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Maes D, Pavani KC, Nauwynck H, Van Soom A. Immunological defense mechanisms of ejaculates and the spread of viral infectious diseases through pig semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107535. [PMID: 38880667 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
This review focuses on the mechanisms of immune tolerance and antimicrobial defense in the male genital tract of the pig. Sperm cells are foreign to the immune system and, therefore, they must be protected from the immune system. The blood-testis-barrier is mediated by a physical barrier between adjacent Sertoli cells, several cell types within the testis, and interactions between immunomodulatory molecules. The blood-epididymal-barrier is composed of a physical barrier that is lined with principal cells having a network of junctional complexes in their apical lateral membrane and completed by specific transporters. The seminal plasma (SP) contains many signaling agents involved in establishing a state of immune tolerance in the female genital tract, which is essential for successful fertilization. Specific SP-proteins, however, also have pro-inflammatory capacities contributing to transient uterine inflammation, supporting the removal of foreign cells, possible pathogens, and excessive spermatozoa. While many different proteins and other substances present in semen can damage sperm cells, they may also protect them against viral infections. A delicate balance of these substances, therefore, needs to be maintained. Related to this, recent studies have shown the importance of extracellular vesicles (EVs), as they contain these substances and convey immune signals. Yet, viruses may use EVs to interact with the male genital tract and circumvent immune responses. For this reason, further research needs to explore the role of EVs in the male reproductive tract, as it might contribute to elucidating the pathogenesis of viral infections that might be transmitted via semen and to developing better vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominiek Maes
- Unit of Porcine Health Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium.
| | - Krishna C Pavani
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Hans Nauwynck
- Laboratory of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
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2
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Liu Y, Li Z. Vaginal pH value can affect the susceptibility to human papillomavirus infection. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:176. [PMID: 38331746 PMCID: PMC10854022 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09074-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, with persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection being responsible for its progression. In healthy, pre-menopausal women, the vaginal pH value is maintained at 3.8-4.5, but various factors can affect it. Previous studies have suggested the relationship between vaginal pH value and HPV infection. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between vaginal pH and susceptibility of HPV infection. METHODS In our study, we retrospectively collected medical information from women who underwent leukorrhea examination at our hospital. We excluded women with infectious diseases or cancer, those who were pregnant or within 6 months post-delivery, and those without HPV test results within 6 months. The association between percentage of HPV infection and vaginal pH value was analyzed. Furthermore, we prepared HPV pseudovirus (PsVs) by co-transfecting structure plasmids and report plasmids in 293FT cells. In vitro, we changed the pH value of cell culture medium to investigate its influence on HPV PsVs infection. In vivo, we changed mouse's vaginal pH value to investigate its influence on HPV PsVs infection. RESULTS Our retrospective study included 3115 women aged 20-78, including 2531 women with HPV negative and 584 women with HPV positive. The percentages of both HPV infection and high-risk HPV infection were higher in women with a vaginal pH value ≥5.0 compared to those with a pH value < 5.0. In vitro, HPV PsVs infection rate was higher in cell culture medium of higher pH value, dominantly due to the influence of pH value on the stage of HPV PsVs adhering to cell surface. Neither of the cell surface HPV receptors Syndecan-1 nor integrin α6 was found to be changed obviously in different pH values. In vivo, more HPV PsVs were adhered to the mouse's vaginal epithelial cells with the increase of the vaginal pH value. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests a possible association between vaginal pH value and HPV infection. The pH value can influence the susceptibility of HPV PsVs infection by affecting the adhering of HPV PsVs to cells in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, the cell surface HPV receptors Syndecan-1 and Integrin α6 do not seem to be affected by pH value, and the specific mechanism needs to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinxia Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20 Section 3, Renmin South Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengyu Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20 Section 3, Renmin South Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Dohadwala S, Politch JA, Barmine JH, Anderson DJ. A Brief History and Advancement of Contraceptive Multipurpose Prevention Technology (cMPT) Products. Open Access J Contracept 2023; 14:83-94. [PMID: 37332341 PMCID: PMC10276588 DOI: 10.2147/oajc.s375634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The high incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and an unmet need for modern contraception resulting in a high unintended pregnancy rate, are major problems in reproductive health. The concept of multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) was introduced following the failure of several leading microbicide candidates to prevent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission in large clinical trials in the early 2000s. MPTs are defined as products designed to simultaneously prevent at least two of the following conditions: unintended pregnancy, HIV-1, or other major STIs. The goal of contraceptive MPT products (cMPTs) is to provide contraception and protection against one or more major STI pathogen (eg, HIV-1, herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea), Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis (Chlamydia). This new field has great potential and will benefit from lessons learned from the early microbicide trials. The cMPT field includes candidates representing various categories with different mechanisms of action including pH modifiers, polyions, microbicidal peptides, monoclonal antibodies, and other peptides that target specific reproductive and infectious processes. More preclinical research is being conducted to ensure minimal side effects and maximum efficacy in vivo. Effective proven and novel candidates are being combined to maximize efficacy, minimize side effects, and avoid drug resistance. More attention is being paid to acceptability and new delivery systems. cMPTs have a very promising future if adequate resources can be mobilized to sustain the effort from preclinical research to clinical trials to bring effective, acceptable, and affordable products to market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dohadwala
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph A Politch
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica H Barmine
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deborah J Anderson
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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4
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d'Amone L, Sahoo JK, Ostrovsky-Snider N, Kaplan DL, Omenetto FG. Boronic Acid-Tethered Silk Fibroin for pH-Dependent Mucoadhesion. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:1310-1317. [PMID: 36763594 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Mucus lines all surfaces of the human body not covered by skin and provides lubrication, hydration, and protection. The properties of mucus are influenced by changes in pH that may occur due to physiological conditions and pathological circumstances. Reinforcing the mucus barrier with biopolymers that can adhere to mucus in different conditions can be a useful strategy for protecting the underlying mucosae from damage. In this work, regenerated silk fibroin (silk) was chemically modified with phenyl boronic acid to form reversible covalent complexes with the 1,2- or 1,3-diols. The silk modified with boronic acid pendant groups has an increased affinity for mucins, whose carbohydrate component is rich in diols. These results offer new applications of silk in mucoadhesion, and the ability to bind diols to the silk lays the foundation for the development of silk-based sugar-sensing platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana d'Amone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02153, United States
| | - Jugal Kishore Sahoo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02153, United States
| | | | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02153, United States
| | - Fiorenzo G Omenetto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02153, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02153, United States
- Department of Physics, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02153, United States
- Laboratory for Living Devices, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02153, United States
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5
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Banks M, Amirghasemi F, Mitchell E, Mousavi MPS. Home-Based Electrochemical Rapid Sensor (HERS): A Diagnostic Tool for Bacterial Vaginosis. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:1891. [PMID: 36850490 PMCID: PMC9964842 DOI: 10.3390/s23041891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most frequently occurring vaginal infection worldwide, yet it remains significantly underdiagnosed as a majority of patients are asymptomatic. Untreated BV poses a serious threat as it increases one's risk of STI acquisition, pregnancy complications, and infertility. We aim to minimize these risks by creating a low-cost disposable sensor for at-home BV diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis of BV is most commonly made according to the Amsel criteria. In this method, a fish-like odor, caused by increased levels of trimethylamine (TMA) in vaginal fluid, is used as a key diagnostic. This paper outlines the development of a Home-Based Electrochemical Rapid Sensor (HERS), capable of detecting TMA in simulated vaginal fluid (sVF). Instead of odor-based detection of volatilized TMA, we identify TMA in trimethylammonium form by utilizing HERS and a potentiometric readout. We fabricated the ion selective electrode using a carbon-black-coated cotton string and a TMA-selective membrane consisting of calix[4]arene and sodium tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate. When paired with a standard reference electrode, our device was able to quantify TMA concentration in deionized (DI) water, as well as sVF samples at multiple pH levels with a clinically relevant limit of detection (8.66 µM, and theoretically expected Nernstian slope of 55.14 mV/decade).
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Banks
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Farbod Amirghasemi
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Evelyn Mitchell
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Maral P. S. Mousavi
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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6
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The Bovine Seminal Plasma Protein PDC-109 Possesses Pan-Antiviral Activity. Viruses 2022; 14:v14092031. [PMID: 36146836 PMCID: PMC9504757 DOI: 10.3390/v14092031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian seminal plasma contains a multitude of bioactive components, including lipids, glucose, mineral elements, metabolites, proteins, cytokines, and growth factors, with various functions during insemination and fertilization. The seminal plasma protein PDC-109 is one of the major soluble components of the bovine ejaculate and is crucially important for sperm motility, capacitation, and acrosome reaction. A hitherto underappreciated function of seminal plasma is its anti-microbial and antiviral activity, which may limit the sexual transmission of infectious diseases during intercourse. We have recently discovered that PDC-109 inhibits the membrane fusion activity of influenza virus particles and significantly impairs viral infections at micromolar concentrations. Here we investigated whether the antiviral activity of PDC-109 is restricted to Influenza or if other mammalian viruses are similarly affected. We focused on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19), thoroughly assessing PDC-109 inhibition with SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S)-pseudotyped reporter virus particles, but also live-virus infections. Consistent with our previous publications, we found significant virus inhibition, albeit accompanied by substantial cytotoxicity. However, using time-of-addition experiments we discovered a treatment regimen that enables virus suppression without affecting cell viability. We furthermore demonstrated that PDC-109 is also able to impair infections mediated by the VSV glycoprotein (VSVg), thus indicating a broad pan-antiviral activity against multiple virus species and families.
