Do Combination Antiretroviral Therapy Regimens for HIV Infection Feature Diverse T-Cell Phenotypes and Inflammatory Profiles?

Cytokines assets in PLWH in two-drug dolutergravir based or three-drug antiretroviral regimen

To minimize the toxicity and impact of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) on the lifestyle of people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWH), scientific community evaluated the efficacy, safety and sustained virologic response of two drugs antiretroviral regimens, in particular dolutegravir (DTG). The effects of deintensification therapy on inflammatory settings are currently unknown in PLWH. Thus, our study explored the inflammatory state in virologically suppressed HIV individuals between patients in treatment with a DTG-containing dual therapy (2DR) versus triple regimen therapies (3DR). We enrolled a total of 116 subjects in 2DRs or 3DRs regimens, and the plasma levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (in particular IL-1β, IL-10, IL-18, IL-33, IL-36 and IFN-γ) have been evaluated. CD4 + cell's median value was 729.0 cell/µL in the 3DR group and 771.5 cell/µL in 2DR group; the viral load was negative in all patients. Significant differences were found in levels of IL-18 (648.8 cell/µL in 3DR group vs. 475.0 cell/µL in 2DR group, p = 0.034) and IL-36 (281.7 cell/µL in 3DR group vs. 247.0 cell/µL in 2DR group, p = 0.050), and a correlation between IL-18 and IL-36 was found in 3DR group (rho = 0.266, p = 0.015). This single-center retrospective pharmacological study confirms the absence of significant differences in IL-1β, IL-10, IL-33, and IFN-γ levels between patients on two-drug antiretroviral regimens compared to patients on 3DR antiretroviral regimens. Patients in 2DR show greater control over IL-18 and IL-36 serum levels, cytokines related to an increased cardiovascular risk and development of age-related chronic diseases. Based on our results, we suggest that DTG-based 2DR antiretroviral regimens could be associated with better control of the chronic inflammation that characterizes the population living with HIV in effective ART.

Liver function tests, CD4+ counts, and viral load among people living with HIV on dolutegravir compared to efavirenz-based cART; a comparative cross-sectional study

Background

Recently, dolutegravir-based therapy has become the first-line treatment when compared to others. However, dolutegravir-associated side effects in the liver and levels of efficacy haven't been addressed yet in underdeveloped countries such as Ethiopia.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare liver function tests, CD4+ counts, and viral load among people living with HIV on dolutegravir and efavirenz-based antiretroviral regimens at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based comparative cross-sectional study was carried out from May 20 to July 10, 2020. An equal number of dolutegravir and efavirenz-prescribed patients (n = 53 each) for 6 months and above were included, and a judgmental sampling technique was used. A comparison of categorical and continuous parameters was analyzed with chi-square and an independent t-test, respectively, using SPSS version 26. A multivariable logistic regression was conducted and considered statistically significant at a p-value of <0.05.

Results

The magnitude of liver enzyme (AST/ALT) abnormalities was 22.4 % (12/53) and 30.2 % (16/53) among dolutegravir- and efavirenz-prescribed patients, respectively. The dolutegravir group had significantly higher mean CD4+ counts than the efavirenz group (589.40 ± 244.38 vs. 450.64 ± 203.54 cell/mm3; p = 0.002). The efavirenz group had a significantly higher mean viral load than the dolutegravir group (783.83 ± 476.82 vs. 997.98 ± 439.11 cp/ml; p = 0.032). There was a statistically insignificant difference in AST (p = 0.709) or ALT (p = 0.687) between dolutegravir and efavirenz-based regimens. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI ≥25 kg/m2 was associated with liver enzyme abnormalities (AOR = 6.60, 95 % CI: 1.17, 42.82).

Conclusion

A dolutegravir-based regimen was more likely to result in patients achieving higher efficacy for viral suppression and a CD4+ count increase. Although the differences were statistically insignificant, the mean AST and ALT levels were marginally higher in efavirenz-treated groups than in dolutegravir-treated groups.

Persistent hepatitis B virus and HIV coinfections in dually humanized mice engrafted with human liver and immune system

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB), caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), remains a major medical problem. HBV has a high propensity for progressing to chronicity and can result in severe liver disease, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. CHB patients frequently present with viral coinfection, including human immunodeficiency virus type (HIV) and hepatitis delta virus. About 10% of chronic HIV carriers are also persistently infected with HBV, which can result in more exacerbated liver disease. Mechanistic studies of HBV-induced immune responses and pathogenesis, which could be significantly influenced by HIV infection, have been hampered by the scarcity of immunocompetent animal models. Here, we demonstrate that humanized mice dually engrafted with components of a human immune system and a human liver supported HBV infection, which was partially controlled by human immune cells, as evidenced by lower levels of serum viremia and HBV replication intermediates in the liver. HBV infection resulted in priming and expansion of human HLA-restricted CD8+ T cells, which acquired an activated phenotype. Notably, our dually humanized mice support persistent coinfections with HBV and HIV, which opens opportunities for analyzing immune dysregulation during HBV and HIV coinfection, and preclinical testing of novel immunotherapeutics.

