, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Emmanuel Cormier
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Human Immunology Laboratory, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Anatoli Kamali
- MRC/UVRI Uganda Virus Research Unit on AIDS, Masaka Site, Masaka, Uganda
| | | | - Shabir Lakhi
- Zambia-Emory HIV Research Project, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Eduard J. Sanders
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, United Kingdom
| | - Omu Anzala
- Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative (KAVI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Pauli N. Amornkul
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), New York City, New York, USA
| | - Susan Allen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Project San Francisco, Kigali, Rwanda
- Zambia-Emory HIV Research Project, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Richard A. Kaslow
- Department of Epidemiology
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jill Gilmour
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Human Immunology Laboratory, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jianming Tang
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Sriwanthana B, Mori M, Tanaka M, Nishimura S, Miura T, Pathipvanich P, Sawanpanyalert P, Ariyoshi K. The effect of HLA polymorphisms on the recognition of Gag epitopes in HIV-1 CRF01_AE infection. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41696. [PMID: 22848569 PMCID: PMC3407236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The design of a globally effective vaccine rests on the identification of epitopes capable of eliciting effective cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses across multiple HIV clades in different populations. This study aims to discern the effect of HLA polymorphisms and the cross-clade reactivity or clade-specificity of epitopes in Thailand where HIV-1 CRF01_AE is circulating. Materials and Methods 14 peptides based on consensus HIV-1 CRF01_AE amino acid sequences were designed for use in IFN-γ ELISpot assays and 51Cr release assays among 66 HIV-1 CRF01_AE-infected Thai patients. For ELISpot responders carrying HLA alleles currently unknown to restrict CRF01_AE epitopes, in silico epitope-HLA prediction was performed. Results 29/66 (43.9%) patients recognized at least one peptide. In total 79 responses were seen against all 14 peptides. 28/79 (35.4%) of the responses were in patients with HLA alleles previously reported to restrict CRF01_AE epitopes, 24/79 (30.4%) responses were in individuals with HLA alleles previously reported to restrict epitopes of HIV clades other than CRF01_AE, and the remaining 27/79 (34.2%) responses were not associated with HLA alleles previously known to restrict HIV epitopes. In silico epitope prediction detected 19 novel, epitope-HLA combinations, and 11/19 (57.9%) were associated with HLA-C alleles. We further confirmed a novel HLA restriction of a previously identified HIV-1 Gag epitope [p24122–130: PPIPVGDIY (PY9)] by HLA-B*40:01 with a standard 51Cr release assay. Discussion CTL recognition sites in HIV-1 Gag were similar among different clades but the HLA restriction differed in Thai patients. This disparity in HLA restriction along different populations illustrated the importance of clade- and population-specific HLA analysis prior to CTL vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masahiko Mori
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki city, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Paediatrics, The Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mari Tanaka
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki city, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Sei Nishimura
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki city, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Miura
- Advanced Clinical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Koya Ariyoshi
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki city, Nagasaki, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Madlala P, Gijsbers R, Christ F, Hombrouck A, Werner L, Mlisana K, An P, Abdool Karim SS, Winkler CA, Debyser Z, Ndung'u T. Association of polymorphisms in the LEDGF/p75 gene (PSIP1) with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and disease progression. AIDS 2011; 25:1711-9. [PMID: 21681054 PMCID: PMC3233670 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e328349c693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE LEDGF/p75, encoded by the PSIP1 gene, interacts with HIV-1 integrase and targets HIV-1 integration into active genes. We investigated the influence of polymorphisms in PSIP1 on HIV-1 acquisition and disease progression in black South Africans. METHODS Integrase binding domain of LEDGF/p75 was sequenced in 126 participants. Four haplotype tagging SNPs rs2277191, rs1033056, rs12339417 and rs10283923 referred to as SNP1, SNP2, SNP3 and SNP4, respectively, and one exonic SNP rs61744944 (SNP5, Q472L) were genotyped in 195 HIV-1 seronegative, 52 primary and 403 chronically infected individuals using TaqMan assays. LEDGF/p75 expression was quantified by real-time RT-PCR. The impact of Q472L mutation on the interaction with HIV_1 IN was measured by AlphaScreen. RESULTS rs2277191 (SNP1) A was more frequent among seropositives (P = 0.06, Fisher's exact test). Among individuals followed longitudinally SNP1A trended towards association with higher likelihood of HIV-1 acquisition [relative hazard (RH) = 2.21, P = 0.08; Cox model] and it was also associated with rapid disease progression (RH = 5.98, P = 0.04; Cox model) in the recently infected (primary infection) cohort. rs12339417 (SNP3)C was associated with slower decline of CD4(+) T cells (P = 0.02) and lower messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of LEDGF/p75 (P < 0.01). Seroconverters had higher preinfection mRNA levels of LEDGF/p75 (P < 0.01) and these levels decreased after HIV-1 infection (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Genetic variants of PSIP1 may affect HIV-1 outcomes. Further studies are needed to confirm the effect of genetic variation of PSIP1 on HIV-1 pathogenesis in different cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paradise Madlala
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Song W, He D, Brill I, Malhotra R, Mulenga J, Allen S, Hunter E, Tang J, Kaslow RA. Disparate associations of HLA class I markers with HIV-1 acquisition and control of viremia in an African population. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23469. [PMID: 21858133 PMCID: PMC3157381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is mediated by a combination of characteristics of the infectious and the susceptible member of a transmission pair, including human behavioral and genetic factors, as well as viral fitness and tropism. Here we report on the impact of established and potential new HLA class I determinants of heterosexual HIV-1 acquisition in the HIV-1-exposed seronegative (HESN) partners of serodiscordant Zambian couples. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We assessed the relationships of behavioral and clinically documented risk factors, index partner viral load, and host genetic markers to HIV-1 transmission among 568 cohabiting couples followed for at least nine months. We genotyped subjects for three classical HLA class I genes known to influence immune control of HIV-1 infection. From 1995 to December 2006, 240 HESNs seroconverted and 328 remained seronegative. In Cox proportional hazards models, HLA-A*68:02 and the B*42-C*17 haplotype in HESN partners were significantly and independently associated with faster HIV-1 acquisition (relative hazards = 1.57 and 1.55; p = 0.007 and 0.013, respectively) after controlling for other previously established contributing factors in the index partner (viral load and specific class I alleles), in the HESN partner (age, gender), or in the couple (behavioral and clinical risk score). Few if any previously implicated class I markers were associated here with the rate of acquiring infection. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE A few HLA class I markers showed modest effects on acquisition of HIV-1 subtype C infection in HESN partners of discordant Zambian couples. However, the striking disparity between those few markers and the more numerous, different markers found to determine HIV-1 disease course makes it highly unlikely that, whatever the influence of class I variation on the rate of infection, the mechanism mediating that phenomenon is identical to that involved in disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Song
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Dongning He
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Ilene Brill
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Rakhi Malhotra
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | | | - Susan Allen
- Rwanda-Zambia HIV-1 Research Group, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Eric Hunter
- Vaccine Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jianming Tang
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Richard A. Kaslow
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mori M, Sriwanthana B, Wichukchinda N, Boonthimat C, Tsuchiya N, Miura T, Pathipvanich P, Ariyoshi K, Sawanpanyalert P. Unique CRF01_AE Gag CTL epitopes associated with lower HIV-viral load and delayed disease progression in a cohort of HIV-infected Thais. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22680. [PMID: 21826201 PMCID: PMC3149616 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTLs) play a central role in controlling HIV-replication. Although numerous CTL epitopes have been described, most are in subtype B or C infection. Little is known about CTL responses in CRF01_AE infection. Gag CTL responses were investigated in a cohort of 137 treatment-naïve HIV-1 infected Thai patients with high CD4+ T cell counts, using gIFN Enzyme-Linked Immunospot (ELISpot) assays with 15-mer overlapping peptides (OLPs) derived from locally dominant CRF01_AE Gag sequences. 44 OLPs were recognized in 112 (81.8%) individuals. Both the breadth and magnitude of the CTL response, particularly against the p24 region, positively correlated with CD4+ T cell count and inversely correlated with HIV viral load. The breadth of OLP response was also associated with slower progression to antiretroviral therapy initiation. Statistical analysis and single peptide ELISpot assay identified at least 17 significant associations between reactive OLP and HLA in 12 OLP regions; 6 OLP-HLA associations (35.3%) were not compatible with previously reported CTL epitopes, suggesting that these contained new CTL Gag epitopes. A substantial proportion of CTL epitopes in CRF01_AE infection differ from subtype B or C. However, the pattern of protective CTL responses is similar; Gag CTL responses, particularly against p24, control viral replication and slow clinical progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Mori