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Jewanraj J, Ngcapu S, Liebenberg LJP. Semen: A modulator of female genital tract inflammation and a vector for HIV-1 transmission. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13478. [PMID: 34077596 PMCID: PMC9286343 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to establish productive infection in women, HIV must transverse the vaginal epithelium and gain access to local target cells. Genital inflammation contributes to the availability of HIV susceptible cells at the female genital mucosa and is associated with higher HIV transmission rates in women. Factors that contribute to genital inflammation may subsequently increase the risk of HIV infection in women. Semen is a highly immunomodulatory fluid containing several bioactive molecules with the potential to influence inflammation and immune activation at the female genital tract. In addition to its role as a vector for HIV transmission, semen induces profound mucosal changes to prime the female reproductive tract for conception. Still, most studies of mucosal immunity are conducted in the absence of semen or without considering its immune impact on the female genital tract. This review discusses the various mechanisms by which semen exposure may influence female genital inflammation and highlights the importance of routine screening for semen biomarkers in vaginal specimens to account for its impact on genital inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Jewanraj
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Lenine J. P. Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
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8
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Varese A, Dantas E, Paletta A, Fitzgerald W, Di Diego García F, Cabrerizo G, Erra Diaz F, Defelipe LA, Pallares H, Dodes Traian M, Gamarnik A, Geffner J, Remes Lenicov F, Margolis L, Ceballos A. Extracellular acidosis enhances Zika virus infection both in human cells and ex-vivo tissue cultures from female reproductive tract. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:1169-1179. [PMID: 34013833 PMCID: PMC8205022 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.1932606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, but unlike other flaviviruses, ZIKV can be sexually transmitted by vaginal intercourse. The healthy vaginal pH ranges from 4.0 to 6.0, reaching values of 6.0-7.0 after semen deposition. Here, we report that low extracellular pH values (range 6.2-6.6) dramatically increase ZIKV infection on cell lines of different origin including some derived from the female genital tract and monocyte-derived macrophages. Furthermore, low pH significantly increased ZIKV infection of human ectocervix and endocervix cultured ex-vivo. Enhancement of infection by low pH was also observed using different ZIKV strains and distinct methods to evaluate viral infection, i.e. plaque assays, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy. Analysis of the mechanisms involved revealed that the enhancement of ZIKV infection induced by low pH was associated with increased binding of the viral particles to the heparan sulphate expressed on the target cell surface. Acidosis represents a critical but generally overlooked feature of the female genital tract, with major implications for sexual transmission diseases. Our results suggest that low vaginal pH might promote male-to-female transmission of ZIKV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Varese
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E Dantas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A Paletta
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - W Fitzgerald
- Section on Intercellular Interaction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - F Di Diego García
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G Cabrerizo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F Erra Diaz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L A Defelipe
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - H Pallares
- Fundación Instituto Leloir-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Dodes Traian
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A Gamarnik
- Fundación Instituto Leloir-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J Geffner
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F Remes Lenicov
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Margolis
- Section on Intercellular Interaction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - A Ceballos
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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9
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Mngomezulu K, Mzobe GF, Mtshali A, Osman F, Liebenberg LJP, Garrett N, Singh R, Rompalo A, Mindel A, Karim SSA, Karim QA, Baxter C, Ngcapu S. Recent Semen Exposure Impacts the Cytokine Response and Bacterial Vaginosis in Women. Front Immunol 2021; 12:695201. [PMID: 34177961 PMCID: PMC8221111 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.695201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The presence of semen in the vagina from unprotected sex may influence the immune and microbial environment of the female genital tract. Inflammatory cytokine concentrations and BV-associated bacteria in female genital secretions may influence HIV risk, although the effect of recent sexual intercourse on incident BV and the cytokine milieu of cervicovaginal secretions has rarely been measured in previous studies. Here, we investigated the extent to which partner semen impacts the cytokine response and incident BV. Methods At baseline, we assessed the recency of semen exposure in menstrual cup supernatants by quantifying prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels using ELISA in 248 HIV-uninfected women at high risk for HIV infection. Luminex was used to measure 48 cytokines in menstrual cup supernatants and vaginal swabs to diagnose BV by Nugent score. Point-of-care screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was conducted using GeneXpert while OSOM was used for Trichomonas vaginalis detection. Multivariable models, adjusted for age, sexually transmitted infections, BV, current contraception use and condom use, were used to assess the impact of semen exposure on biomarkers of inflammation and BV. Results Presence of PSA, indicating recent semen exposure within 48 hours prior to sampling, was observed in menstrual cup supernatants of 17% (43/248) of women. Of these women, 70% (30/43) had self-reported condom use at their last sex act and 84% (36/43) had BV (Nugent score >7). PSA presence was significantly associated with prevalent BV (Relative Risk (RR), 2.609; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.104 - 6.165; p = 0.029). Furthermore, women with detectable PSA had high median concentrations of macrophage inflammatory protein- beta (MIP-1α, p=0.047) and low median concentration of the stem cell growth factor beta (SCGF-β, p=0.038) compared to those without PSA. Conclusion A degree of discordance between self-reports of consistent condom use and PSA positivity was observed. There was also evidence of a relationship between recent semen exposure, BV prevalence and altered cytokine concentrations. These findings suggest that PSA, as a semen biomarker, should be taken into consideration when investigating biological markers in the female genital tract and self-reported condom use in studies on reproductive and sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khanyisile Mngomezulu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gugulethu F. Mzobe
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andile Mtshali
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Farzana Osman
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenine J. P. Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ravesh Singh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Microbiology, National Health Laboratory Services, KwaZulu-Natal Academic Complex, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anne Rompalo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Adrian Mindel
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S. Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Cheryl Baxter
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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10
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Bertram KM, Truong NR, Smith JB, Kim M, Sandgren KJ, Feng KL, Herbert JJ, Rana H, Danastas K, Miranda-Saksena M, Rhodes JW, Patrick E, Cohen RC, Lim J, Merten SL, Harman AN, Cunningham AL. Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 infects Langerhans cells and the novel epidermal dendritic cell, Epi-cDC2s, via different entry pathways. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009536. [PMID: 33905459 PMCID: PMC8104422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs) provide the first interactions of invading viruses with the immune system. In addition to Langerhans cells (LCs), we recently described a second epidermal MNP population, Epi-cDC2s, in human anogenital epidermis that is closely related to dermal conventional dendritic cells type 2 (cDC2) and can be preferentially infected by HIV. Here we show that in epidermal explants topically infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), both LCs and Epi-cDC2s interact with HSV-1 particles and infected keratinocytes. Isolated Epi-cDC2s support higher levels of infection than LCs in vitro, inhibited by acyclovir, but both MNP subtypes express similar levels of the HSV entry receptors nectin-1 and HVEM, and show similar levels of initial uptake. Using inhibitors of endosomal acidification, actin and cholesterol, we found that HSV-1 utilises different entry pathways in each cell type. HSV-1 predominantly infects LCs, and monocyte-derived MNPs, via a pH-dependent pathway. In contrast, Epi-cDC2s are mainly infected via a pH-independent pathway which may contribute to the enhanced infection of Epi-cDC2s. Both cells underwent apoptosis suggesting that Epi-cDC2s may follow the same dermal migration and uptake by dermal MNPs that we have previously shown for LCs. Thus, we hypothesize that the uptake of HSV and infection of Epi-cDC2s will stimulate immune responses via a different pathway to LCs, which in future may help guide HSV vaccine development and adjuvant targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie M. Bertram
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
- The Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Naomi R. Truong
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
- The Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Jacinta B. Smith
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
- The Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Min Kim
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
- The Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Kerrie J. Sandgren
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
- The Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Konrad L. Feng
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
- The Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Jason J. Herbert
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
- The Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Hafsa Rana
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
- The Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Kevin Danastas
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
- The Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Monica Miranda-Saksena
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
- The Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Jake W. Rhodes
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
- The Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Ellis Patrick
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
- The School of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Ralph C. Cohen
- Department of Surgery, University of Sydney and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Jake Lim
- Department of Surgery, Westmead Private Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Steven L. Merten
- Department of Surgery, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Park, Australia
| | - Andrew N. Harman
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
- The School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Anthony L. Cunningham
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
- The Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
- * E-mail:
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11
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Traore YL, Chen Y, Padilla F, Ho EA. Segmented intravaginal ring for the combination delivery of hydroxychloroquine and anti-CCR5 siRNA nanoparticles as a potential strategy for preventing HIV infection. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 12:816-825. [PMID: 33866528 PMCID: PMC8888386 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-00983-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Vaginal drug delivery has been shown to be a promising strategy for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Therapy delivered at the site of infection has many advantages including improved therapeutic efficacy, reduction in systemic toxicity, and reduced potential for development of drug resistance. We developed a “smart” combination intravaginal ring (IVR) that will (1) provide continuous release of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to induce T cell immune quiescence as the first-line of defense and (2) release nanoparticles containing anti-CCR5 siRNA only during sexual intercourse when triggered by the presence of seminal fluid as the second-line of defense. The IVR was capable of releasing HCQ over 25 days with a mean daily release of 31.17 ± 3.06 µg/mL. In the presence of vaginal fluid simulant plus seminal fluid simulant, over 12 × more nanoparticles (5.12 ± 0.9 mg) were released over a 4-h period in comparison to IVR segments that were incubated in the presence of vaginal fluid simulant alone (0.42 ± 0.19 mg). Anti-CCR5 siRNA nanoparticles were able to knockdown 83 ± 5.1% of CCR5 gene expression in vitro in the CD4+ T cell line Sup-T1. The IVR system also demonstrated to be non-cytotoxic to VK2/E6E7 vaginal epithelial cells. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick L Traore
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Canada.,Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Yufei Chen
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Canada.,College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Emmanuel A Ho
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Canada. .,Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, Waterloo, Canada.
