1
|
Mainou E, Berendam SJ, Obregon-Perko V, Uffman EA, Phan CT, Shaw GM, Bar KJ, Kumar MR, Fray EJ, Siliciano JM, Siliciano RF, Silvestri G, Permar SR, Fouda GG, McCarthy J, Chahroudi A, Chan C, Conway JM. Comparative analysis of within-host dynamics of acute infection and viral rebound dynamics in postnatally SHIV-infected ART-treated infant rhesus macaques. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.21.595130. [PMID: 38826467 PMCID: PMC11142125 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.595130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Viral dynamics of acute HIV infection and HIV rebound following suspension of antiretroviral therapy may be qualitatively similar but must differ given, for one, development of adaptive immune responses. Understanding the differences of acute HIV infection and viral rebound dynamics in pediatric populations may provide insights into the mechanisms of viral control with potential implications for vaccine design and the development of effective targeted therapeutics for infants and children. Mathematical models have been a crucial tool to elucidate the complex processes driving viral infections within the host. Traditionally, acute HIV infection has been modeled with a standard model of viral dynamics initially developed to explore viral decay during treatment, while viral rebound has necessitated extensions of that standard model to incorporate explicit immune responses. Previous efforts to fit these models to viral load data have underscored differences between the two infection stages, such as increased viral clearance rate and increased death rate of infected cells during rebound. However, these findings have been predicated on viral load measurements from disparate adult individuals. In this study, we aim to bridge this gap, in infants, by comparing the dynamics of acute infection and viral rebound within the same individuals by leveraging an infant nonhuman primate Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (SHIV) infection model. Ten infant Rhesus macaques (RMs) orally challenged with SHIV.C.CH505 375H dCT and given ART at 8 weeks post-infection. These infants were then monitored for up to 60 months post-infection with serial viral load and immune measurements. We use the HIV standard viral dynamics model fitted to viral load measurements in a nonlinear mixed effects framework. We find that the primary difference between acute infection and rebound is the increased death rate of infected cells during rebound. We use these findings to generate hypotheses on the effects of adaptive immune responses. We leverage these findings to formulate hypotheses to elucidate the observed results and provide arguments to support the notion that delayed viral rebound is characterized by a stronger CD8+ T cell response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellie Mainou
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Emilie A Uffman
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Caroline T Phan
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - George M Shaw
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katharine J Bar
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mithra R Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily J Fray
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Janet M Siliciano
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert F Siliciano
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Guido Silvestri
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sallie R Permar
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Janice McCarthy
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ann Chahroudi
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Cliburn Chan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jessica M Conway
- Department of Mathematics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Matsui Y, Miura Y. Advancements in Cell-Based Therapies for HIV Cure. Cells 2023; 13:64. [PMID: 38201268 PMCID: PMC10778010 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) has evolved since the establishment of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the 1990s, providing HIV-infected individuals with approaches that suppress viral replication, prevent acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) throughout their lifetime with continuous therapy, and halt HIV transmission. However, despite the success of these regimens, the global HIV epidemic persists, prompting a comprehensive exploration of potential strategies for an HIV cure. Here, we offer a consolidated overview of cell-based therapies for HIV-1, focusing on CAR-T cell approaches, gene editing, and immune modulation. Persistent challenges, including CAR-T cell susceptibility to HIV infection, stability, and viral reservoir control, underscore the need for continued research. This review synthesizes current knowledge, highlighting the potential of cellular therapies to address persistent challenges in the pursuit of an HIV cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Matsui
- Gladstone Institute of Virology, Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens St., San Francisco, CA 941578, USA
| | - Yasuo Miura
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dragoni F, Kwaa AK, Traut CC, Veenhuis RT, Woldemeskel BA, Camilo-Contreras A, Raymond HE, Dykema AG, Scully EP, Rosecrans AM, Smith KN, Bushman FD, Simonetti FR, Blankson JN. Proviral location affects cognate peptide-induced virus production and immune recognition of HIV-1-infected T cell clones. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e171097. [PMID: 37698927 PMCID: PMC10617777 DOI: 10.1172/jci171097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDHIV-1-infected CD4+ T cells contribute to latent reservoir persistence by proliferating while avoiding immune recognition. Integration features of intact proviruses in elite controllers (ECs) and people on long-term therapy suggest that proviruses in specific chromosomal locations can evade immune surveillance. However, direct evidence of this mechanism is missing.METHODSIn this case report, we characterized integration sites and full genome sequences of expanded T cell clones in an EC before and after chemoradiation. We identified the cognate peptide of infected clones to investigate cell proliferation and virus production induced by T cell activation, and susceptibility to autologous CD8+ T cells.RESULTSThe proviral landscape was dominated by 2 large clones with replication-competent proviruses integrated into zinc finger (ZNF) genes (ZNF470 and ZNF721) in locations previously associated with deeper latency. A third nearly intact provirus, with a stop codon in Pol, was integrated into an intergenic site. Upon stimulation with cognate Gag peptides, infected clones proliferated extensively and produced virus, but the provirus in ZNF721 was 200-fold less inducible. While autologous CD8+ T cells decreased the proliferation of cells carrying the intergenic provirus, they had no effect on cells with the provirus in the ZNF721 gene.CONCLUSIONSWe provide direct evidence that upon activation of infected clones by cognate antigen, the lower inducibility of intact proviruses in ZNF genes can result in immune evasion and persistence.FUNDINGOffice of the NIH Director and National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research; NIAID, NIH; Johns Hopkins University Center for AIDS Research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rebecca T. Veenhuis
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, and
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Hayley E. Raymond
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Arbor G. Dykema
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Kellie N. Smith
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Frederic D. Bushman
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Joel N. Blankson