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Japan Foundation for AIDS Prevention (JFAP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Busarawan Sriwanthana
- Thai National Institute of Health, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Nuanjun Wichukchinda
- Thai National Institute of Health, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Chetsada Boonthimat
- Thai National Institute of Health, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Naho Tsuchiya
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Global COE Program, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Miura
- Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Koya Ariyoshi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Global COE Program, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Pathom Sawanpanyalert
- Thai National Institute of Health, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
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HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell proliferation is prospectively associated with delayed disease progression. Immunol Cell Biol 2011; 90:346-51. [PMID: 21606945 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2011.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific CD8(+) T-cell proliferation is consistently correlated with enhanced host HIV immune control, but whether proliferative responses are a cause or consequence of immune protection is unclear. We measured Env-specific CD8(+) T-cell proliferation and interferon (IFN)-γ secretion in HIV-infected participants with CD4 counts >200, who then completed 121 person-years of prospective follow-up to monitor HIV disease progression. In all, 13 of 31 participants (42%) reached end point during longitudinal follow-up. Strong Env-specific CD8(+) T-cell proliferation (>10% of CD8(+) T cells) was observed in 14/31 participants at baseline, and this was associated with a longer time to HIV disease progression end point, stratified baseline CD4 count (P=0.016). No associations were observed for IFN-γ ELISPOT responses and progression (P>0.2). Strong proliferation remained significant in multivariate Cox regression analyses (P=0.044) as an independent predictor of delayed HIV disease progression, along with baseline CD4 count (P=0.04). Duration of HIV infection was associated with more rapid progression in univariate, but not multivariate, analysis (P=0.112). Age and baseline viral load were not predictive of progression. HIV-specific CD8(+) T-cell proliferation was a correlate of protective immunity in this prospective study; such responses may be important for HIV vaccine protection.
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Lessells RJ, Mutevedzi PC, Cooke GS, Newell ML. Retention in HIV care for individuals not yet eligible for antiretroviral therapy: rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2011; 56:e79-86. [PMID: 21157360 PMCID: PMC3073481 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e3182075ae2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine retention in HIV care for individuals not yet eligible for antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to explore factors associated with retention in a rural public health HIV program. METHODS HIV-infected adults (≥16 years) not yet eligible for ART, with CD4 cell count >200 cells per microliter from January 2007 to December 2007 were included in the analysis. Retention was defined by repeat CD4 count within 13 months. Factors associated with retention were assessed using logistic regression with clustering at clinic level. RESULTS Four thousand two hundred twenty-three were included in the analysis (83.9% female). Overall retention was 44.9% with median time to return 201 days [interquartile range (IQR): 127-274]. Retention by initial CD4 count 201-350, 351-500, and >500 cells per microliter was 51.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 49.1 to 54.0], 43.2% (95% CI: 40.5 to 45.9), and 34.9% (95% CI: 32.4 to 37.4), respectively. Compared with CD4 201-350 cells per microliter, higher initial CD4 count was significantly associated with lower odds of retention [CD4: 351-500 cells/μL adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.72, 95% CI: 0.62 to 0.84; CD4 >500 cells/μL aOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.60]. Male sex was independently associated with lower odds (aOR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67 to 0.96), and older age with higher odds of retention (for each additional year of age aOR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.04). CONCLUSIONS Retention in HIV care before eligibility for ART is poor, particularly for younger individuals and those at an earlier stage of infection. Further work to optimize and evaluate care and monitoring strategies is required to realize the full benefits of the rapid expansion of HIV programs in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Lessells
- Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa.