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12
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Jewanraj J, Ngcapu S, Osman F, Mtshali A, Singh R, Mansoor LE, Abdool Karim SS, Abdool Karim Q, Passmore JAS, Liebenberg LJP. The Impact of Semen Exposure on the Immune and Microbial Environments of the Female Genital Tract. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2020; 2:566559. [PMID: 36304709 PMCID: PMC9580648 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2020.566559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Semen induces an immune response at the female genital tract (FGT) to promote conception. It is also the primary vector for HIV transmission to women during condomless sex. Since genital inflammation and immune activation increase HIV susceptibility in women, semen-induced alterations at the FGT may have implications for HIV risk. Here we investigated the impact of semen exposure, as measured by self-reported condom use and Y-chromosome DNA (YcDNA) detection, on biomarkers of female genital inflammation associated with HIV acquisition. Methods: Stored genital specimens were collected biannually (mean 5 visits) from 153 HIV-negative women participating in the CAPRISA 008 tenofovir gel open-label extension trial. YcDNA was detected in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) pellets by RT-PCR and served as a biomarker of semen exposure within 15 days of genital sampling. Protein concentrations were measured in CVL supernatants by multiplexed ELISA, and the frequency of activated CD4+CCR5+ HIV targets was assessed on cytobrush-derived specimens by flow cytometry. Common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated bacteria were measured by PCR. Multivariable linear mixed models were used to assess the relationship between YcDNA detection and biomarkers of inflammation over time. Results: YcDNA was detected at least once in 69% (106/153) of women during the trial (median 2, range 1-5 visits), and was associated with marital status, cohabitation, the frequency of vaginal sex, and Nugent Score. YcDNA detection but not self-reported condom use was associated with elevated concentrations of several cytokines: IL-12p70, IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-13, IP-10, MIG, IL-7, PDGF-BB, SCF, VEGF, β-NGF, and biomarkers of epithelial barrier integrity: MMP-2 and TIMP-4; and with reduced concentrations of IL-18 and MIF. YcDNA detection was not associated with alterations in immune cell frequencies but was related to increased detection of P. bivia (OR = 1.970; CI 1.309-2.965; P = 0.001) at the FGT. Conclusion: YcDNA detection but not self-reported condom use was associated with alterations in cervicovaginal cytokines, BV-associated bacteria, and matrix metalloproteinases, and may have implications for HIV susceptibility in women. This study highlights the discrepancies related to self-reported condom use and the need for routine screening for biomarkers of semen exposure in studies of mucosal immunity to HIV and other STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Jewanraj
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Farzana Osman
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Andile Mtshali
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ravesh Singh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Microbiology, National Health Laboratory Services, KwaZulu-Natal Academic Complex, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | - Leila E. Mansoor
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S. Abdool Karim
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jo-Ann S. Passmore
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lenine J. P. Liebenberg
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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13
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Gonçalves B, Fernandes L, Henriques M, Silva S. Environmental pH modulates biofilm formation and matrix composition in Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. BIOFOULING 2020; 36:621-630. [PMID: 32674601 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2020.1793963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Candida species are fungal opportunistic pathogens capable of colonizing and infecting various human anatomical sites, where they have to adapt to distinct niche-specific pH conditions. The aim of this study was to analyse the features of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata biofilms developed under neutral and vaginal acidic (pH 4) conditions. C. albicans produced thicker and more filamentous biofilms under neutral than under acidic conditions. On the other hand, the formation of biofilms by C. glabrata was potentiated by the acidic conditions suggesting the high adaptability of this species to the vaginal environment. In general, both species developed biofilms containing higher amounts of matrix components (protein and carbohydrate) under neutral than acidic conditions, although the opposite result was found for one C. glabrata strain. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the modulation of C. albicans and C. glabrata virulence by specific pH conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Gonçalves
- LIBRO - Biofilm Research Laboratory Rosário Oliveira, CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Liliana Fernandes
- LIBRO - Biofilm Research Laboratory Rosário Oliveira, CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Mariana Henriques
- LIBRO - Biofilm Research Laboratory Rosário Oliveira, CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Sónia Silva
- LIBRO - Biofilm Research Laboratory Rosário Oliveira, CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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14
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Le Tortorec A, Matusali G, Mahé D, Aubry F, Mazaud-Guittot S, Houzet L, Dejucq-Rainsford N. From Ancient to Emerging Infections: The Odyssey of Viruses in the Male Genital Tract. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1349-1414. [PMID: 32031468 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The male genital tract (MGT) is the target of a number of viral infections that can have deleterious consequences at the individual, offspring, and population levels. These consequences include infertility, cancers of male organs, transmission to the embryo/fetal development abnormalities, and sexual dissemination of major viral pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus. Lately, two emerging viruses, Zika and Ebola, have additionally revealed that the human MGT can constitute a reservoir for viruses cleared from peripheral circulation by the immune system, leading to their sexual transmission by cured men. This represents a concern for future epidemics and further underlines the need for a better understanding of the interplay between viruses and the MGT. We review here how viruses, from ancient viruses that integrated the germline during evolution through old viruses (e.g., papillomaviruses originating from Neanderthals) and more modern sexually transmitted infections (e.g., simian zoonotic HIV) to emerging viruses (e.g., Ebola and Zika) take advantage of genital tract colonization for horizontal dissemination, viral persistence, vertical transmission, and endogenization. The MGT immune responses to viruses and the impact of these infections are discussed. We summarize the latest data regarding the sources of viruses in semen and the complex role of this body fluid in sexual transmission. Finally, we introduce key animal findings that are relevant for our understanding of viral infection and persistence in the human MGT and suggest future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Le Tortorec
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Giulia Matusali
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Dominique Mahé
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Florence Aubry
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Laurent Houzet
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Nathalie Dejucq-Rainsford
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
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15
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Marlin R, Nugeyre MT, Tchitchek N, Parenti M, Lefebvre C, Hocini H, Benjelloun F, Cannou C, Nozza S, Dereuddre-Bosquet N, Levy Y, Barré-Sinoussi F, Scarlatti G, Le Grand R, Menu E. Seminal Plasma Exposures Strengthen Vaccine Responses in the Female Reproductive Tract Mucosae. Front Immunol 2019; 10:430. [PMID: 30915079 PMCID: PMC6423065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 sexual transmission occurs mainly via mucosal semen exposures. In the female reproductive tract (FRT), seminal plasma (SP) induces physiological modifications, including inflammation. An effective HIV-1 vaccine should elicit mucosal immunity, however, modifications of vaccine responses by the local environment remain to be characterized. Using a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) as a vaccine model, we characterized the impact of HIV-1+ SP intravaginal exposure on the local immune responses of non-human primates. Multiple HIV-1+ SP exposures did not impact the anti-MVA antibody responses. However, SP exposures revealed an anti-MVA responses mediated by CD4+ T cells, which was not observed in the control group. Furthermore, the frequency and the quality of specific anti-MVA CD8+ T cell responses increased in the FRT exposed to SP. Multi-parameter approaches clearly identified the cervix as the most impacted compartment in the FRT. SP exposures induced a local cell recruitment of antigen presenting cells, especially CD11c+ cells, and CD8+ T cell recruitment in the FRT draining lymph nodes. CD11c+ cell recruitment was associated with upregulation of inflammation-related gene expression after SP exposures in the cervix. We thus highlight the fact that physiological conditions, such as SP exposures, should be taken into consideration to test and to improve vaccine efficacy against HIV-1 and other sexually transmitted infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Marlin
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France.,MISTIC Group, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Marie-Thérèse Nugeyre
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France.,MISTIC Group, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Nicolas Tchitchek
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France