- Department of Medicine
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, and
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schou MD, Søgaard OS, Rasmussen TA. Clinical trials aimed at HIV cure or remission: new pathways and lessons learned. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:1227-1243. [PMID: 37856845 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2273919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The main barrier to finding a cure against HIV is the latent HIV reservoir, which persists in people living with HIV (PLWH) despite antiretroviral treatment (ART). Here, we discuss recent findings from interventional studies using mono- and combination therapies aimed at enhancing immune-mediated killing of the virus with or without activating HIV from latency. AREAS COVERED We discuss latency reversal agents (LRAs), broadly neutralizing antibodies, immunomodulatory therapies, and studies aimed at inducing apoptosis. EXPERT OPINION The landscape of clinical trials for HIV cure and remission has evolved considerably over the past 10 years. Several novel interventions such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines, and broadly neutralizing antibodies have been tested either alone or in combination with LRAs but studies have so far not shown a meaningful impact on the frequency of latently infected cells. Immunomodulatory therapies could work differently in the setting of antigen expression, that is, during active viremia, and timing of interventions could therefore, be key to future therapeutic success. Lessons learned from clinical trials aimed at HIV cure indicate that while we are still far from reaching a complete eradication cure of HIV, clinical interventions capable of inducing enhanced control of HIV replication in the absence of ART might be a more feasible goal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Dyveke Schou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ole Schmeltz Søgaard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thomas Aagaard Rasmussen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
de Azevedo SSD, Côrtes FH, Villela LM, Hoagland B, Grinsztejn B, Veloso VG, Morgado MG, Bello G. Ongoing HIV-1 evolution and reservoir reseeding in two elite controllers with genetically diverse peripheral proviral quasispecies. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2023; 118:e230066. [PMID: 37283423 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760230066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elite controllers (EC) are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals who can maintain low viral loads for extended periods without antiretroviral therapy due to multifactorial and individual characteristics. Most have a small HIV-1 reservoir composed of identical proviral sequences maintained by clonal expansion of infected CD4+ T cells. However, some have a more diverse peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-associated HIV-1 reservoir with unique sequences. OBJECTIVES To understand the turnover dynamics of the PBMC-associated viral quasispecies in ECs with relatively diverse circulating proviral reservoirs. METHODS We performed single genome amplification of the env gene at three time points during six years in two EC with high intra-host HIV DNA diversity. FINDINGS Both EC displayed quite diverse PBMCs-associated viral quasispecies (mean env diversity = 1.9-4.1%) across all time-points comprising both identical proviruses that are probably clonally expanded and unique proviruses with evidence of ongoing evolution. HIV-1 env glycosylation pattern suggests that ancestral and evolving proviruses may display different phenotypes of resistance to broadly neutralising antibodies consistent with persistent immune pressure. Evolving viruses may progressively replace the ancestral ones or may remain as minor variants in the circulating proviral population. MAIN CONCLUSIONS These findings support that the high intra-host HIV-1 diversity of some EC resulted from long-term persistence of archival proviruses combined with the continuous reservoir's reseeding and low, but measurable, viral evolution despite undetectable viremia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernanda Heloise Côrtes
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de AIDS & Imunologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Larissa M Villela
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Valdilea Gonçalvez Veloso
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Mariza G Morgado
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de AIDS & Imunologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Gonzalo Bello
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de AIDS & Imunologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Adams P, Berkhout B, Pasternak AO. Towards a molecular profile of antiretroviral therapy-free HIV remission. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2022; 17:301-307. [PMID: 35938464 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the current status and highlight recent findings on predictive biomarkers for posttreatment HIV control (PTC) and virological remission. While historically, many studies focused on virological markers, there is an increasing tendency to enter immune and metabolic factors into the equation. RECENT FINDINGS On the virological side, several groups reported that cell-associated HIV RNA could predict time to viral rebound. Recent data hints at the possible importance of the genic location and chromatin context of the integrated provirus, although these factors still need to be assessed in relation to PTC and virological remission. Evidence from immunological studies highlighted innate and humoral immunity as important factors for prolonged HIV remission. Interestingly, novel metabolic markers have emerged, which offer additional angles to our understanding of latency and viral rebound. SUMMARY Facilitating PTC and virological remission remain top priorities for the HIV cure research. We advocate for clear and precise definitions for both phenomena in order to avoid misconceptions and to strengthen the conclusions that can be drawn. As no one-size-fits-all marker has emerged yet, more biomarkers are on the horizon, and viral rebound is a complex and heterogeneous process, it is likely that a combination of various biomarkers in cohesion will be necessary for a more accurate prediction of antiretroviral therapy-free HIV remission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Adams
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The quest for HIV-1 cure could take advantage of the study of rare individuals that control viral replication spontaneously (elite controllers) or after an initial course of antiretroviral therapy (posttreatment controllers, PTCs). In this review, we will compare back-to-back the immunological and virological features underlying viral suppression in elite controllers and PTCs, and explore their possible contributions to the HIV-1 cure research. RECENT FINDINGS HIV-1 control in elite controllers shows hallmarks of an effective antiviral response, favored by genetic background and possibly associated to residual immune activation. The immune pressure in elite controllers might select against actively transcribing intact proviruses, allowing the persistence of a small and poorly inducible reservoir. Evidence on PTCs is less abundant but preliminary data suggest that antiviral immune responses may be less pronounced. Therefore, these patients may rely on distinct mechanisms, not completely elucidated to date, suppressing HIV-1 transcription and replication. SUMMARY PTCs and elite controllers may control HIV replication using distinct pathways, the elucidation of which may contribute to design future interventional strategies aiming to achieve a functional cure.
