A long-acting formulation of the integrase inhibitor raltegravir protects humanized BLT mice from repeated high-dose vaginal HIV challenges

EFdA efficiently suppresses HIV replication in the male genital tract and prevents penile HIV acquisition

Sexually transmitted HIV infections in heterosexual men are acquired through the penis. Low adherence to condom usage and the fact that 40% of circumcised men are not protected indicate the need for additional prevention strategies. Here, we describe a new approach to evaluate the prevention of penile HIV transmission. We demonstrated that the entire male genital tract (MGT) of bone marrow/liver/thymus (BLT) humanized mice is repopulated with human T and myeloid cells. The majority of the human T cells in the MGT express CD4 and CCR5. Direct penile exposure to HIV leads to systemic infection including all tissues of the MGT. HIV replication throughout the MGT was reduced 100-1,000-fold by treatment with 4'-ethynyl-2-fluoro-2'-deoxyadenosine (EFdA), resulting in the restoration of CD4+ T cell levels. Importantly, systemic preexposure prophylaxis with EFdA effectively protects from penile HIV acquisition. IMPORTANCE Over 84.2 million people have been infected by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) during the past 40 years, most through sexual transmission. Men comprise approximately half of the HIV-infected population worldwide. Sexually transmitted HIV infections in exclusively heterosexual men are acquired through the penis. However, direct evaluation of HIV infection throughout the human male genital tract (MGT) is not possible. Here, we developed a new in vivo model that permits, for the first time, the detail analysis of HIV infection. Using BLT humanized mice, we showed that productive HIV infection occurs throughout the entire MGT and induces a dramatic reduction in human CD4 T cells compromising immune responses in this organ. Antiretroviral treatment with novel drug EFdA suppresses HIV replication in all tissues of the MGT, restores normal levels of CD4 T cells and is highly efficient at preventing penile transmission.

Novel Perspectives on the Design and Development of a Long-Acting Subcutaneous Raltegravir Injection for Treatment of HIV-In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Antiretrovirals (ARVs) are a highly effective therapy for treatment and prevention of HIV infection, when administered as prescribed. However, adherence to lifelong ARV regimens poses a considerable challenge and places HIV patients at risk. Long-acting ARV injections may improve patient adherence as well as maintaining long-term continuous drug exposure, resulting in improved pharmacodynamics. In the present work, we explored the aminoalkoxycarbonyloxymethyl (amino-AOCOM) ether prodrug concept as a potential approach to long-acting ARV injections. As a proof of concept, we synthesised model compounds containing the 4-carboxy-2-methyl Tokyo Green (CTG) fluorophore and assessed their stability under pH and temperature conditions that mimic those found in the subcutaneous (SC) tissue. Among them, probe 21 displayed very slow fluorophore release under SC-like conditions (98% of the fluorophore released over 15 d). Compound 25, a prodrug of the ARV agent raltegravir (RAL), was subsequently prepared and evaluated using the same conditions. This compound showed an excellent in vitro release profile, with a half-life (t_½) of 19.3 d and 82% of RAL released over 45 d. In mice, 25 extended the half-life of unmodified RAL by 4.2-fold (t_½ = 3.18 h), providing initial proof of concept of the ability of amino-AOCOM prodrugs to extend drug lifetimes in vivo. Although this effect was not as pronounced as seen in vitro-presumably due to enzymatic degradation and rapid clearance of the prodrug in vivo-the present results nevertheless pave the way for development of more metabolically stable prodrugs, to facilitate long-acting delivery of ARVs.

Translational Models to Predict Target Concentrations for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Women

The HIV epidemic remains a significant public health burden. Women represent half of the global HIV epidemic, yet there is an urgent need for a variety of prevention options to meet the needs of more women. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a valuable prevention tool that uses antiretrovirals before a potential HIV exposure to prevent virus transmission. Development of effective preventive drug regimens for women is dependent on convenient dosing schedules and routes of administration, and on identifying defined target concentrations in mucosal tissues that provide complete protection against HIV transmission. There is a critical need for a translational model that can accurately predict in vivo target concentrations that are completely protective against HIV infection. There is no gold-standard preclinical model to predict PrEP efficacy. In this study, we review the strengths and limitations of three different preclinical models and their utility in predicting target concentrations in the female genital tract: humanized mice, non-human primates, and the ex vivo tissue model.