| | - Matteo Parenti
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France.,Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Cécile Lefebvre
- Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Équipe 16 Physiopathologie et Immunothérapies dans l'Infection VIH, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale - INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Hakim Hocini
- Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Équipe 16 Physiopathologie et Immunothérapies dans l'Infection VIH, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale - INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Fahd Benjelloun
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France.,MISTIC Group, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Claude Cannou
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France.,MISTIC Group, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Silvia Nozza
- Infectious Diseases Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nathalie Dereuddre-Bosquet
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France
| | - Yves Levy
- Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Équipe 16 Physiopathologie et Immunothérapies dans l'Infection VIH, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale - INSERM U955, Créteil, France.,Groupe Henri-Mondor Albert-Chenevier, Service d'Immunologie Clinique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Créteil, France
| | - Françoise Barré-Sinoussi
- Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,International Division, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Gabriella Scarlatti
- Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Viral Evolution and Transmission Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Roger Le Grand
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France.,Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Elisabeth Menu
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France.,MISTIC Group, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
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16
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Welch JL, Stapleton JT, Okeoma CM. Vehicles of intercellular communication: exosomes and HIV-1. J Gen Virol 2019; 100:350-366. [PMID: 30702421 PMCID: PMC7011712 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The terms extracellular vesicles, microvesicles, oncosomes, or exosomes are often used interchangeably as descriptors of particles that are released from cells and comprise a lipid membrane that encapsulates nucleic acids and proteins. Although these entities are defined based on a specific size range and/or mechanism of release, the terminology is often ambiguous. Nevertheless, these vesicles are increasingly recognized as important modulators of intercellular communication. The generic characterization of extracellular vesicles could also be used as a descriptor of enveloped viruses, highlighting the fact that extracellular vesicles and enveloped viruses are similar in both composition and function. Their high degree of similarity makes differentiating between vesicles and enveloped viruses in biological specimens particularly difficult. Because viral particles and extracellular vesicles are produced simultaneously in infected cells, it is necessary to separate these populations to understand their independent functions. We summarize current understanding of the similarities and differences of extracellular vesicles, which henceforth we will refer to as exosomes, and the enveloped retrovirus, HIV-1. Here, we focus on the presence of these particles in semen, as these are of particular importance during HIV-1 sexual transmission. While there is overlap in the terminology and physical qualities between HIV-1 virions and exosomes, these two types of intercellular vehicles may differ depending on the bio-fluid source. Recent data have demonstrated that exosomes from human semen serve as regulators of HIV-1 infection that may contribute to the remarkably low risk of infection per sexual exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Welch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1109, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242-1109, USA
- Medical Service, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa, 604 Highway 6, Iowa City, IA 52246-2208, USA
| | - Jack T. Stapleton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1109, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242-1109, USA
- Medical Service, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa, 604 Highway 6, Iowa City, IA 52246-2208, USA
| | - Chioma M. Okeoma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1109, USA
- Department of Pharmacologic Sciences, Basic Sciences Tower, Rm 8-142, Stony Brook, University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651, USA
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17
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Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein Inhibits HIV-1 Infection in a pH-Dependent Manner. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.01749-18. [PMID: 30518643 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01749-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is an abundant plasma protein with a multidomain structure, allowing its interaction with many ligands, including phospholipids, plasminogen, fibrinogen, IgG antibodies, and heparan sulfate. HRG has been shown to regulate different biological responses, such as angiogenesis, coagulation, and fibrinolysis. Here, we found that HRG almost completely abrogated the infection of Ghost cells, Jurkat cells, CD4+ T cells, and macrophages by HIV-1 at a low pH (range, 6.5 to 5.5) but not at a neutral pH. HRG was shown to interact with the heparan sulfate expressed by target cells, inhibiting an early postbinding step associated with HIV-1 infection. More importantly, by acting on the viral particle itself, HRG induced a deleterious effect, which reduces viral infectivity. Because cervicovaginal secretions in healthy women show low pH values, even after semen deposition, our observations suggest that HRG might represent a constitutive defense mechanism in the vaginal mucosa. Of note, low pH also enabled HRG to inhibit the infection of HEp-2 cells and Vero cells by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), respectively, suggesting that HRG might display broad antiviral activity under acidic conditions.IMPORTANCE Vaginal intercourse represents a high-risk route for HIV-1 transmission. The efficiency of male-to-female HIV-1 transmission has been estimated to be 1 in every 1,000 episodes of sexual intercourse, reflecting the high degree of protection conferred by the genital mucosa. However, the contribution of different host factors to the protection against HIV-1 at mucosal surfaces remains poorly defined. Here, we report for the first time that acidic values of pH enable the plasma protein histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) to strongly inhibit HIV-1 infection. Because cervicovaginal secretions usually show low pH values, our observations suggest that HRG might represent a constitutive antiviral mechanism in the vaginal mucosa. Interestingly, infection by other viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus and herpes simplex virus 2, was also markedly inhibited by HRG at low pH values, suggesting that extracellular acidosis enables HRG to display broad antiviral activity.
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Kim S, Traore YL, Ho EA, Shafiq M, Kim SH, Liu S. Design and development of pH-responsive polyurethane membranes for intravaginal release of nanomedicines. Acta Biomater 2018; 82:12-23. [PMID: 30296620 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop and characterize a novel intravaginal membrane platform for pH-triggered release of nanoparticles (NPs), which is essential for efficient intravaginal delivery of certain effective but acid-labile therapeutic agents for sexually transmitted infections, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA). A pH-responsive polyurethane (PU) was electrospun into a porous nanofibrous membrane. The diameters of the fibers, as well as the thickness and pore sizes of the membrane under dry and wet conditions (pH 4.5 and 7.0), were determined from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. pH-dependent zeta-potential (ζ) of the membrane was evaluated using a SurPASS electrokinetic analyzer. Visiblex™ color-dyed polystyrene NPs (PSNs, 200 nm, COOH) and CCR5 siRNA-encapsulated solid lipid NPs (SLNs) were used for in vitro NP release studies in a vaginal fluid simulant (VFS) at pH 4.5 (normal physiological vaginal pH) and 7.0 (vaginal pH neutralization by semen). During 24 h of incubation in VFS, close-to-zero PSNs (2 ± 1%) and 28 ± 4% SLNs were released through the PU membrane at pH 4.5, whereas the release of PSNs and SLNs significantly increased to 60 ± 6% and 59 ± 8% at pH 7.0, respectively. The pH-responsive release of NPs hinged on the electrostatic interaction between the pH-responsive membrane and the anionic NPs, and the change in pH-responsive morphology of the membrane. In vitro biocompatibility studies of the membrane showed no significant cytotoxicity to VK2/E6E7 human epithelial cells and Sup-T1 human T-cells and no significant changes in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β). Overall, the porous pH-responsive PU membrane demonstrated its potential in serving as a "window" membrane in reservoir-type intravaginal rings (IVRs) for pH-responsive intravaginal release of NPs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Stimuli-responsive intravaginal nanoparticle release is achieved for the first time through a new electrospun pH-responsive polyurethane (PU) semi-permeable membrane, which can serve as a "window" membrane in the reservoir-type IVR for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Almost no release of nanoparticles was observed at normal pH in the female genital tract (in vaginal fluid simulant [VFS], at pH 4.5); however, a continuous release of NPs was observed at elevated pH in the female genital tract (in VFS, at pH 7.0). This pH-responsive intravaginal release can reduce side effect and drug resistance by avoiding unnecessary exposure. The PU semi-permeable membrane demonstrated potential use as biomaterials for "smart" intravaginal nanoparticle release and has great potential to protect women from HIV.