Collapse
|
8
|
New Approaches to Multi-Parametric HIV-1 Genetics Using Multiple Displacement Amplification: Determining the What, How, and Where of the HIV-1 Reservoir. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122475. [PMID: 34960744 PMCID: PMC8709494 DOI: 10.3390/v13122475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of potential HIV-1 curative interventions requires accurate characterization of the proviral reservoir, defined as host-integrated viral DNA genomes that drive rebound of viremia upon halting ART (antiretroviral therapy). Evaluation of such interventions necessitates methods capable of pinpointing the rare, genetically intact, replication-competent proviruses within a background of defective proviruses. This evaluation can be achieved by identifying the distinct integration sites of intact proviruses within host genomes and monitoring the dynamics of these proviruses and host cell lineages over longitudinal sampling. Until recently, molecular genetic approaches at the single proviral level have been generally limited to one of a few metrics, such as proviral genome sequence/intactness, host-proviral integration site, or replication competency. New approaches, taking advantage of MDA (multiple displacement amplification) for WGA (whole genome amplification), have enabled multiparametric proviral characterization at the single-genome level, including proviral genome sequence, host-proviral integration site, and phenotypic characterization of the host cell lineage, such as CD4 memory subset and antigen specificity. In this review, we will examine the workflow of MDA-augmented molecular genetic approaches to study the HIV-1 reservoir, highlighting technical advantages and flexibility. We focus on a collection of recent studies in which investigators have used these approaches to comprehensively characterize intact and defective proviruses from donors on ART, investigate mechanisms of elite control, and define cell lineage identity and antigen specificity of infected CD4+ T cell clones. The highlighted studies exemplify how these approaches and their future iterations will be key in defining the targets and evaluating the impacts of HIV curative interventions.
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang AS, Ramos V, Oliveira TY, Gaebler C, Jankovic M, Nussenzweig MC, Cohn LB. Integration features of intact latent HIV-1 in CD4+ T cell clones contribute to viral persistence. J Exp Med 2021; 218:e20211427. [PMID: 34636876 PMCID: PMC8515646 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Latent intact HIV-1 proviruses persist in a small subset of long-lived CD4+ T cells that can undergo clonal expansion in vivo. Expanded clones of CD4+ T cells dominate latent reservoirs in individuals on long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) and represent a major barrier to HIV-1 cure. To determine how integration landscape might contribute to latency, we analyzed integration sites of near full length HIV-1 genomes from individuals on long-term ART, focusing on individuals whose reservoirs are highly clonal. We find that intact proviruses in expanded CD4+ T cell clones are preferentially integrated within Krüppel-associated box (KRAB) domain-containing zinc finger (ZNF) genes. ZNF genes are associated with heterochromatin in memory CD4+ T cells; nevertheless, they are expressed in these cells under steady-state conditions. In contrast to genes carrying unique integrations, ZNF genes carrying clonal intact integrations are down-regulated upon cellular activation. Together, the data suggest selected genomic sites, including ZNF genes, can be especially permissive for maintaining HIV-1 latency during memory CD4+ T cell expansion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy S. Huang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Victor Ramos
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Thiago Y. Oliveira
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Christian Gaebler
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Mila Jankovic
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Michel C. Nussenzweig
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Siliciano JD, Siliciano RF. In Vivo Dynamics of the Latent Reservoir for HIV-1: New Insights and Implications for Cure. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2021; 17:271-294. [PMID: 34736342 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-050520-112001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) can reduce viremia to below the limit of detection and allow persons living with HIV-1 (PLWH) to lead relatively normal lives, viremia rebounds when treatment is interrupted. Rebound reflects viral persistence in a stable latent reservoir in resting CD4+ T cells. This reservoir is now recognized as the major barrier to cure and is the focus of intense international research efforts. Strategies to cure HIV-1 infection include interventions to eliminate this reservoir, to prevent viral rebound from the reservoir, or to enhance immune responses such that viral replication is effectively controlled. Here we consider recent developments in understanding the composition of the reservoir and how it can be measured in clinical studies. We also discuss exciting new insights into the in vivo dynamics of the reservoir and the reasons for its remarkable stability. Finally we discuss recent discoveries on the complex processes that govern viral rebound. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease, Volume 17 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet D Siliciano
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA;
| | - Robert F Siliciano
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
A recombinant measles virus vaccine strongly reduces SHIV viremia and virus reservoir establishment in macaques. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:123. [PMID: 34686669 PMCID: PMC8536681 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00385-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Replicative vectors derived from live-attenuated measles virus (MV) carrying additional non-measles vaccine antigens have long demonstrated safety and immunogenicity in humans despite pre-existing immunity to measles. Here, we report the vaccination of cynomolgus macaques with MV replicative vectors expressing simian-human immunodeficiency virus Gag, Env, and Nef antigens (MV-SHIV Wt) either wild type or mutated in the immunosuppressive (IS) domains of Nef and Env antigens (MV-SHIV Mt). We found that the inactivation of Nef and Env IS domains by targeted mutations led to the induction of significantly enhanced post-prime cellular immune responses. After repeated challenges with low doses of SHIV-SF162p3, vaccinees were protected against high viremia, resulting in a 2-Log reduction in peak viremia, accelerated viral clearance, and a decrease -even complete protection for nearly half of the monkeys- in reservoir cell infection. This study demonstrates the potential of a replicative viral vector derived from the safe and widely used measles vaccine in the development of a future human vaccine against HIV-1.