Use of long-acting injectable antiretroviral agents for human immunodeficiency Virus: A review

The development of potent antiretroviral drugs has significantly reduced morbidity and mortality associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection, however, the effectiveness of these medications depends upon consistent daily oral intake. Non-adherence can lead to the emergence of resistance, treatment failure and disease progression. This has necessitated the development of long-acting antiretroviral formulations administrable via an infrequent dosing regimen. Long-acting injectable forms of cabotegravir and rilpivirine have reached various stages in clinical trials both for the treatment and prevention of HIV. Other long-acting agents are at various stages of development. This review evaluates the current research on the development of long-acting injectable antiretroviral agents for the treatment and prevention of HIV.

Tolerability and Adherence of Antiretroviral Regimens Containing Long-Acting Fusion Inhibitor Albuvirtide for HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: A Cohort Study in China

INTRODUCTION

There have been no prospective clinical studies investigating adherence and tolerability of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in China. Tolerability, adherence, and transmitted drug resistance are concerns, especially when single-tablet regimen (STR) usage is low. The present study aimed to explore the safety, tolerability, and adherence of regimens containing albuvirtide (ABT) compared with recommended non-STR antiretrovirals for HIV PEP.

METHODS

This was a prospective, open-label, multicenter cohort study. The subjects were stratified into 3 groups based on their preference: ABT + Dolutegravir (DTG) (Group 1), ABT + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) + Lamivudine (3TC) (Group 2), and DTG + TDF + 3TC (Group 3). All enrolled subjects received PEP within 72 h after exposure and continued for 28 days, and were followed-up for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 330 participants were enrolled in the three groups. Most participants were male (87.2%). Sexual contact was the most frequent mode of exposure (91.9%). The average time from exposure to treatment was 26.8 ± 19.5 h. There were no statistically significant differences between the three study groups with respect to completion of oral medication at 28 days. The 28-day completion rate was shown to be significantly higher with ABT versus oral (88.9% vs. 64.0%; p < 0.0001), and adherence with ABT was 94.4% compared to 75.7% with oral PEP (p < 0.0001). Subjects in ABT-containing Group 1 exhibited higher adherence than those in Group 3 (87.3% vs. 72.9%; p < 0.05). None of the participants reported serious adverse drug reactions which led to withdrawal from the study. All the drug regimens were found to be safe and well tolerated. No HIV incident case was observed during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

ABT-containing regimens (ABT + DTG or ABT + TDF + 3TC) offer a good option for HIV PEP due to higher completion rates and adherence than the DTG + TDF + 3TC regimen. The overall safety was comparable and acceptable among the three groups.

REGISTRATION

The study was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with registration number (ChiCTR1900022881, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=37395 ).

Advances in long-acting injectables, implants, and vaginal rings for contraception and HIV prevention

Worldwide, women face compounding reproductive health risks, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancy. Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) offer combined protection against these overlapping risks in singular prevention products that offer potential for simplified use, lower burden, higher acceptability, and increased public health benefits. Over the past decade, substantial progress has been made in development of extended-release MPTs, which have further potential to grant sexual and reproductive health autonomy to women globally and to offer choice for women to accommodate varying needs during their reproductive lives. Here, we highlight the advances made in injectable, implant, and ring delivery forms, and the importance of incorporating end-user preferences early in the research and development of these products.