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Kim S, Traore YL, Chen Y, Ho EA, Liu S. Switchable On-Demand Release of a Nanocarrier from a Segmented Reservoir Type Intravaginal Ring Filled with a pH-Responsive Supramolecular Polyurethane Hydrogel. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2018; 1:652-662. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.8b00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seungil Kim
- Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Yannick Leandre Traore
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Yufei Chen
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Emmanuel A. Ho
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Song Liu
- Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
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Kim S, Traore YL, Lee JS, Kim JH, Ho EA, Liu S. Self-assembled nanoparticles made from a new PEGylated poly(aspartic acid) graft copolymer for intravaginal delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION 2017; 28:2082-2099. [DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2017.1374032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Seungil Kim
- Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Yannick Leandre Traore
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jae Sang Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Ji-Heung Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Emmanuel A. Ho
- Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Song Liu
- Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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Daggett GJ, Zhao C, Connor-Stroud F, Oviedo-Moreno P, Moon H, Cho MW, Moench T, Anderson DJ, Villinger F. Comparison of the vaginal environment in rhesus and cynomolgus macaques pre- and post-lactobacillus colonization. J Med Primatol 2017; 46:232-238. [PMID: 28488364 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhesus and cynomologus macaques are valuable animal models for the study of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention strategies. However, for such studies focused on the vaginal route of infection, differences in vaginal environment may have deterministic impact on the outcome of such prevention, providing the rationale for this study. METHODS We tested the vaginal environment of rhesus and cynomolgus macaques longitudinally to characterize the normal microflora based on Nugent scores and pH. This evaluation was extended after colonization of the vaginal space with Lactobacilli in an effort to recreate NHP models representing the healthy human vaginal environment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Nugent scores and pH differed significantly between species, although data from both species were suggestive of stable bacterial vaginosis. Colonization with Lactobacilli was successful in both species leading to lower Nugent score and pH, although rhesus macaques appeared better able to sustain Lactobacillus spp over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Daggett
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Fawn Connor-Stroud
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Patricia Oviedo-Moreno
- Division of Pathology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hojin Moon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University Ames, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Michael W Cho
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University Ames, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | - Deborah J Anderson
- Departments of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Microbiology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francois Villinger
- New Iberia Research Center, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, New Iberia, LA, USA
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Experimental Infection of Pig-Tailed Macaques (Macaca nemestrina) with Mycoplasma genitalium. Infect Immun 2017; 85:IAI.00738-16. [PMID: 27872239 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00738-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is an underappreciated cause of human reproductive tract disease, characterized by persistent, often asymptomatic, infection. Building on our previous experiments using a single female pig-tailed macaque as a model for M. genitalium infection (G. E. Wood, S. L. Iverson-Cabral, D. L. Patton, P. K. Cummings, Y. T. Cosgrove Sweeney, and P. A. Totten, Infect Immun 81:2938-2951, 2013, https://doi.org/10.1128/IAI.01322-12), we cervically inoculated eight additional animals, two of which were simultaneously inoculated in salpingeal tissue autotransplanted into abdominal pockets. Viable M. genitalium persisted in the lower genital tract for 8 weeks in three animals, 4 weeks in two, and 1 week in one; two primates resisted infection. In both animals inoculated in salpingeal pockets, viable M. genitalium was recovered for 2 weeks. Recovery of viable M. genitalium from lower genital tract specimens was improved by diluting the specimen in broth and by Vero cell coculture. Ascension to upper reproductive tract tissues was not detected, even among three persistently infected animals. M. genitalium-specific serum antibodies targeting the immunodominant MgpB and MgpC proteins appeared within 1 week in three animals inoculated both cervically and in salpingeal pockets and in one of three persistently infected animals inoculated only in the cervix. M. genitalium-specific IgG, but not IgA, was detected in cervical secretions of serum antibody-positive animals, predominantly against MgpB and MgpC, but was insufficient to clear M. genitalium lower tract infection. Our findings further support female pig-tailed macaques as a model of M. genitalium infection, persistence, and immune evasion.
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Kim S, Chen Y, Ho EA, Liu S. Reversibly pH-responsive polyurethane membranes for on-demand intravaginal drug delivery. Acta Biomater 2017; 47:100-112. [PMID: 27717914 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
To provide better protection for women against sexually transmitted infections, on-demand intravaginal drug delivery was attempted by synthesizing reversibly pH-sensitive polyether-polyurethane copolymers using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine (HEP). Chemical structure and thermo-characteristics of the synthesized polyurethanes were confirmed by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), and melting point testing. Membranes were cast by solvent evaporation method using the prepared pH-sensitive polyurethanes. The impact of varying pH on membrane swelling and surface morphology was evaluated via swelling ratio change and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared pH-responsive membranes showed two times higher swelling ratio at pH 4 than pH 7 and pH-triggered switchable surface morphology change. The anionic anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium (NaDF) was used as a model compound for release studies. The prepared pH-responsive polyurethane membranes allowed continuous NaDF release for 24h and around 20% release of total NaDF within 3h at pH 7 but little-to-no drug release at pH 4.5. NaDF permeation across the prepared membranes demonstrated a reversible pH-responsiveness. The pH-responsive polyurethane membranes did not show any noticeable negative impact on vaginal epithelial cell viability or induction of pro-inflammatory cytokine production compared to controls. Overall, the non-cytotoxic HEP-based pH-responsive polyurethane demonstrated its potential to be used in membrane-based implants such as intravaginal rings to achieve on-demand "on-and-off" intravaginal drug delivery. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE A reversible and sharp switch between "off" and "on" drug release is achieved for the first time through new pH-sensitive polyurethane membranes, which can serve as window membranes in reservoir-type intravaginal rings for on-demand drug delivery to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Close to zero drug release occurs at the normal vaginal pH (4.5) for minimal side effects. Drug release is only triggered by elevation of pH to 7 during heterosexual intercourse. The reversibly sharp and fast "on-and-off" switch arises from the creative incorporation of a pH-sensitive monomer in the soft segment of polyurethane. This polyurethane biomaterial holds great potential to better protect women who are generally at higher risk and are more vulnerable to STIs.
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24
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Abstract
Amyloid formation has been most studied in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as well as in amyloidosis. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that amyloid is also present in the healthy setting; for example nontoxic amyloid formation is important for melanin synthesis and in innate immunity. Furthermore, bacteria have mechanisms to produce functional amyloid structures with important roles in bacterial physiology and interaction with host cells. Here, we will discuss some novel aspects of fibril-forming proteins in humans and bacteria. First, the amyloid-forming properties of the antimicrobial peptide human defensin 6 (HD6) will be considered. Intriguingly, unlike other antimicrobial peptides, HD6 does not kill bacteria. However, recent data show that HD6 can form amyloid structures at the gut mucosa with strong affinity for bacterial surfaces. These so-called nanonets block bacterial invasion by entangling the bacteria in net-like structures. Next, the role of functional amyloid fibrils in human semen will be discussed. These fibrils were discovered through their property to enhance HIV infection but they may also have other yet unknown functions. Finally, the role of amyloid formation in bacteria will be reviewed. The recent finding that bacteria can make amyloid in a controlled fashion without toxic effects is of particular interest and may have implications for human disease. The role of amyloid in health and disease is beginning to be unravelled, and here, we will review some of the most recent findings in this exciting area.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bergman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - N R Roan
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - U Römling
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cellbiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C L Bevins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - J Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany.,Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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25
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Skoczek M, Nosek M, Weroński P. Voltammetric monitoring of prostasome aggregation and self-fusion. Electrochim Acta 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2015.12.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ramanathan R, Woodrow K. Engineering immunity in the mucosal niche against sexually transmitted infections. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 8:107-22. [PMID: 26153141 PMCID: PMC6467227 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mucosal surfaces of the genital tract are the site of entry to over 30 different bacterial, parasitic, and viral pathogens that are the cause of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. Women and adolescent girls are more severely impacted by STIs than men due in part to a greater biological susceptibility for acquiring infections and differences in disease sequelae. While it is widely accepted that preventative vaccines against the most commonly transmitted STIs would have a major impact on decreasing the global health burden of STIs for women worldwide, several challenges preclude their development. The female genital tract is a complex niche of microflora, hormonal influences, and immune tissues and cells that result in a mucosal immune system that is distinct from other mucosal sites and from our systemic immune system. An appreciation of these differences and their effect on shaping mucosal immunity to sexually transmitted pathogens is an important determinant for the design of effective STI vaccines. Here we describe the anatomy and mucosal immune system of the female reproductive tract, and discuss bioengineering strategies to design mucosal vaccines that overcome delivery challenges and coordinate the presentation kinetics and compartmentalization of antigens and adjuvants to relevant mucosal immune cell subsets. In particular, we describe recent progress in understanding the role of specific mucosal dendritic cell subsets in facilitating immune responses to pathogenic microbes in the genital mucosa. We also discuss the development of pathogen-mimicking materials that may be useful for engineering protective immunity in this mucosal niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renuka Ramanathan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kim Woodrow
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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27
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Broadly Neutralizing Anti-HIV Antibodies Prevent HIV Infection of Mucosal Tissue Ex Vivo. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 60:904-12. [PMID: 26596954 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02097-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (nAbs) specific for HIV are being investigated for use in HIV prevention. Due to their ability to inhibit HIV attachment to and entry into target cells, nAbs may be suitable for use as topical HIV microbicides. As such, they would present an alternative intervention for individuals who may not benefit from using antiretroviral-based products for HIV prevention. We theorize that nAbs can inhibit viral transmission through mucosal tissue, thus reducing the incidence of HIV infection. The efficacy of the PG9, PG16, VRC01, and 4E10 antibodies was evaluated in an ex vivo human model of mucosal HIV transmission. nAbs reduced HIV transmission, causing 1.5- to 2-log10 reductions in HIV replication in ectocervical tissues and ≈3-log10 reductions in HIV replication in colonic tissues over 21 days. These antibodies demonstrated greater potency in colonic tissues, with a 50-fold higher dose being required to reduce transmission in ectocervical tissues. Importantly, nAbs retained their potency and reduced viral transmission in the presence of whole semen. No changes in tissue viability or immune activation were observed in colonic or ectocervical tissue after nAb exposure. Our data suggest that topically applied nAbs are safe and effective against HIV infection of mucosal tissue and support further development of nAbs as a topical microbicide that could be used for anal as well as vaginal protection.