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Influence of Gag-protease-mediated replication capacity on disease progression in individuals recently infected with HIV-1 subtype C. J Virol 2011; 85:3996-4006. [PMID: 21289112 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02520-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA class I-mediated selection of immune escape mutations in functionally important Gag epitopes may partly explain slower disease progression in HIV-1-infected individuals with protective HLA alleles. To investigate the impact of Gag function on disease progression, the replication capacities of viruses encoding Gag-protease from 60 individuals in early HIV-1 subtype C infection were assayed in an HIV-1-inducible green fluorescent protein reporter cell line and were correlated with subsequent disease progression. Replication capacities did not correlate with viral load set points (P = 0.37) but were significantly lower in individuals with below-median viral load set points (P = 0.03), and there was a trend of correlation between lower replication capacities and lower rates of CD4 decline (P = 0.09). Overall, the proportion of host HLA-specific Gag polymorphisms in or adjacent to epitopes was negatively associated with replication capacities (P = 0.04), but host HLA-B-specific polymorphisms were associated with higher viral load set points (P = 0.01). Further, polymorphisms associated with host-specific protective HLA alleles were linked with higher viral load set points (P = 0.03). These data suggest that transmission or early HLA-driven selection of Gag polymorphisms results in reduced early cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses and higher viral load set points. In support of the former, 46% of individuals with nonprotective alleles harbored a Gag polymorphism exclusively associated with a protective HLA allele, indicating a high rate of their transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Overall, HIV disease progression is likely to be affected by the ability to mount effective Gag CTL responses as well as the replication capacity of the transmitted virus.
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Gag-protease-mediated replication capacity in HIV-1 subtype C chronic infection: associations with HLA type and clinical parameters. J Virol 2010; 84:10820-31. [PMID: 20702636 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01084-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying HIV-1 control by protective HLA class I alleles are not fully understood and could involve selection of escape mutations in functionally important Gag epitopes resulting in fitness costs. This study was undertaken to investigate, at the population level, the impact of HLA-mediated immune pressure in Gag on viral fitness and its influence on HIV-1 pathogenesis. Replication capacities of 406 recombinant viruses encoding plasma-derived Gag-protease from patients chronically infected with HIV-1 subtype C were assayed in an HIV-1-inducible green fluorescent protein reporter cell line. Viral replication capacities varied significantly with respect to the specific HLA-B alleles expressed by the patient, and protective HLA-B alleles, most notably HLA-B81, were associated with lower replication capacities. HLA-associated mutations at low-entropy sites, especially the HLA-B81-associated 186S mutation in the TL9 epitope, were associated with lower replication capacities. Most mutations linked to alterations in replication capacity in the conserved p24 region decreased replication capacity, while most in the highly variable p17 region increased replication capacity. Replication capacity also correlated positively with baseline viral load and negatively with baseline CD4 count but did not correlate with the subsequent rate of CD4 decline. In conclusion, there is evidence that protective HLA alleles, in particular HLA-B81, significantly influence Gag-protease function by driving sequence changes in Gag and that conserved regions of Gag should be included in a vaccine aiming to drive HIV-1 toward a less fit state. However, the long-term clinical benefit of immune-driven fitness costs is uncertain given the lack of correlation with longitudinal markers of disease progression.
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Tang J, Malhotra R, Song W, Brill I, Hu L, Farmer PK, Mulenga J, Allen S, Hunter E, Kaslow RA. Human leukocyte antigens and HIV type 1 viral load in early and chronic infection: predominance of evolving relationships. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9629. [PMID: 20224785 PMCID: PMC2835758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2010] [Accepted: 02/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During untreated, chronic HIV-1 infection, plasma viral load (VL) is a relatively stable quantitative trait that has clinical and epidemiological implications. Immunogenetic research has established various human genetic factors, especially human leukocyte antigen (HLA) variants, as independent determinants of VL set-point. Methodology/Principal Findings To identify and clarify HLA alleles that are associated with either transient or durable immune control of HIV-1 infection, we evaluated the relationships of HLA class I and class II alleles with VL among 563 seroprevalent Zambians (SPs) who were seropositive at enrollment and 221 seroconverters (SCs) who became seropositive during quarterly follow-up visits. After statistical adjustments for non-genetic factors (sex and age), two unfavorable alleles (A*3601 and DRB1*0102) were independently associated with high VL in SPs (p<0.01) but not in SCs. In contrast, favorable HLA variants, mainly A*74, B*13, B*57 (or Cw*18), and one HLA-A and HLA-C combination (A*30+Cw*03), dominated in SCs; their independent associations with low VL were reflected in regression beta estimates that ranged from −0.47±0.23 to −0.92±0.32 log10 in SCs (p<0.05). Except for Cw*18, all favorable variants had diminishing or vanishing association with VL in SPs (p≤0.86). Conclusions/Significance Overall, each of the three HLA class I genes had at least one allele that might contribute to effective immune control, especially during the early course of HIV-1 infection. These observations can provide a useful framework for ongoing analyses of viral mutations induced by protective immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Tang
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America.
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