The entry inhibitor DS003 (BMS-599793): a BMS-806 analogue, provides superior activity as a pre-exposure prophylaxis candidate

Effects of arginine on coenzyme-Q10 micelle uptake for mitochondria-targeted nanotherapy in phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare inherited metabolic disease characterized by phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme deficiency. In PKU patients, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels were found low. Therefore, we focused on the modification of CoQ10 to load the micelles and increase entry of micelles into the cell and mitochondria, and it is taking a part in ATP turnover. Micelles had produced by comparing two different production methods (thin-film layer and direct-dissolution), and characterization studies were performed (zeta potential, size, and encapsulation efficiency). Then, L-arginine (LARG) and poly-arginine (PARG) were incorporated with the micelles for subsequential release and PKU cell studies. The effects of these components on intracellular uptake and their use in the cellular cycle were analyzed by ELISA, Western blot, membrane potential measurement, and flow cytometry methods. In addition, both effects of LARG and PARG micelles on pharmacokinetics at the cellular level and their cell binding rate were determined. The thin-film method was found superior in micelle preparation. PARG/LARG-modified micelles showed sustained release. In the cellular and mitochondrial uptake of CoQ10, CoQ10-micelle + PARG > CoQ10-micelle + LARG > CoQ10-micelle > CoQ10 was found. This increased localization caused lowering of oxygen consumption rates, but maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential. The study results had showed that besides micelle formulation, PARG and LARG are effective in cellular and mitochondrial targeting.

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.

Co-Infection and Cancer: Host–Pathogen Interaction between Dendritic Cells and HIV-1, HTLV-1, and Other Oncogenic Viruses

Dendritic cells (DCs) function as a link between innate and adaptive immune responses. Retroviruses HIV-1 and HTLV-1 modulate DCs to their advantage and utilize them to propagate infection. Coinfection of HTLV-1 and HIV-1 has implications for cancer malignancies. Both viruses initially infect DCs and propagate the infection to CD4+ T cells through cell-to-cell transmission using mechanisms including the formation of virologic synapses, viral biofilms, and conduits. These retroviruses are both neurotrophic with neurovirulence determinants. The neuropathogenesis of HIV-1 and HTLV-1 results in neurodegenerative diseases such as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Infected DCs are known to traffic to the brain (CNS) and periphery (PNS, lymphatics) to induce neurodegeneration in HAND and HAM/TSP patients. Elevated levels of neuroinflammation have been correlated with cognitive decline and impairment of motor control performance. Current vaccinations and therapeutics for HIV-1 and HTLV-1 are assessed and can be applied to patients with HIV-1-associated cancers and adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). These diseases caused by co-infections can result in both neurodegeneration and cancer. There are associations with cancer malignancies and HIV-1 and HTLV-1 as well as other human oncogenic viruses (EBV, HBV, HCV, HDV, and HPV). This review contains current knowledge on DC sensing of HIV-1 and HTLV-1 including DC-SIGN, Tat, Tax, and current viral therapies. An overview of DC interaction with oncogenic viruses including EBV, Hepatitis viruses, and HPV is also provided. Vaccines and therapeutics targeting host–pathogen interactions can provide a solution to co-infections, neurodegeneration, and cancer.