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Characterization of the Influence of Semen-Derived Enhancer of Virus Infection on the Interaction of HIV-1 with Female Reproductive Tract Tissues. J Virol 2015; 89:5569-80. [PMID: 25740984 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00309-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The majority of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission events occur in women when semen harboring infectious virus is deposited onto the mucosal barriers of the vaginal, ectocervical, and endocervical epithelia. Seminal factors such as semen-derived enhancer of virus infection (SEVI) fibrils were previously shown to greatly enhance the infectivity of HIV-1 in cell culture systems. However, when SEVI is intravaginally applied to living animals, there is no effect on vaginal transmission. To define how SEVI might function in the context of sexual transmission, we applied HIV-1 and SEVI to intact human and rhesus macaque reproductive tract tissues to determine how it influences virus interactions with these barriers. We show that SEVI binds HIV-1 and sequesters most virions to the luminal surface of the stratified squamous epithelium, significantly reducing the number of virions that penetrated the tissue. In the simple columnar epithelium, SEVI was no longer fibrillar in structure and was detached from virions but allowed significantly deeper epithelial virus penetration. These observations reveal that the action of SEVI in intact tissues is very different in the anatomical context of sexual transmission and begin to explain the lack of stimulation of infection observed in the highly relevant mucosal transmission model. IMPORTANCE The most common mode of HIV-1 transmission in women occurs via genital exposure to the semen of HIV-infected men. A productive infection requires the virus to penetrate female reproductive tract epithelial barriers to infect underlying target cells. Certain factors identified within semen, termed semen-derived enhancers of virus infection (SEVI), have been shown to significantly enhance HIV-1 infectivity in cell culture. However, when applied to the genital tracts of living female macaques, SEVI did not enhance virus transmission. Here we show that SEVI functions very differently in the context of intact mucosal tissues. SEVI decreases HIV-1 penetration of squamous epithelial barriers in humans and macaques. At the mucus-coated columnar epithelial barrier, the HIV-1/SEVI interaction is disrupted. These observations suggest that SEVI may not play a significant stimulatory role in the efficiency of male-to-female sexual transmission of HIV.
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Politch JA, Marathe J, Anderson DJ. Characteristics and quantities of HIV host cells in human genital tract secretions. J Infect Dis 2015; 210 Suppl 3:S609-15. [PMID: 25414414 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiu390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected leukocytes have been detected in genital secretions from HIV-infected men and women and may play an important role in the sexual transmission of HIV. However, they have been largely overlooked in studies on mechanisms of HIV transmission and in the design and testing of HIV vaccine and microbicide candidates. This article describes the characteristics and quantities of leukocytes in male and female genital secretions under various conditions and also reviews evidence for the involvement of HIV-infected cells in both horizontal and vertical cell-associated HIV transmission. Additional research is needed in this area to better target HIV prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jai Marathe
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
| | - Deborah J Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
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French KC, Roan NR, Makhatadze GI. Structural characterization of semen coagulum-derived SEM1(86-107) amyloid fibrils that enhance HIV-1 infection. Biochemistry 2014; 53:3267-77. [PMID: 24811874 PMCID: PMC4039337 DOI: 10.1021/bi500427r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
![]()
SEM1(86–107)
is a 22-residue peptide corresponding to residues
86–107 in the semenogelin I protein. SEM1(86–107) is
an abundant component of freshly liquefied semen and forms amyloid
fibrils capable of enhancing HIV infection. To probe the factors affecting
fibril formation and gain a better understanding of how differences
in pH between semen and vaginal fluid affect fibril stability, this
study determined the effect of pH on SEM1(86–107) fibril formation
and dissociation. The SEM1(86–107) fibril structure (i.e.,
residues that comprise the fibrillar core) was also probed using hydrogen–deuterium
exchange mass spectrometry (HDXMS) and hydroxyl radical-mediated protein
modification. The average percent exposure to hydroxyl radical-mediated
modification in the SEM1(86–107) fibrils was determined without
requiring tandem mass spectrometry spectral acquisition or complete
separation of modified peptides. It was found that the residue exposures
calculated from HDXMS and hydroxyl radical-mediated modification were
similar. These techniques demonstrated that three regions of SEM1(86–107)
comprise the amyloid fibril core and that positively charged residues
are exposed, suggesting that electrostatic interactions between SEM1(86–107)
and HIV or the cell surface may be responsible for mediating HIV infection
enhancement by the SEM1(86–107) fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinsley C French
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute , Troy, New York 12180, United States
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Doncel GF, Anderson S, Zalenskaya I. Role of Semen in Modulating the Female Genital Tract Microenvironment – Implications for HIV Transmission. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 71:564-74. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo F. Doncel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology CONRAD Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk VA USA
| | - Sharon Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology CONRAD Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk VA USA
| | - Irina Zalenskaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology CONRAD Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk VA USA
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Gupta S, Gach JS, Becerra JC, Phan TB, Pudney J, Moldoveanu Z, Joseph SB, Landucci G, Supnet MJ, Ping LH, Corti D, Moldt B, Hel Z, Lanzavecchia A, Ruprecht RM, Burton DR, Mestecky J, Anderson DJ, Forthal DN. The Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) enhances human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transcytosis across epithelial cells. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003776. [PMID: 24278022 PMCID: PMC3836734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) crosses mucosal surfaces to establish infection are unknown. Acidic genital secretions of HIV-1-infected women contain HIV-1 likely coated by antibody. We found that the combination of acidic pH and Env-specific IgG, including that from cervicovaginal and seminal fluids of HIV-1-infected individuals, augmented transcytosis across epithelial cells as much as 20-fold compared with Env-specific IgG at neutral pH or non-specific IgG at either pH. Enhanced transcytosis was observed with clinical HIV-1 isolates, including transmitted/founder strains, and was eliminated in Fc neonatal receptor (FcRn)-knockdown epithelial cells. Non-neutralizing antibodies allowed similar or less transcytosis than neutralizing antibodies. However, the ratio of total:infectious virus was higher for neutralizing antibodies, indicating that they allowed transcytosis while blocking infectivity of transcytosed virus. Immunocytochemistry revealed abundant FcRn expression in columnar epithelia lining the human endocervix and penile urethra. Acidity and Env-specific IgG enhance transcytosis of virus across epithelial cells via FcRn and could facilitate translocation of virus to susceptible target cells following sexual exposure. HIV-1 causes a sexually transmitted disease. However, the mechanisms employed by the virus to cross genital tract tissue and establish infection are uncertain. Since cervicovaginal fluid is acidic and HIV-1 in cervicovaginal fluid is likely coated with antibodies, we explored the effect of low pH and HIV-1-specific antibodies on transcytosis, the movement of HIV-1 across tight-junctioned epithelial cells. We found that the combination of HIV-1-specific antibodies and low pH enhanced transcytosis as much as 20-fold. Virus that underwent transcytosis under these conditions was infectious, and infectivity was highly influenced by whether or not the antibody neutralized the virus. We observed enhanced transcytosis using antibody from cervicovaginal and seminal fluids and using transmitted/founder strains of HIV-1. We also found that the enhanced transcytosis was due to the Fc neonatal receptor (FcRn), which binds immune complexes at acidic pH and releases them at neutral pH. Finally, staining of human tissue revealed abundant FcRn expression on columnar epithelial cells of penile urethra and endocervix. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism wherein HIV-1 may facilitate its own transmission by usurping the antibody response directed against itself. These results have important implications for HIV vaccine development and for understanding the earliest events in HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Gupta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Johannes S. Gach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Juan C. Becerra
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Tran B. Phan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Pudney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Zina Moldoveanu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Sarah B. Joseph
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Gary Landucci
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Medalyn Jude Supnet
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Li-Hua Ping
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Davide Corti
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Humabs BioMed SA, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Brian Moldt
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative Neutralizing Antibody Center and Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology and Immunogen Discovery, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Zdenek Hel
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Antonio Lanzavecchia
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Institute of Microbiology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ruth M. Ruprecht
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dennis R. Burton
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative Neutralizing Antibody Center and Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology and Immunogen Discovery, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jiri Mestecky
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First School of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Deborah J. Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Donald N. Forthal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Human Prostatic Acid Phosphatase in Prostate Carcinogenesis. Prostate Cancer 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-6828-8_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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34
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Pellett Madan R, Herold BC. HIV, sexual violence and special populations: adolescence and pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 69 Suppl 1:61-7. [PMID: 23176128 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The risk of male to female transmission of HIV is impacted by baseline inflammation in the female genital tract, semen viral load and seminal plasma's ability to induce specific patterns of cervical cytokine signalling and influx of immune cell populations. Disruption of the epithelial barrier during non-consensual intercourse may trigger further inflammation and initiation of cell-signalling pathways, thus facilitating transmission of HIV and expansion of local infection. Adolescent and pregnant women are at high risk for sexual violence and may exhibit alterations of genital mucosal immunity that promote immune activation, making them uniquely vulnerable to HIV acquisition.