Collapse
|
12
|
Yeh YHJ, Yang K, Razmi A, Ho YC. The Clonal Expansion Dynamics of the HIV-1 Reservoir: Mechanisms of Integration Site-Dependent Proliferation and HIV-1 Persistence. Viruses 2021; 13:1858. [PMID: 34578439 PMCID: PMC8473165 DOI: 10.3390/v13091858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 50% of the HIV-1 latent reservoir is maintained by clonal expansion. The clonally expanded HIV-1-infected cells can contribute to persistent nonsuppressible low-level viremia and viral rebound. HIV-1 integration site and proviral genome landscape profiling reveals the clonal expansion dynamics of HIV-1-infected cells. In individuals under long-term suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-1 integration sites are enriched in specific locations in certain cancer-related genes in the same orientation as the host transcription unit. Single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed that HIV-1 drives aberrant cancer-related gene expression through HIV-1-to-host RNA splicing. Furthermore, the HIV-1 promoter dominates over the host gene promoter and drives high levels of cancer-related gene expression. When HIV-1 integrates into cancer-related genes and causes gain of function of oncogenes or loss of function of tumor suppressor genes, HIV-1 insertional mutagenesis drives the proliferation of HIV-1-infected cells and may cause cancer in rare cases. HIV-1-driven aberrant cancer-related gene expression at the integration site can be suppressed by CRISPR-mediated inhibition of the HIV-1 promoter or by HIV-1 suppressing agents. Given that ART does not suppress HIV-1 promoter activity, therapeutic agents that suppress HIV-1 transcription and halt the clonal expansion of HIV-1-infected cells should be explored to block the clonal expansion of the HIV-1 latent reservoir.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ya-Chi Ho
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA; (Y.-H.J.Y.); (K.Y.); (A.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Siliciano JD, Siliciano RF. Low Inducibility of Latent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Proviruses as a Major Barrier to Cure. J Infect Dis 2021; 223:13-21. [PMID: 33586775 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The latent reservoir for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in resting CD4+ T cells is a major barrier to cure. The dimensions of the reservoir problem can be defined with 2 assays. A definitive minimal estimate of the frequency of latently infected cells is provided by the quantitative viral outgrowth assay (QVOA), which detects cells that can be induced by T-cell activation to release infectious virus. In contrast, the intact proviral DNA assay (IPDA) detects all genetically intact proviruses and provides a more accurate upper limit on reservoir size than standard single-amplicon polymerase chain reaction assays which mainly detect defective proviruses. The frequency of cells capable of initiating viral rebound on interruption of antiretroviral therapy lies between the values produced by the QVOA and the IPDA. We argue here that the 1-2-log difference between QVOA and IPDA values in part reflects that the fact that many replication-competent proviruses are not readily induced by T-cell activation. Findings of earlier studies suggest that latently infected cells can be activated to proliferate in vivo without expressing viral genes. The proliferating cells nevertheless retain the ability to produce virus on subsequent stimulation. The low inducibility of latent proviruses is a major problem for the shock-and-kill strategy for curing HIV-1 infection, which uses latency-reversing agents to induce viral gene expression and render infected cells susceptible to immune clearance. The latency-reversing agents developed to date are much less effective at reversing latency than T-cell activation. Taken together, these results indicate that HIV-1 eradication will require the discovery of much more effective ways to induce viral gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet D Siliciano
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert F Siliciano
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
McMahon J, Lewin SR, Rasmussen TA. Viral, inflammatory, and reservoir characteristics of posttreatment controllers. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2021; 16:249-256. [PMID: 34334614 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000699] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an overview of studies to date that have identified posttreatment controllers (PTCs) and to explore current evidence around clinical characteristics, immune effector function, and inflammatory and viral reservoir characteristics that may underlie the control mechanism. RECENT FINDINGS PTCs are broadly defined as individuals capable of maintaining control of HIV replication after cessation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). While starting ART early after HIV infection is associated with PTC, genetic disposition or CD8+ T-cell function do not appear to explain this phenomenon, but these features have not been exhaustively analyzed in PTCs. A lower frequency of latently infected cells prior to stopping ART has been associated with achieving PTC, including a lower level of intact HIV DNA, but more studies are needed to map the genetic location, epigenetic characteristics, and tissue distribution of the intact HIV reservoir in PTCs. SUMMARY Current studies are small and heterogeneous and there is a significant need to agree on a uniform definition of PTC. Many aspects of PTC are still unexplored including whether specific features of genetic disposition, immune effector functions, and/or viral reservoir characteristics play a role in PTC. A large multisite international cohort study could aide in providing the important insights needed to fully understand PTC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James McMahon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Monash University
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash Medical Centre
| | - Sharon R Lewin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Monash University
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas A Rasmussen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Arhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW HIV-1 elite controllers encompass small populations of people infected with HIV-1 who can spontaneously control plasma viral loads below the limit of detection, in the absence of antiretroviral treatment. Antiviral immune responses are likely to contribute to such an impressive HIV-1 disease outcome. In this review, we discuss recent novel findings regarding antiviral innate and adaptive immune responses in elite controllers. RECENT FINDINGS Elite controllers maintain a pool of infected cells in which intact HIV-1 proviruses are more frequently integrated into noncoding regions of the host genome, likely conferring a state of deep latency. This atypical viral reservoir configuration is best explained by potent antiviral immune responses that can successfully eliminate virally infected cells in which proviruses are integrated into permissive chromatin. However, identifying the specific type and nature of this immune selection pressure represents a formidable challenge. Recent studies continue to support the role of HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cells as the main driver of elite immune control of HIV-1, however, increasing evidence suggests that their role is complemented by a fine-tuned interplay with innate immune cell subsets. Therefore, the combination of different immune effector mechanisms may shape antiviral immunity in elite controllers. SUMMARY Understanding the complex immune mechanisms responsible for natural, drug-free HIV-1 control represents a premier avenue to find and develop interventions for a cure of HIV-1 infection. Future single-cell assays designed to uncover the full genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional and functional complexity of antiviral immune responses in elite controllers may allow us to define correlates of antiviral immune protection in greater detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xu G. Yu
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA; 02139, USA