Systemic, Mucosal Immune Activation and Psycho-Sexual Health in ART-Suppressed Women Living with HIV: Evaluating Biomarkers and Environmental Stimuli

Gender medicine is now an approach that can no longer be neglected and must be considered in scientific research. We investigated the systemic and mucosal immune response in a population of women living with HIV (WLWH) who were receiving successful ART and the sexual and psychological repercussions of HIV infection on the women's health. As control group, healthy women (HW) matched for age and sex distribution, without any therapy, were included. In summary, our study highlighted the persistence of immune-inflammatory activation in our population, despite virological suppression and a normal CD4 cell count. We found a hyperactivation of the systemic monocyte and an increase in inflammatory cytokine concentrations at the systemic level. The analysis carried out showed a significantly higher risk of HPV coinfection in WLWH compared to HW. Furthermore, our data revealed that WLWH have a profile compatible with sexual dysfunction and generalized anxiety disorders. Our study underlines that patients living with HIV should be evaluated by multidisciplinary teams. These findings also support the idea that more and different immunological markers, in addition to those already used in clinical practice, are needed. Further studies should be carried out to clarify which of these could represent future therapy targets.

Immunological, Cognitive, and Psychiatric Outcomes After Initiating Efavirenz- and Dolutegravir-based Antiretroviral Therapy During Acute Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

BACKGROUND

Efavirenz (EFV)- and dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the former and current recommended regimen for treatment-naive individuals with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Whether they impact the immunological and neuropsychiatric profile differentially remains unclear.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included 258 participants enrolled during acute HIV-1 infection (AHI). Participants initiated 1 of 3 ART regimens during AHI: EFV-based (n = 131), DTG-based (n = 92), or DTG intensified with maraviroc (DTG/MVC, n = 35). All regimens included 2 nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors and were maintained for 96 weeks. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts, mood symptoms, and composite score on a 4-test neuropsychological battery (NPZ-4) were compared.

RESULTS

At baseline, the median age was 26 years, 99% were male, and 36% were enrolled during Fiebig stage I-II. Plasma viral suppression at weeks 24 and 96 was similar between the groups. Compared with the EFV group, the DTG group showed greater increments of CD4+ (P < .001) and CD8+ (P = .015) T-cell counts but a similar increment of CD4/CD8 ratio at week 96. NPZ-4 improvement was similar between the 2 groups at week 24 but greater in the DTG group at week 96 (P = .005). Depressive mood and distress symptoms based on the Patient Health Questionnaire and distress thermometer were similar between the 2 groups at follow-up. Findings for the DTG/MVC group were comparable to those for the DTG group vs the EFV group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among individuals with AHI, 96 weeks of DTG-based ART was associated with greater increments of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts and improvement in cognitive performance.

A retrospective clinical study of dolutegravir- versus efavirenz-based regimen in treatment-naïve patients with advanced HIV infection in Nanjing, China

Currently, there are limited data related to the efficacy and safety of ART regimens, as well as factors influencing immune recovery in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve patients with advanced HIV infection, especially in China. We designed a single-center, retrospective cohort study from March 1, 2019, to May 31, 2022, at The Second Hospital of Nanjing, China. ART-naïve adults with advanced HIV infection (CD4+ T-cell count < 200 cells/μL) who met the study criteria were included. The plasma viral load (VL), CD4+ T-cell count, CD4/CD8 ratio, treatment discontinuation, and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) events were collected to compare the efficacy and safety of the dolutegravir (DTG) and the efavirenz (EFV) regimens. Factors of immune recovery were analyzed using the Cox regression model. Study enrolled 285 ART-naïve adults with advanced HIV-1 infection, of which 95 (33.3%) started regimens including DTG and 190 (66.7%) were treated with EFV. After ART initiation, the proportion of patients with HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL was higher (22.5% versus 6.5%, P < 0.001) in those on DTG-based regimens at month 1, but no significant difference at other follow-up points. Compared to the baseline, the median CD4+ T-cell count and CD4/CD8 ratio increased significantly during follow-up both in the EFV and the DTG groups. However, the CD4+ T-cell count increased greater in patients on DTG-based regimens at months 6, 12, 24, and 36 (P < 0.05). A total of 52 (18.2%) patients discontinued treatment, with no significant difference between ART regimens in treatment discontinuation rates. Only 7 patients reported IRIS, without significant difference between ART regimens (P=0.224). Overall, 34.0% (97/285) achieved a CD4+ T-cell count ≥ 350 cells/μL during follow-up. Age (P < 0.001), baseline CD4+ T-cell count (P < 0.001), baseline VL (P < 0.001) and ART regimens (P = 0.019) were associated with the CD4+ T-cell count ≥ 350 cells/μL after adjusting for potential confounders. Among ART-naïve adults with advanced HIV infection, it appeared that DTG-based regimens were better options for initial therapy compared to regimens including EFV; in addition, ART regimens, age, baseline VL and CD4+ T-cell count were associated with immune recovery.