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Cervicovaginal inflammatory cytokines and sphingomyelinase in women with and without bacterial vaginosis. Am J Med Sci 2012; 344:35-9. [PMID: 22157388 DOI: 10.1097/maj.0b013e318235597b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective is to analyze proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α] and sphingomyelinase in women with bacterial vaginosis (BV), cervicitis and vaginitis. METHODS From January 2009 to June 2010, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative, nonpregnant, married women, living with husband, aged 20 to 40 years were recruited from a slum at Hyderabad, India, after taking written consent. One hundred forty-six women including 61 women with BV, 47 women with intermediate flora and 38 women with normal vaginal flora were evaluated for local proinflammatory cytokines and sphingomyelinase. Cervicitis and vaginitis were also analyzed by scoring white blood cells in the cervix and vaginal smears, respectively. RESULTS Of the 146 women, 50.7% had cervicitis and 19.5% had vaginitis. IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels were significantly high in women with cervicitis (P < 0.001) and vaginitis (P < 0.001) and IL-1β in BV (P < 0.005), intermediate flora (P < 0.05) when compared with normal women. High vaginal pH was associated with IL-1β. Neutral sphingomelinase showed an inverse association (P < 0.05) with cervicitis. Acid sphingomelinase directly correlated with IL-1β although not significantly. CONCLUSIONS This study shows proinflammatory response not only in BV but also in women with vaginitis and cervicitis. These conditions are likely to be important in promoting the transmission of HIV-1 and should be the focus of HIV prevention strategies.
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Roan NR, Cavrois M, Greene WC. [Role of semen-derived amyloid fibrils as facilitators of HIV infection]. Med Sci (Paris) 2012; 28:358-60. [PMID: 22549858 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2012284008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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37
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Lieleg O, Ribbeck K. Biological hydrogels as selective diffusion barriers. Trends Cell Biol 2011; 21:543-51. [PMID: 21727007 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The controlled exchange of molecules between organelles, cells, or organisms and their environment is crucial for life. Biological gels such as mucus, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the biopolymer barrier within the nuclear pore are well suited to achieve such a selective exchange, allowing passage of particular molecules while rejecting many others. Although hydrogel-based filters are integral parts of biology, clear concepts of how their barrier function is controlled at a microscopic level are still missing. We summarize here our current understanding of how selective filtering is established by different biopolymer-based hydrogels. We ask if the modulation of microscopic particle transport in biological hydrogels is based on a generic filtering principle which employs biochemical/biophysical interactions with the filtered molecules rather than size-exclusion effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Lieleg
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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38
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Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus displays a narrow tropism for CD4+ mononuclear cells, and activated CD4+ T lymphocytes are the main target. When these cells are depleted by viral replication, bystander apoptosis and increased cell turnover mediated by immune activation, there is a progressive immunodeficiency (i.e., AIDS). Despite this specific cell tropism, HIV-infected persons demonstrate pathology in nearly every organ system. This article reviews current understanding of tissue-specific HIV-1 infection in the CNS, the genital tract, and gastrointestinal-associated lymphoid tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maile Ay Karris
- University of California, San Diego, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stein Clinical Research Bldg MC 0679, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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39
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The role of semen in sexual transmission of HIV: beyond a carrier for virus particles. Microbes Infect 2011; 13:977-82. [PMID: 21767659 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2011.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Unprotected sexual intercourse between discordant couples is by far the most frequent mode of HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus type 1) transmission being semen the main vector for HIV-1 dissemination worldwide. Semen is usually considered merely as a vehicle for HIV-1 transmission. In this review we discuss recent observations suggesting that beyond being a carrier for virus particles semen markedly influences the early events involved in sexual transmission of HIV through the mucosal barriers.
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40
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Balandya E, Sheth S, Sanders K, Wieland-Alter W, Lahey T. Semen protects CD4+ target cells from HIV infection but promotes the preferential transmission of R5 tropic HIV. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 185:7596-604. [PMID: 21059891 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1002846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sexual intercourse is the major means of HIV transmission, yet the impact of semen on HIV infection of CD4(+) T cells remains unclear. To resolve this conundrum, we measured CD4(+) target cell infection with X4 tropic HIV IIIB and HC4 and R5 tropic HIV BaL and SF162 after incubation with centrifuged seminal plasma (SP) from HIV-negative donors and assessed the impact of SP on critical determinants of target cell susceptibility to HIV infection. We found that SP potently protects CD4(+) T cells from infection with X4 and R5 tropic HIV in a dose- and time-dependent manner. SP caused a diminution in CD4(+) T cell surface expression of the HIVR CD4 and enhanced surface expression of the HIV coreceptor CCR5. Consequently, SP protected CD4(+) T cells from infection with R5 tropic HIV less potently than it protected CD4(+) T cells from infection with X4 tropic HIV. SP also reduced CD4(+) T cell activation and proliferation, and the magnitude of SP-mediated suppression of target cell CD4 expression, activation, and proliferation correlated closely with the magnitude of the protection of CD4(+) T cells from infection with HIV. Taken together, these data show that semen protects CD4(+) T cells from HIV infection by restricting critical determinants of CD4(+) target cell susceptibility to HIV infection. Further, semen contributes to the selective transmission of R5 tropic HIV to CD4(+) target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Balandya
- Program in Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
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41
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Hassan MI, Aijaz A, Ahmad F. Structural and functional analysis of human prostatic acid phosphatase. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2010; 10:1055-68. [PMID: 20645695 DOI: 10.1586/era.10.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is the most abundant phosphatase in human prostate tissue/secretions. It is a clinically important protein for its relevance as a biomarker of prostate carcinoma. Furthermore, it has a potential role in fertilization. We describe here most of the features of PAP including gene regulation, gene/protein structure, functions, its role in tumor progression and evolutionary features. PAP has phosphatase activity and is an extensively studied biomarker of prostate cancer. The major action of PAP is to dephosphorylate macromolecules with the help of catalytic residues (His(12) and Asp(258)) that are located in the cleft between two domains. This article will be of great interest to all those scientists who are working in the area of prostate pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
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42
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Ceballos A, Remes Lenicov F, Sabatté J, Rodríguez Rodrígues C, Cabrini M, Jancic C, Raiden S, Donaldson M, Agustín Pasqualini R, Marin-Briggiler C, Vazquez-Levin M, Capani F, Amigorena S, Geffner J. Spermatozoa capture HIV-1 through heparan sulfate and efficiently transmit the virus to dendritic cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 206:2717-33. [PMID: 19858326 PMCID: PMC2806607 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20091579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Semen is the main vector for HIV-1 dissemination worldwide. It contains three major sources of infectious virus: free virions, infected leukocytes, and spermatozoa-associated virions. We focused on the interaction of HIV-1 with human spermatozoa and dendritic cells (DCs). We report that heparan sulfate is expressed in spermatozoa and plays an important role in the capture of HIV-1. Spermatozoa-attached virus is efficiently transmitted to DCs, macrophages, and T cells. Interaction of spermatozoa with DCs not only leads to the transmission of HIV-1 and the internalization of the spermatozoa but also results in the phenotypic maturation of DCs and the production of IL-10 but not IL-12p70. At low values of extracellular pH (∼6.5 pH units), similar to those found in the vaginal mucosa after sexual intercourse, the binding of HIV-1 to the spermatozoa and the consequent transmission of HIV-1 to DCs were strongly enhanced. Our observations support the notion that far from being a passive carrier, spermatozoa acting in concert with DCs might affect the early course of sexual transmission of HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ceballos
- Centro Nacional de Referencia para SIDA, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
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The cationic properties of SEVI underlie its ability to enhance human immunodeficiency virus infection. J Virol 2008; 83:73-80. [PMID: 18945786 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01366-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human semen contains peptides capable of forming amyloid fibrils termed semen-derived enhancer of viral infection (SEVI) that can greatly increase human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. While SEVI appears to enhance virion attachment to target cells, its underlying mechanism of action is unknown. We now demonstrate that the intrinsic positive charges of SEVI (pI = 10.21) facilitate virion attachment to and fusion with target cells. A mutant form of SEVI in which lysines and arginines are replaced with alanines retains the ability to form amyloid fibrils but is defective in binding virions and enhancing infection. In addition, the interaction of wild-type SEVI with virions and the ability of these fibrils to increase infection are abrogated in the presence of various polyanionic compounds. These anionic polymers also decrease the enhancement of HIV infection mediated by semen. These findings suggest that SEVI enhances viral infection by serving as a polycationic bridge that neutralizes the negative charge repulsion that exists between HIV virions and target cells. Combinations of agents that neutrale SEVI action and produce HIV virucidal effects are an attractive future direction for microbicide development.