- Infectious Disease Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kammers K, Chen A, Monaco DR, Hudelson SE, Grant-McAuley W, Moore RD, Alter G, Deeks SG, Morrison CS, Eller LA, Blankson JN, Laeyendecker O, Ruczinski I, Eshleman SH, Larman HB. HIV Antibody Profiles in HIV Controllers and Persons With Treatment-Induced Viral Suppression. Front Immunol 2021; 12:740395. [PMID: 34512672 PMCID: PMC8428532 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.740395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low HIV viral load is associated with delayed disease progression and reduced HIV transmission. HIV controllers suppress viral load to low levels in the absence of antiretroviral treatment (ART). We used an antibody profiling system, VirScan, to compare antibody reactivity and specificity in HIV controllers, non-controllers with treatment-induced viral suppression, and viremic non-controllers. Methods The VirScan library contains 3,384 phage-displayed peptides spanning the HIV proteome. Antibody reactivity to these peptides was measured in plasma from a Discovery Cohort that included 13 elite controllers, 27 viremic controllers, 12 viremic non-controllers, and 21 non-controllers who were virally suppressed on ART. Antibody reactivity to selected peptides was also assessed in an independent cohort of 29 elite controllers and 37 non-controllers who were virally suppressed on ART (Validation Cohort) and in a longitudinal cohort of non-controllers. Results In the Discovery Cohort, 62 peptides were preferentially targeted in HIV controllers compared to non-controllers who were virally suppressed on ART. These specificities were not significantly different when comparing controllers versus viremic non-controllers. Aggregate reactivity to these peptides was also high in elite controllers from the independent Validation Cohort. The 62 peptides formed seven clusters of homologous epitopes in env, gag, integrase, and vpu. Reactivity to one of these clusters located in gag p17 was inversely correlated with viral load set point in an independent cohort of non-controllers. Conclusions Antibody reactivity was low in non-controllers suppressed on ART, but remained high in viremic controllers despite viral suppression. Antibodies in controllers and viremic non-controllers were directed against epitopes in diverse HIV proteins; higher reactivity against p17 peptides was associated with lower viral load set point. Further studies are needed to determine if these antibodies play a role in regulation of HIV viral load.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Kammers
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Athena Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Daniel R. Monaco
- Department of Pathology and the Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sarah E. Hudelson
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Wendy Grant-McAuley
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Richard D. Moore
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Galit Alter
- Department of Medicine, Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Steven G. Deeks
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Charles S. Morrison
- Behavioral, Epidemiologic and Clinical Sciences, Family Health International (FHI) 360, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Leigh A. Eller
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Joel N. Blankson
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Oliver Laeyendecker
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ingo Ruczinski
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Susan H. Eshleman
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: H. Benjamin Larman, ; Susan H. Eshleman,
| | - H. Benjamin Larman
- Department of Pathology and the Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: H. Benjamin Larman, ; Susan H. Eshleman,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pinzone MR, Weissman S, Pasternak AO, Zurakowski R, Migueles S, O'Doherty U. Naive infection predicts reservoir diversity and is a formidable hurdle to HIV eradication. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e150794. [PMID: 34228640 PMCID: PMC8409977 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.150794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, naive cells have been considered inconsequential to HIV persistence. Here, we compared the contributions of naive and memory cells to the reservoirs of individuals with a spectrum of reservoir sizes and variable immunological control. We performed proviral sequencing of approximately 6000 proviruses from cellular subsets of 5 elite controllers (ECs) off antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 5 chronic progressors (CPs) on ART. The levels of naive infection were barely detectable in ECs and approximately 300-fold lower compared with those in CPs. Moreover, the ratio of infected naive to memory cells was significantly lower in ECs. Overall, the naive infection level increased as reservoir size increased, such that naive cells were a major contributor to the intact reservoir of CPs, whose reservoirs were generally very diverse. In contrast, the reservoirs of ECs were dominated by proviral clones. Critically, the fraction of proviral clones increased with cell differentiation, with naive infection predicting reservoir diversity. Longitudinal sequencing revealed that the reservoir of ECs was less dynamic compared with that of CPs. Naive cells play a critical role in HIV persistence. Their infection level predicts reservoir size and diversity. Moreover, the diminishing diversity of the reservoir as cellular subsets mature suggests that naive T cells repopulate the memory compartment and that direct infection of naive T cells occurs in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marilia R Pinzone
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sam Weissman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexander O Pasternak
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ryan Zurakowski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Stephen Migueles
- HIV-Specific Immunity Section of the Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Una O'Doherty
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Veenhuis RT, Garliss CC, Bailey JR, Blankson JN. CD8 Effector T Cells Function Synergistically With Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies to Enhance Suppression of HIV Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:708355. [PMID: 34394110 PMCID: PMC8358597 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.708355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-specific CD8 T cells and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) both contribute to the control of viremia, but in most cases, neither can completely suppress viral replication. To date, therapeutic vaccines have not been successful in eliciting HIV-specific CD8 T cell or bNAb responses that are capable of preventing long-term viral rebound upon ART cessation. These challenges suggest that a combinatorial approach that harnesses both bNAbs and CD8 T cell responses may be necessary for long term control of viral replication. In this study we demonstrate a synergistic interaction between CD8 T cells and bNAbs using an in vitro model. Our data suggest that this combinatorial approach is very effective at suppressing viral replication in vitro and should be considered in future therapeutic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca T Veenhuis
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Caroline C Garliss
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Justin R Bailey
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joel N Blankson
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Li JZ, Blankson JN. How elite controllers and posttreatment controllers inform our search for an HIV-1 cure. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e149414. [PMID: 34060478 DOI: 10.1172/jci149414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A small percentage of people living with HIV-1 can control viral replication without antiretroviral therapy (ART). These patients are called elite controllers (ECs) if they are able to maintain viral suppression without initiating ART and posttreatment controllers (PTCs) if they control HIV replication after ART has been discontinued. Both types of controllers may serve as a model of a functional cure for HIV-1 but the mechanisms responsible for viral control have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we highlight key lessons that have been learned so far in the study of ECs and PTCs and their implications for HIV cure research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Z Li
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joel N Blankson