Humanized Mice for Infectious and Neurodegenerative disorders

Humanized mice model human disease and as such are used commonly for research studies of infectious, degenerative and cancer disorders. Recent models also reflect hematopoiesis, natural immunity, neurobiology, and molecular pathways that influence disease pathobiology. A spectrum of immunodeficient mouse strains permit long-lived human progenitor cell engraftments. The presence of both innate and adaptive immunity enables high levels of human hematolymphoid reconstitution with cell susceptibility to a broad range of microbial infections. These mice also facilitate investigations of human pathobiology, natural disease processes and therapeutic efficacy in a broad spectrum of human disorders. However, a bridge between humans and mice requires a complete understanding of pathogen dose, co-morbidities, disease progression, environment, and genetics which can be mirrored in these mice. These must be considered for understanding of microbial susceptibility, prevention, and disease progression. With known common limitations for access to human tissues, evaluation of metabolic and physiological changes and limitations in large animal numbers, studies in mice prove important in planning human clinical trials. To these ends, this review serves to outline how humanized mice can be used in viral and pharmacologic research emphasizing both current and future studies of viral and neurodegenerative diseases. In all, humanized mouse provides cost-effective, high throughput studies of infection or degeneration in natural pathogen host cells, and the ability to test transmission and eradication of disease.

Advances in Humanized Mouse Models to Improve Understanding of HIV-1 Pathogenesis and Immune Responses

Although antiretroviral therapy has transformed human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) from a deadly infection into a chronic disease, it does not clear the viral reservoir, leaving HIV-1 as an uncurable infection. Currently, 1.2 million new HIV-1 infections occur globally each year, with little decrease over many years. Therefore, additional research is required to advance the current state of HIV management, find potential therapeutic strategies, and further understand the mechanisms of HIV pathogenesis and prevention strategies. Non-human primates (NHP) have been used extensively in HIV research and have provided critical advances within the field, but there are several issues that limit their use. Humanized mouse (Hu-mouse) models, or immunodeficient mice engrafted with human immune cells and/or tissues, provide a cost-effective and practical approach to create models for HIV research. Hu-mice closely parallel multiple aspects of human HIV infection and disease progression. Here, we highlight how innovations in Hu-mouse models have advanced HIV-1 research in the past decade. We discuss the effect of different background strains of mice, of modifications on the reconstitution of the immune cells, and the pros and cons of different human cells and/or tissue engraftment methods, on the ability to examine HIV-1 infection and immune response. Finally, we consider the newest advances in the Hu-mouse models and their potential to advance research in emerging areas of mucosal infections, understand the role of microbiota and the complex issues in HIV-TB co-infection. These innovations in Hu-mouse models hold the potential to significantly enhance mechanistic research to develop novel strategies for HIV prevention and therapeutics.

Moving beyond the mousetrap: current and emerging humanized mouse and rat models for investigating prevention and cure strategies against HIV infection and associated pathologies

The development of safe and effective combination antiretroviral therapies for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection over the past several decades has significantly reduced HIV-associated morbidity and mortality. Additionally, antiretroviral drugs have provided an effective means of protection against HIV transmission. Despite these advances, significant limitations exist; namely, the inability to eliminate HIV reservoirs, the inability to reverse lymphoid tissues damage, and the lack of an effective vaccine for preventing HIV transmission. Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of therapeutics and vaccines for eliminating HIV reservoirs and preventing HIV transmission requires robust in vivo models. Since HIV is a human-specific pathogen, that targets hematopoietic lineage cells and lymphoid tissues, in vivo animal models for HIV-host interactions require incorporation of human hematopoietic lineage cells and lymphoid tissues. In this review, we will discuss the construction of mouse models with human lymphoid tissues and/or hematopoietic lineage cells, termed, human immune system (HIS)-humanized mice. These HIS-humanized mouse models can support the development of functional human innate and adaptive immune cells, along with primary (thymus) and secondary (spleen) lymphoid tissues. We will discuss applications of HIS-humanized mouse models in evaluating the safety and efficacy of therapeutics against HIV reservoirs and associated immunopathology, and delineate the human immune response elicited by candidate HIV vaccines. In addition to focusing on how these HIS-humanized mouse models have already furthered our understanding of HIV and contributed to HIV therapeutics development, we discuss how emerging HIS-humanized rat models could address the limitations of HIS-mouse models.