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Fletcher PS, Harman SJ, Boothe AR, Doncel GF, Shattock RJ. Preclinical evaluation of lime juice as a topical microbicide candidate. Retrovirology 2008; 5:3. [PMID: 18190686 PMCID: PMC2259360 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-5-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2007] [Accepted: 01/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The continued growth of the global HIV epidemic highlights the urgent need to develop novel prevention strategies to reduce HIV transmission. The development of topical microbicides is likely to take a number of years before such a product would be widely available. This has resulted in a call for the rapid introduction of simpler vaginal intervention strategies in the interim period. One suggested practice would be vaginal douching with natural products including lime or lemon juice. Here we present a comprehensive preclinical evaluation of lime juice (LiJ) as a potential intervention strategy against HIV. RESULTS Pre-treatment of HIV with LiJ demonstrated direct virucidal activity, with 10% juice inactivating the virus within 5 minutes. However, this activity was significantly reduced in the presence of seminal plasma, where inactivation required maintaining a 1:1 mixture of neat LiJ and seminal plasma for more than 5 minutes. Additionally, LiJ demonstrated both time and dose-dependent toxicity towards cervicovaginal epithelium, where exposure to 50% juice caused 75-90% toxicity within 5 minutes increasing to 95% by 30 minutes. Cervicovaginal epithelial cell monolayers were more susceptible to the effects of LiJ with 8.8% juice causing 50% toxicity after 5 minutes. Reconstructed stratified cervicovaginal epithelium appeared more resilient to LiJ toxicity with 30 minutes exposure to 50% LiJ having little effect on viability. However viability was reduced by 75% and 90% following 60 and 120 minutes exposure. Furthermore, repeat application (several times daily) of 25% LiJ caused 80-90% reduction in viability. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that the virucidal activity of LiJ is severely compromised in the presence of seminal plasma. Potentially, to be effective against HIV in vivo, women would need to apply a volume of neat LiJ equal to that of an ejaculate, and maintain this ratio vaginally for 5-30 minutes after ejaculation. Data presented here suggest that this would have significant adverse effects on the genital mucosa. These data raise serious questions about the plausibility and safety of such a prevention approach.
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Sabatté J, Ceballos A, Raiden S, Vermeulen M, Nahmod K, Maggini J, Salamone G, Salomón H, Amigorena S, Geffner J. Human seminal plasma abrogates the capture and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 to CD4+ T cells mediated by DC-SIGN. J Virol 2007; 81:13723-34. [PMID: 17913809 PMCID: PMC2168832 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01079-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) is expressed by dendritic cells (DCs) at mucosal surfaces and appears to play an important role in the dissemination of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. DC-SIGN binds HIV-1 gp120 and efficiently transmits the virus to T CD4(+) cells, which become the center of viral replication. Semen represents the main vector for HIV-1 dissemination worldwide. In the present study we show that human seminal plasma (SP), even when used at very high dilutions (1:10(4) to 1:10(5)), markedly inhibits the capture and transmission of HIV-1 to T CD4(+) cells mediated by both DCs and B-THP-1-DC-SIGN cells. In contrast, SP does not inhibit the capture of HIV-1 by DC-SIGN-negative target cells, such as the T-cell line SupT-1, monocytes, and activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The SP inhibitor has a high molecular mass (>100 kDa) and directly interacts with DC-SIGN-positive target cells but not with HIV-1. Moreover, the inhibitor binds to concanavalin A, suggesting that it contains high-mannose N-linked carbohydrates. Of note, using biotin-labeled SP we found that the binding of SP components to DCs was abrogated by mannan, while their interaction with B-THP-1 cells was almost completely dependent on the expression of DC-SIGN. Since epithelium integrity is often compromised after vaginal or anal intercourse, as well as in the presence of ulcerative-sexually transmitted diseases, our results support the notion that components of the SP might be able to access to the subepithelium, inhibiting the recognition of HIV-1 gp120 by DC-SIGN-positive DCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Sabatté
- National Reference Center for AIDS, Department of Microbiology, Buenos Aires University School of Medicine, Argentina
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46
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Boukour S, Massé JM, Bénit L, Dubart-Kupperschmitt A, Cramer EM. Lentivirus degradation and DC-SIGN expression by human platelets and megakaryocytes. J Thromb Haemost 2006; 4:426-35. [PMID: 16420576 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2006.01749.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM As platelets are able to endocytose human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), we have investigated the fate of lentiviruses when endocytosed by human platelets and megakaryocytes (MK), and have characterized a specific receptor directly involved in this function. METHODS Genetically modified (non-replicative) lentiviruses with an HIV envelope (HIV-e) or with a vesicular stomatitis virus protein G envelope (VSV-e) were alternatively used and their interaction with platelets and MK analyzed by electron microscopy (EM) and immunoEM. RESULTS When incubated with platelets, HIV-e and VSV-e lentiviruses were internalized in specific endocytic vesicles and trafficked to the surface connected canalicular system (SCCS). Double immunolabeling for the viral P24 core protein and alpha-granule markers showed that lentiviruses were degraded in the SCCS after contact with alpha-granule proteins. In culture MK, lentiviruses were found in endocytic vesicles and accumulated in acid phosphatase-containing multivesicular bodies (MVB). The expression of the pathogen receptor dendritic cell-specific ICAM-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) was then demonstrated in platelets by flow cytometry, immunoEM and Western blot. Anti-DC-SIGN antibodies decreased HIV-e lentivirus internalization by platelets, showing that the receptor is functional. Specific signals for DC-SIGN protein and mRNA were also found in MK. CONCLUSION This study indicates that platelets and MK can internalize lentiviruses in a pathway, which either provide a shelter to lentiviral particles or alternatively disrupts viral integrity. The receptor DC-SIGN is involved in this function.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Base Sequence
- Blood Platelets/metabolism
- Blood Platelets/ultrastructure
- Blood Platelets/virology
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/antagonists & inhibitors
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/blood
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/genetics
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/immunology
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Endocytosis
- Gene Expression
- Genes, env
- Genetic Vectors
- HIV-1/genetics
- HeLa Cells
- Humans
- In Vitro Techniques
- Lectins, C-Type/antagonists & inhibitors
- Lectins, C-Type/blood
- Lectins, C-Type/genetics
- Lectins, C-Type/immunology
- Lentivirus/genetics
- Lentivirus/pathogenicity
- Megakaryocytes/metabolism
- Megakaryocytes/ultrastructure
- Megakaryocytes/virology
- Microscopy, Electron
- RNA, Messenger/blood
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Cell Surface/blood
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/immunology
- Receptors, Virus/blood
- Receptors, Virus/genetics
- Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- S Boukour
- Département d'Hématologie, Institut Cochin, INSERM U567, Paris and Faculté de médecine, Paris-Ile de France-Ouest, France
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48
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Abstract
At coitus, human sperm are deposited into the anterior vagina, where, to avoid vaginal acid and immune responses, they quickly contact cervical mucus and enter the cervix. Cervical mucus filters out sperm with poor morphology and motility and as such only a minority of ejaculated sperm actually enter the cervix. In the uterus, muscular contractions may enhance passage of sperm through the uterine cavity. A few thousand sperm swim through the uterotubal junctions to reach the Fallopian tubes (uterine tubes, oviducts) where sperm are stored in a reservoir, or at least maintained in a fertile state, by interacting with endosalpingeal (oviductal) epithelium. As the time of ovulation approaches, sperm become capacitated and hyperactivated, which enables them to proceed towards the tubal ampulla. Sperm may be guided to the oocyte by a combination of thermotaxis and chemotaxis. Motility hyperactivation assists sperm in penetrating mucus in the tubes and the cumulus oophorus and zona pellucida of the oocyte, so that they may finally fuse with the oocyte plasma membrane. Knowledge of the biology of sperm transport can inspire improvements in artificial insemination, IVF, the diagnosis of infertility and the development of contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Suarez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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