Cellular and molecular insights into incomplete immune recovery in HIV/AIDS patients

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively inhibit virus replication and restore immune function in most people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, an important proportion of patients fail to achieve a satisfactory increase in CD4⁺ T cell counts. This state is called incomplete immune reconstitution or immunological nonresponse (INR). Patients with INR have an increased risk of clinical progression and higher rates of mortality. Despite widespread attention to INR, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. In this review, we will discuss the alterations in the quantity and quality of CD4⁺ T as well as multiple immunocytes, changes in soluble molecules and cytokines, and their relationship with INR, aimed to provide cellular and molecular insights into incomplete immune reconstitution.

Enhanced Cross-Reactive and Polyfunctional Effector-Memory T Cell Responses by ICVAX-a Human PD1-Based Bivalent HIV-1 Gag-p41 Mosaic DNA Vaccine

Vaccine-induced protective T cell immunity is necessary for HIV-1 functional cure. We previously reported that rhesus PD1-Gag-based DNA vaccination sustained simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) suppression by inducing effector-memory CD8⁺ T cells. Here, we investigated a human PD1-Gag-based DNA vaccine, namely, ICVAX, for clinical translation. PD1-based dendritic cell targeting and mosaic antigenic designs were combined to generate the ICVAX by fusing the human soluble PD1 domain with a bivalent HIV-1 Gag-p41 mosaic antigen. The mosaic antigen was cross-reactive with patients infected with B, CRF07/08_BC, and CRF01_AE variants. In mice, ICVAX elicited stronger, broader, and more polyfunctional T cell responses than mosaic Gag-p41 alone, and suppressed EcoHIV infection more efficiently. In macaques, ICVAX elicited polyfunctional effector-memory T cell responses that targeted multiple nonoverlapping epitopes of the Gag-p41 antigen. Furthermore, ICVAX manufactured following good manufacturing practices proved potent immunogenicity in macaques after biannual homologous vaccination, warranting clinical evaluation of ICVAX as an immunotherapy against HIV-1.

IMPORTANCE This study presents that ICVAX, a PD1-based DNA vaccine against HIV-1, could induce broad and polyfunctional T cell responses against different HIV-1 subtypes. ICVAX encodes a recombinant antigen consisting of the human soluble PD1 domain fused with two mosaic Gag-p41 antigens. The mosaic antigens cover more than 500 HIV-1 strains circulating in China including the subtypes B/B’, CRF01_AE, and CRF07/08_BC. In mice, ICVAX elicited stronger, broader, and more polyfunctional T cell responses, with better EcoHIV suppression than the nontargeting mosaic Gag-p41 DNA vaccine. Moreover, both lab-generated and GMP-grade ICVAX also elicited strong polyfunctional effector-memory T cell responses in rhesus macaques with good immunogenicity against multiple nonoverlapping epitopes of the Gag-p41 antigen. This study therefore highlights the great potential to translate the PD1-based DNA vaccine approach into clinical use, and opens up new avenues for alternative HIV-1 vaccine design for HIV-1 preventive and functional cure.

HIV-infected immunological non-responders have colon-restricted gut mucosal immune dysfunction

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected immunological nonresponders (INRs) fail to reconstitute their CD4⁺ T-cell pool after initiation of antiretroviral therapy, and their prognosis is inferior to that of immunological responders (IRs). A prevailing hypothesis is that the INR phenotype is caused by a persistently disrupted mucosal barrier, but assessments of gut mucosal immunology in different anatomical compartments are scarce.

Methods

We investigated circulating markers of mucosal dysfunction, immune activation, mucosal Th17 and Th22 cells, and mucosa-adherent microbiota signatures in gut mucosal specimens from sigmoid colon and terminal ileum of 19 INRs and 20 IRs in addition to 20 HIV-negative individuals.

Results

INRs had higher blood levels of the enterocyte damage marker intestinal fatty acid–binding protein than IRs. In gut mucosal biopsies, INRs had lower fractions of CD4⁺ T cells, higher fractions of interleukin 22, and a tendency to higher fractions of interleukin 17–producing CD4⁺ T cells. These findings were all restricted to the colon and correlated to circulating markers of enterocyte damage. There were no observed differences in gut microbial composition between INRs and IRs.

Conclusions

Restricted to the colon, enterocyte damage and mucosal immune dysfunction play a role for insufficient immune reconstitution in HIV infection independent of the gut microbiota.