Translational Approach to Predicting the Efficacy of Maraviroc-Based Regimens as HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis

Maraviroc-based regimens have been explored as preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this study, we utilized mucosal tissue drug exposure data, combined with target concentrations generated in vitro, in a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis to predict the effects of drug combinations and adherence on PrEP efficacy. Mucosal tissue concentrations of maraviroc were measured in 24 healthy women. The 90% effective concentrations (EC₉₀) of maraviroc (alone and combined with tenofovir and emtricitabine) for protection against HIV were identified in CD4⁺ T cells. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to identify dosing strategies to protect colorectal and female genital tract (FGT) tissues from HIV infection. Colorectal maraviroc concentrations were 350-fold higher than in the FGT. Under steady-state conditions, our model predicted that one 300-mg dose/week was sufficient to protect colorectal tissue from HIV in 99% of the population, while 300 mg daily would protect the FGT in only 63% of the population. FGT protection increased to >90% when maraviroc was used in combination with tenofovir (5 doses/week) or emtricitabine (3 doses/week). Poor adherence resulted in a drastic decrease in efficacy in the FGT but not colorectal tissue. However, greater forgiveness was seen when maraviroc was combined with tenofovir or emtricitabine, suggesting that maraviroc should not be used alone as PrEP.

Precision mouse models with expanded tropism for human pathogens

A major limitation of current humanized mouse models is that they primarily enable the analysis of human-specific pathogens that infect hematopoietic cells. However, most human pathogens target other cell types, including epithelial, endothelial and mesenchymal cells. Here, we show that implantation of human lung tissue, which contains up to 40 cell types, including nonhematopoietic cells, into immunodeficient mice (lung-only mice) resulted in the development of a highly vascularized lung implant. We demonstrate that emerging and clinically relevant human pathogens such as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Zika virus, respiratory syncytial virus and cytomegalovirus replicate in vivo in these lung implants. When incorporated into bone marrow/liver/thymus humanized mice, lung implants are repopulated with autologous human hematopoietic cells. We show robust antigen-specific humoral and T-cell responses following cytomegalovirus infection that control virus replication. Lung-only mice and bone marrow/liver/thymus-lung humanized mice substantially increase the number of human pathogens that can be studied in vivo, facilitating the in vivo testing of therapeutics.

Implantation of lung tissue into humanized mice enables in vivo study of the human immune response to pathogens.

Long-Acting Anti-HIV Drugs Targeting HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase

One of the major factors contributing to HIV-1 drug resistance is suboptimal adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Currently, recommended cART for HIV-1 treatment is a three-drug combination, whereas the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimens consist of one or two antivirals. Treatment regimens require adherence to a once or twice (in a subset of patients) daily dose. Long-acting formulations such as injections administered monthly could improve adherence and convenience, and thereby have potential to enhance the chances of expected outcomes, although long-lasting drug concentrations can also contribute to clinical issues like adverse events and development of drug resistance. Globally, two long-acting antivirals have been approved, and fifteen are in clinical trials. More than half of investigational long-acting antivirals target HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1 RT) and/or integrase (HIV-1 IN). Here, we discuss the status and potential of long-acting inhibitors, including rilpivirine (RPV), dapivirine (DPV), and 4-ethynyl-2-fluoro-2-deoxyadenosine (EFdA; also known as MK-8591), which target RT, and cabotegravir (CAB), which targets IN. The outcomes of various clinical trials appear quite satisfactory, and the future of long-acting HIV-1 regimens appears bright.

Pharmacology of Antiretrovirals in the Female Genital Tract for HIV Prevention

Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a powerful tool that, as part of a comprehensive prevention package, has potential to significantly impact the HIV epidemic. PrEP effectiveness is believed to be dependent on the exposure and efficacy of antiretrovirals at the site of HIV transmission. Clinical trial results as well as modeling and simulation indicate the threshold of adherence required for PrEP efficacy of emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate may differ between sites of HIV transmission with less forgiveness for missed doses in women exposed through genital tissue compared to people exposed through colorectal tissue. This suggests a role for local and host factors to influence mucosal pharmacology. Here we review the mucosal pharmacology of antiretrovirals in the female genital tract and explore potential determinants of PrEP efficacy. Host factors such as inflammation, coinfections, hormonal status, and the vaginal microbiome will be explored as well as the role of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters in regulating local drug exposure. The use of preclinical and early clinical models to predict clinical effectiveness is also discussed.