- Center for AIDS Research, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pasternak AO, Psomas CK, Berkhout B. Predicting Post-treatment HIV Remission: Does Size of the Viral Reservoir Matter? Front Microbiol 2021; 12:648434. [PMID: 33717047 PMCID: PMC7952863 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.648434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication and improves immune function. However, due to the persistence of long-lived HIV reservoirs, therapy interruption almost inevitably leads to a fast viral rebound. A small percentage of individuals who are able to control HIV replication for extended periods after therapy interruption are of particular interest because they may represent a model of long-term HIV remission without ART. These individuals are characterized by a limited viral reservoir and low reservoir measures can predict post-treatment HIV remission. However, most individuals with a low reservoir still experience fast viral rebound. In this Perspective, we discuss the possible reasons behind this and propose to develop an integral profile, composed of viral and host biomarkers, that could allow the accurate prediction of post-treatment HIV remission. We also propose to incorporate information on the chromatin context of the proviral integration sites into the characterization of the HIV reservoir, as this likely influences the reactivation capacity of latent proviruses and, together with the actual number of intact proviruses, contributes to the replication competence of the reservoir.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander O Pasternak
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christina K Psomas
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine, European Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Ben Berkhout
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Stevenson EM, Ward AR, Truong R, Thomas AS, Huang SH, Dilling TR, Terry S, Bui JK, Mota TM, Danesh A, Lee GQ, Gramatica A, Khadka P, Alberto WDC, Gandhi RT, McMahon DK, Lalama CM, Bosch RJ, Macatangay B, Cyktor JC, Eron JJ, Mellors JW, Jones RB. HIV-specific T cell responses reflect substantive in vivo interactions with antigen despite long-term therapy. JCI Insight 2021; 6:142640. [PMID: 33400687 PMCID: PMC7934865 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.142640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) abrogate HIV replication; however, infection persists as long-lived reservoirs of infected cells with integrated proviruses, which reseed replication if ART is interrupted. A central tenet of our current understanding of this persistence is that infected cells are shielded from immune recognition and elimination through a lack of antigen expression from proviruses. Efforts to cure HIV infection have therefore focused on reactivating latent proviruses to enable immune-mediated clearance, but these have yet to succeed in reducing viral reservoirs. Here, we revisited the question of whether HIV reservoirs are predominately immunologically silent from a new angle: by querying the dynamics of HIV-specific T cell responses over long-term ART for evidence of ongoing recognition of HIV-infected cells. In longitudinal assessments, we show that the rates of change in persisting HIV Nef-specific responses, but not responses to other HIV gene products, were associated with residual frequencies of infected cells. These Nef-specific responses were highly stable over time and disproportionately exhibited a cytotoxic, effector functional profile, indicative of recent in vivo recognition of HIV antigens. These results indicate substantial visibility of the HIV-infected cells to T cells on stable ART, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the development of therapeutic approaches to curing infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. Stevenson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adam R. Ward
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and
- PhD Program in Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ronald Truong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and
| | - Allison S. Thomas
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Szu-Han Huang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and
| | - Thomas R. Dilling
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sandra Terry
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - John K. Bui
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Talia M. Mota
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ali Danesh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Guinevere Q. Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrea Gramatica
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pragya Khadka
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Winiffer D. Conce Alberto
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rajesh T. Gandhi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Deborah K. McMahon
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christina M. Lalama
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ronald J. Bosch
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bernard Macatangay
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joshua C. Cyktor
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joseph J. Eron
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - John W. Mellors
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - R. Brad Jones
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Siliciano JD, Siliciano RF. Nonsuppressible HIV-1 viremia: a reflection of how the reservoir persists. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:5665-5667. [PMID: 33016925 DOI: 10.1172/jci141497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) generally reduces plasma HIV to undetectable levels, although virus persists in latently infected CD4+ T cells. In some individuals, viremia remains detectable despite adherence to ART and the absence of drug resistance mutations. In this issue of the JCI, Halvas et al. describe HIV RNA sequences from plasma of 8 donors with persistent viremia. Residual viremia was dominated by identical HIV-1 RNA sequences that remained relatively constant over 4 years. Plasma virus matched replication-competent virus cultured from CD4+ T cells. Integration site analysis confirmed the presence of large clones of infected cells. These results indicate that nonsuppressible viremia can be due to expanded clones of infected CD4+ T cells carrying replication-competent virus. The individuals described here represent extreme examples of a phenomenon that is seen in all infected individuals and that is a major barrier to curing HIV infection, the in vivo proliferation of latently infected cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet D Siliciano
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert F Siliciano
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Woldemeskel BA, Kwaa AK, Garliss CC, Laeyendecker O, Ray SC, Blankson JN. Healthy donor T cell responses to common cold coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:6631-6638. [PMID: 32966269 PMCID: PMC7685719 DOI: 10.1172/jci143120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDT cell responses to the common cold coronaviruses have not been well characterized. Preexisting T cell immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been reported, and a recent study suggested that this immunity was due to cross-recognition of the novel coronavirus by T cells specific for the common cold coronaviruses.METHODSWe used the enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay to characterize the T cell responses against peptide pools derived from the spike protein of 3 common cold coronaviruses (HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-OC43) and SARS-CoV-2 in 21 healthy donors (HDs) who were seronegative for SARS-CoV-2 and had no known exposure to the virus. An in vitro expansion culture assay was also used to analyze memory T cell responses.RESULTSWe found responses to the spike protein of the 3 common cold coronaviruses in many of the donors. We then focused on HCoV-NL63 and detected broad T cell responses to the spike protein and identified 22 targeted peptides. Interestingly, only 1 study participant had a significant response to SARS-CoV-2 spike or nucleocapsid protein in the ELISPOT assay. In vitro expansion studies suggested that T cells specific for the HCoV-NL63 spike protein in this individual could also recognize SARS-CoV-2 spike protein peptide pools.CONCLUSIONHDs have circulating T cells specific for the spike proteins of HCoV-NL63, HCoV-229E, and HCoV-OC43. T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins were present in only 1 participant and were potentially the result of cross-recognition by T cells specific for the common cold coronaviruses. Further studies are needed to determine whether this cross-recognition influences coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bezawit A. Woldemeskel
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Abena K. Kwaa
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Caroline C. Garliss
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Oliver Laeyendecker
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stuart C. Ray
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joel N. Blankson