Long-Acting HIV Drugs for Treatment and Prevention

Antiretroviral drugs have revolutionized the treatment and prevention of HIV infection; however, adherence is critical for sustained efficacy. Current HIV treatment consists of three-drug regimens, and current HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) consists of a two-drug regimen; both generally require adherence to once-daily dosing. Long-acting formulations are useful in the treatment and prevention of other conditions (e.g., contraceptives, antipsychotics) and help promote adherence. Newer long-acting formulations of approved and investigational antiretroviral drugs in existing and newer mechanistic classes are under study for HIV treatment and prevention, including some phase III trials. Although long-acting antiretroviral drugs hold promise, some clinical challenges exist, including managing side effects, drug-drug interactions, pregnancy, and long-lasting drug concentrations that could lead to the development of drug resistance. This review aims to summarize currently available information on long-acting antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment and prevention.

Ultra-long-acting removable drug delivery system for HIV treatment and prevention

Non-adherence to medication is an important health care problem, especially in the treatment of chronic conditions. Injectable long-acting (LA) formulations of antiretrovirals (ARVs) represent a viable alternative to improve adherence to HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. However, the LA-ARV formulations currently in clinical trials cannot be removed after administration even if adverse events occur. Here we show an ultra-LA removable system that delivers drug for up to 9 months and can be safely removed to stop drug delivery. We use two pre-clinical models for HIV transmission and treatment, non-human primates (NHP) and humanized BLT (bone marrow/liver/thymus) mice and show a single dose of subcutaneously administered ultra-LA dolutegravir effectively delivers the drug in both models and show suppression of viremia and protection from multiple high-dose vaginal HIV challenges in BLT mice. This approach represents a potentially effective strategy for the ultra-LA drug delivery with multiple possible therapeutic applications.

Long-acting (LA) formulations of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs are an alternative approach to improve adherence for HIV treatment and prevention. Here the authors show a removable biodegradable ultra-LA-ARV drug system that effectively delivers drug, controls viremia and prevents infection in animal models of HIV infection.

Long acting systemic HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis: an examination of the field

Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV-1 transmission (HIV PrEP) has been widely successful as demonstrated by a number of clinical trials. However, studies have also demonstrated the need for patients to tightly adhere to oral dosing regimens in order to maintain protective plasma and tissue concentrations. This is especially true for women, who experience less forgiveness from dose skipping than men in clinical trials of HIV PrEP. There is increasing interest in long-acting (LA), user-independent forms of HIV PrEP that could overcome this adherence challenge. These technologies have taken multiple forms including LA injectables and implantables. Phase III efficacy trials are ongoing for a LA injectable candidate for HIV PrEP. This review will focus on the design considerations for both LA injectable and implantable platforms for HIV PrEP. Additionally, we have summarized the existing LA technologies currently in clinical and pre-clinical studies for HIV PrEP as well as other technologies that have been applied to HIV PrEP and contraceptives. Our discussion will focus on the potential application of these technologies in low resource areas, and their use in global women's health.

Raltegravir blocks the infectivity of red-fluorescent-protein (mCherry)-labeled HIV-1JR-FL in the setting of post-exposure prophylaxis in NOD/SCID/Jak3-/- mice transplanted with human PBMCs

Employing NOD/SCID/Jak3-/- mice transplanted with human PBMCs (hNOJ mice) and replication-competent, red-fluorescent-protein (mCherry; mC)-labeled HIV-1JR-FL (HIVmC), we examined whether early antiretroviral treatment blocked the establishment of HIV-1 infection. The use of hNOJ mice and HIVmC enabled us to visually locate infection foci and to examine the early dynamics of HIVmC infection without using a large amount of antiretroviral unlike in non-human primate models. Although when raltegravir (RAL) administration was begun 1 day after intraperitoneal (ip) inoculation of HIVmC, no plasma p24 or plasma HIV-1-RNA (pRNA) were detected in 10 of 12 hNOJ (hNOJmCRAL+) mice as assessed on the last day of the 14-day continuous twice-daily RAL administration, all 10 untreated hNOJmC (hNOJmCRAL-) mice became positive for p24 and pRNA and had significantly swollen lymph nodes in peritoneal cavity and abundant p24+/mC+/CD3+/CD4+ T cells and p24+/mC+/CD68+ monocytes/macrophages were identified in their omenta and mesenteric lymphoid tissues/lymph nodes upon necropsy of the mice on day 14. In 12 hNOJmCRAL+ mice, no significantly swollen lymph nodes were seen compared to hNOJmCRAL- mice; however, in the omentum of the 2 hNOJmCRAL+ mice that were positive for pRNA and in site RNA, mC+/p24+/CD3+/CD83+ cells were identified, suggesting that viral breakthrough occurred later in the observation period. The present data suggest that the use of hNOJ mouse model and HIVmC may shed light on the study of early-phase dynamics of HIV-1 infection and cellular events in post-exposure/pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Long-Acting Antiretrovirals: Where Are We now?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Current HIV treatment options require daily use of combination antiretroviral drugs. Many persons living with HIV experience treatment fatigue and suboptimal adherence as a result. Long-acting antiretroviral drugs are being developed to expand options for HIV treatment. Here, we review the agents in development, and evaluate data from recent clinical trials. In addition, we anticipate challenges to successful widespread use of long-acting antiretrovirals.

RECENT FINDINGS

Parenteral nanosuspensions of cabotegravir and rilpivirine, and dapivirine vaginal ring are the farthest in clinical development. Long-acting modalities in earlier development stages employ drug-loaded implants, microparticles, or targeted mutagenesis, among other innovations. Long-acting antiretroviral drugs promise new options for HIV prevention and treatment, and ways to address poor adherence and treatment fatigue. Further studies will identify the long-acting agents or combinations that are suitable for routine use. Creative solutions will be needed for anticipated implementation challenges.

Humanized Mouse Models for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. No effective vaccine is available to prevent HIV transmission, and although antiretroviral therapy can prevent disease progression, it does not cure HIV infection. Substantial effort is therefore currently directed toward basic research on HIV pathogenesis and persistence and developing methods to stop the spread of the HIV epidemic and cure those individuals already infected with HIV. Humanized mice are versatile tools for the study of HIV and its interaction with the human immune system. These models generally consist of immunodeficient mice transplanted with human cells or reconstituted with a near-complete human immune system. Here, we describe the major humanized mouse models currently in use, and some recent advances that have been made in HIV research/therapeutics using these models.

The future of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

INTRODUCTION

People at high risk for HIV acquisition should be offered pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) is currently the only medication recommended for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in people at high risk for HIV acquisition. This article will review medications currently under investigation and the future landscape of PrEP therapy. Areas covered: This article will review clinical trials that have investigated nontraditional regimens of TDF/FTC, antiretroviral agents from different drug classes such as integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) as potential PrEP therapies. Expert commentary: Currently, there are several investigational drugs in the pipeline for PrEP against HIV infection. Increased utilization of PrEP therapy depends on provider identification of people at high risk for HIV transmission. Advances in PrEP development will expand options and access for people and reduce the risk of HIV acquisition.

Predicting HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Efficacy for Women using a Preclinical Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic In Vivo Model

The efficacy of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) relies on adherence and may also depend on the route of HIV acquisition. Clinical studies of systemic tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) PrEP revealed reduced efficacy in women compared to men with similar degrees of adherence. To select the most effective PrEP strategies, preclinical studies are critically needed to establish correlations between drug concentrations (pharmacokinetics [PK]) and protective efficacy (pharmacodynamics [PD]). We utilized an in vivo preclinical model to perform a PK-PD analysis of systemic TDF PrEP for vaginal HIV acquisition. TDF PrEP prevented vaginal HIV acquisition in a dose-dependent manner. PK-PD modeling of tenofovir (TFV) in plasma, female reproductive tract tissue, cervicovaginal lavage fluid and its intracellular metabolite (TFV diphosphate) revealed that TDF PrEP efficacy was best described by plasma TFV levels. When administered at 50 mg/kg, TDF achieved plasma TFV concentrations (370 ng/ml) that closely mimicked those observed in humans and demonstrated the same risk reduction (70%) previously attained in women with high adherence. This PK-PD model mimics the human condition and can be applied to other PrEP approaches and routes of HIV acquisition, accelerating clinical implementation of the most efficacious PrEP strategies.