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Woldemeskel BA, Kwaa AK, Blankson JN. Viral reservoirs in elite controllers of HIV-1 infection: Implications for HIV cure strategies. EBioMedicine 2020; 62:103118. [PMID: 33181459 PMCID: PMC7658501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Elite controllers are HIV-1 positive subjects who control viral replication without antiretroviral therapy. Many of these subjects have replication-competent virus and thus represent a model of a functional cure. Peripheral CD4+ T cells in these subjects have small reservoirs with a low frequency of intact proviruses. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that many of these intact proviruses are disproportionally integrated at sites that have limited transcriptional activity raising the possibility that replication-competent viruses do not replicate because they are in a “blocked and locked” state. However, this feature is probably a consequence rather than a cause of elite control. Additionally, evolution of plasma virus has been detected in many elites suggesting that there continues to be ongoing viral replication in other compartments. While exceptional elite controllers with very limited viral reservoirs have recently been described, more work is needed to determine whether these patients have achieved a sterilizing cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bezawit A Woldemeskel
- Center for AIDS Research, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street. Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Abena K Kwaa
- Center for AIDS Research, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street. Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Joel N Blankson
- Center for AIDS Research, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street. Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Jiang C, Lian X, Gao C, Sun X, Einkauf KB, Chevalier JM, Chen SMY, Hua S, Rhee B, Chang K, Blackmer JE, Osborn M, Peluso MJ, Hoh R, Somsouk M, Milush J, Bertagnolli LN, Sweet SE, Varriale JA, Burbelo PD, Chun TW, Laird GM, Serrao E, Engelman AN, Carrington M, Siliciano RF, Siliciano JM, Deeks SG, Walker BD, Lichterfeld M, Yu XG. Distinct viral reservoirs in individuals with spontaneous control of HIV-1. Nature 2020; 585:261-267. [PMID: 32848246 PMCID: PMC7837306 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2651-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Sustained, drug-free control of HIV-1 replication is naturally achieved in less than 0.5% of infected individuals (here termed 'elite controllers'), despite the presence of a replication-competent viral reservoir1. Inducing such an ability to spontaneously maintain undetectable plasma viraemia is a major objective of HIV-1 cure research, but the characteristics of proviral reservoirs in elite controllers remain to be determined. Here, using next-generation sequencing of near-full-length single HIV-1 genomes and corresponding chromosomal integration sites, we show that the proviral reservoirs of elite controllers frequently consist of oligoclonal to near-monoclonal clusters of intact proviral sequences. In contrast to individuals treated with long-term antiretroviral therapy, intact proviral sequences from elite controllers were integrated at highly distinct sites in the human genome and were preferentially located in centromeric satellite DNA or in Krüppel-associated box domain-containing zinc finger genes on chromosome 19, both of which are associated with heterochromatin features. Moreover, the integration sites of intact proviral sequences from elite controllers showed an increased distance to transcriptional start sites and accessible chromatin of the host genome and were enriched in repressive chromatin marks. These data suggest that a distinct configuration of the proviral reservoir represents a structural correlate of natural viral control, and that the quality, rather than the quantity, of viral reservoirs can be an important distinguishing feature for a functional cure of HIV-1 infection. Moreover, in one elite controller, we were unable to detect intact proviral sequences despite analysing more than 1.5 billion peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which raises the possibility that a sterilizing cure of HIV-1 infection, which has previously been observed only following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation2,3, may be feasible in rare instances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Jiang
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Infectious Disease Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaodong Lian
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Infectious Disease Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ce Gao
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xiaoming Sun
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kevin B Einkauf
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Infectious Disease Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua M Chevalier
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Infectious Disease Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Stephane Hua
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ben Rhee
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Infectious Disease Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaylee Chang
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Matthew Osborn
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael J Peluso
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca Hoh
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ma Somsouk
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Milush
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lynn N Bertagnolli
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah E Sweet
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph A Varriale
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter D Burbelo
- Dental Clinical Research Core, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tae-Wook Chun
- National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Erik Serrao
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan N Engelman
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary Carrington
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Robert F Siliciano
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Janet M Siliciano
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Steven G Deeks
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bruce D Walker
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mathias Lichterfeld
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Infectious Disease Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xu G Yu
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Infectious Disease Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Antar AA, Jenike KM, Jang S, Rigau DN, Reeves DB, Hoh R, Krone MR, Keruly JC, Moore RD, Schiffer JT, Nonyane BA, Hecht FM, Deeks SG, Siliciano JD, Ho YC, Siliciano RF. Longitudinal study reveals HIV-1-infected CD4+ T cell dynamics during long-term antiretroviral therapy. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:3543-3559. [PMID: 32191639 PMCID: PMC7324206 DOI: 10.1172/jci135953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Proliferation of CD4+ T cells harboring HIV-1 proviruses is a major contributor to viral persistence in people on antiretroviral therapy (ART). To determine whether differential rates of clonal proliferation or HIV-1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) pressure shape the provirus landscape, we performed an intact proviral DNA assay (IPDA) and obtained 661 near-full-length provirus sequences from 8 individuals with suppressed viral loads on ART at time points 7 years apart. We observed slow decay of intact proviruses but no changes in the proportions of various types of defective proviruses. The proportion of intact proviruses in expanded clones was similar to that of defective proviruses in clones. Intact proviruses observed in clones did not have more escaped CTL epitopes than intact proviruses observed as singlets. Concordantly, total proviruses at later time points or observed in clones were not enriched in escaped or unrecognized epitopes. Three individuals with natural control of HIV-1 infection (controllers) on ART, included because controllers have strong HIV-1-specific CTL responses, had a smaller proportion of intact proviruses but a distribution of defective provirus types and escaped or unrecognized epitopes similar to that of the other individuals. This work suggests that CTL selection does not significantly check clonal proliferation of infected cells or greatly alter the provirus landscape in people on ART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annukka A.R. Antar
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Katharine M. Jenike
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sunyoung Jang
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Danielle N. Rigau