Past, Present, and Future Drug Delivery Systems for Antiretrovirals

The human immunodeficiency virus has infected millions of people and the epidemic continues to grow rapidly in some parts of the world. Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy has provided improved treatment and prolonged the life expectancy of patients. Moreover, there is growing interest in using ARVs to protect against new infections. Hence, ARVs have emerged as our primary strategy in combating the virus. Unfortunately, several challenges limit the optimal performance of these drugs. First, ARVs often require life-long use and complex dosing regimens. This results in low patient adherence and periods of lapsed treatment manifesting in drug resistance. This has prompted the development of alternate dosage forms such as vaginal rings and long-acting injectables that stand to improve patient adherence. Another problem central to therapeutic failure is the inadequate penetration of drugs into infected tissues. This can lead to incomplete treatment, development of resistance, and viral rebound. Several strategies have been developed to improve drug penetration into these drug-free sanctuaries. These include encapsulation of drugs in nanoparticles, use of pharmacokinetic enhancers, and cell-based drug delivery platforms. In this review, we discuss issues surrounding ARV therapy and their impact on drug efficacy. We also describe various drug delivery-based approaches developed to overcome these issues.

Non-human primates in HIV research: Achievements, limits and alternatives

An ideal model for HIV-1 research is still unavailable. However, infection of non-human primates (NHP), such as macaques, with Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) recapitulates most virological, immunological and clinical hallmarks of HIV infection in humans. It has become the most suitable model to study the mechanisms of transmission and physiopathology of HIV/AIDS. On the other hand, natural hosts of SIV, such as African green monkeys and sooty mangabeys that when infected do not progress to AIDS, represent an excellent model to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the capacity of controlling inflammation and disease progression. The use of NHP-SIV models has indeed enriched our knowledge in the fields of: i) viral transmission and viral reservoirs, ii) early immune responses, iii) host cell-virus interactions in tissues, iv) AIDS pathogenesis, v) virulence factors, vi) prevention and vii) drug development. The possibility to control many variables during experimental SIV infection, together with the resemblance between SIV and HIV infections, make the NHP model the most appropriate, so far, for HIV/AIDS research. Nonetheless, some limitations in using these models have to be considered. Alternative models for HIV/AIDS research, such as humanized mice and recombinant forms of HIV-SIV viruses (SHIV) for NHP infection, have been developed. The improvement of SHIV viruses that mimic even better the natural history of HIV infection and of humanized mice that develop a greater variety of human immune cell lineages, is ongoing. None of these models is perfect, but they allow contributing to the progress in managing or preventing HIV infection.

Humanized mice for HIV and AIDS research

HIV has a very limited species tropism that prevents the use of most conventional small animal models for AIDS research. The in vivo analysis of HIV/AIDS has benefited extensively from novel chimeric animal models that accurately recapitulate key aspects of the human condition. Specifically, immunodeficient mice that are systemically repopulated with human hematolymphoid cells offer a viable alternative for the study of a multitude of highly relevant aspects of HIV replication, pathogenesis, therapy, transmission, prevention, and eradication. This article summarizes some of the multiple contributions that humanized mouse models of HIV infection have made to the field of AIDS research. These models have proven to be highly informative and hold great potential for accelerating multiple aspects of HIV research in the future.

Nonhuman Primates and Humanized Mice for Studies of HIV-1 Integrase Inhibitors: A Review

Since the discovery of the first inhibitors of HIV replication, drug resistance has been a major problem in HIV therapy due in part to the high mutation rate of HIV. Therefore, the development of a predictive animal model is important to identify impending resistance mutations and to possibly inform treatment decisions. Significant advances have been made possible through use of nonhuman primates infected by SIV, SHIV, and simian-tropic HIV-1 (stHIV-1), and use of humanized mouse models of HIV-1 infections. In this review, we describe some of the findings from animal models used for the preclinical testing of integrase strand transfer inhibitors. These models have led to important findings about the potential role of integrase strand transfer inhibitors in both the prevention and treatment of HIV-1 infection.