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel B. Reeves
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Melissa R. Krone
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeanne C. Keruly
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard D. Moore
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joshua T. Schiffer
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Bareng A.S. Nonyane
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Janet D. Siliciano
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ya-Chi Ho
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert F. Siliciano
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Beck SE, Blankson JN. Replacing cART with CAR-T Cells: Using Immunotherapy to Cure HIV. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1561-1562. [PMID: 32562615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Beck
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joel N Blankson
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ren Y, Huang SH, Patel S, Alberto WDC, Magat D, Ahimovic D, Macedo AB, Durga R, Chan D, Zale E, Mota TM, Truong R, Rohwetter T, McCann CD, Kovacs CM, Benko E, Wimpelberg A, Cannon C, Hardy WD, Bosque A, Bollard CM, Jones RB. BCL-2 antagonism sensitizes cytotoxic T cell-resistant HIV reservoirs to elimination ex vivo. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:2542-2559. [PMID: 32027622 PMCID: PMC7191002 DOI: 10.1172/jci132374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Curing HIV infection will require the elimination of a reservoir of infected CD4+ T cells that persists despite HIV-specific cytotoxic T cell (CTL) responses. Although viral latency is a critical factor in this persistence, recent evidence also suggests a role for intrinsic resistance of reservoir-harboring cells to CTL killing. This resistance may have contributed to negative outcomes of clinical trials, where pharmacologic latency reversal has thus far failed to drive reductions in HIV reservoirs. Through transcriptional profiling, we herein identified overexpression of the prosurvival factor B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) as a distinguishing feature of CD4+ T cells that survived CTL killing. We show that the inducible HIV reservoir was disproportionately present in BCL-2hi subsets in ex vivo CD4+ T cells. Treatment with the BCL-2 antagonist ABT-199 was not sufficient to drive reductions in ex vivo viral reservoirs when tested either alone or with a latency-reversing agent (LRA). However, the triple combination of strong LRAs, HIV-specific T cells, and a BCL-2 antagonist uniquely enabled the depletion of ex vivo viral reservoirs. Our results provide rationale for novel therapeutic approaches targeting HIV cure and, more generally, suggest consideration of BCL-2 antagonism as a means of enhancing CTL immunotherapy in other settings, such as cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanqin Ren
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Szu Han Huang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shabnum Patel
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Winiffer D. Conce Alberto
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dean Magat
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dughan Ahimovic
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amanda B. Macedo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ryan Durga
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dora Chan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Elizabeth Zale
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Talia M. Mota
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ronald Truong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Thomas Rohwetter
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chase D. McCann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Erika Benko
- Maple Leaf Medical Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - W. David Hardy
- Whitman-Walker Health, Washington, DC, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alberto Bosque
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Catherine M. Bollard
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - R. Brad Jones
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
May ME, Pohlmeyer CW, Kwaa AK, Mankowski MC, Bailey JR, Blankson JN. Combined Effects of HLA-B*57/5801 Elite Suppressor CD8+ T Cells and NK Cells on HIV-1 Replication. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:113. [PMID: 32266164 PMCID: PMC7098910 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Elite controllers or suppressors (ES) are HIV-1 infected individuals who maintain undetectable viral loads without anti-retroviral therapy. The HLA-B*57 allele is overrepresented in ES suggesting a role for HIV-specific CD8+ T cells in immune control. Natural killer (NK) cells also play a role in controlling viral replication, and genetic studies demonstrate that specific combinations of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) alleles and HLA subtypes including HLA-B*57 correlate with delayed progression to AIDS. While prior studies have shown that both HIV-specific CD8+ T cells and NK cells can inhibit viral replication in vitro, the interaction between these two effector cells has not been studied. We performed in vitro suppression assays using CD8+ T cells and NK cells from HLA-B*57 ES either alone or in combination with each other. We found no evidence of antagonism or synergy between the CD8+ T cells and NK cells, suggesting that they have independent mechanisms of inhibition in vitro. Our data has implications for combined immunotherapy with CD8+ T cells and NK cells in HIV cure strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan E May
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Abena K Kwaa
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Justin R Bailey
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joel N Blankson
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kwaa AK, Garliss CC, Ritter KD, Laird GM, Blankson JN. Elite suppressors have low frequencies of intact HIV-1 proviral DNA. AIDS 2020; 34:641-643. [PMID: 31895150 PMCID: PMC7610219 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
: Elite controllers or suppressors control viral replication without antiretroviral therapy. We used the intact proviral DNA assay to approximate the size of the inducible latent reservoir in elite suppressors and found that, while the median frequency of both total and intact proviral DNA was markedly lower than the frequencies seen in chronic progressors on antiretroviral therapy there was no significant difference in the ratio of intact to total proviral DNA between elite suppressors and chronic progressors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abena Kr Kwaa
- Department of Medicine, Center For AIDS Research, Johns Hopkins Medicine
| | - Caroline C Garliss
- Department of Medicine, Center For AIDS Research, Johns Hopkins Medicine
| | | | | | - Joel N Blankson
- Department of Medicine, Center For AIDS Research, Johns Hopkins Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
HIV infection can be effectively treated by lifelong administration of combination antiretroviral therapy, but an effective vaccine will likely be required to end the HIV epidemic. Although the majority of current vaccine strategies focus on the induction of neutralizing antibodies, there is substantial evidence that cellular immunity mediated by CD8+ T cells can sustain long-term disease-free and transmission-free HIV control and may be harnessed to induce both therapeutic and preventive antiviral effects. In this Review, we discuss the increasing evidence derived from individuals who spontaneously control infection without antiretroviral therapy as well as preclinical immunization studies that provide a clear rationale for renewed efforts to develop a CD8+ T cell-based HIV vaccine in conjunction with B cell vaccine efforts. Further, we outline the remaining challenges in translating these findings into viable HIV prevention, treatment and cure strategies. Recently, antibody-mediated control of HIV infection has received considerable attention. Here, the authors discuss the importance of CD8+ T cells in HIV infection and suggest that efforts to develop vaccines that target these cells in conjunction with B cells should be renewed.
Collapse
|
32
|
Etemad B, Esmaeilzadeh E, Li JZ. Learning From the Exceptions: HIV Remission in Post-treatment Controllers. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1749. [PMID: 31396237 PMCID: PMC6668499 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the top priorities of the HIV field is the search for therapeutic interventions that can lead to sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART)-free HIV remission. Although the majority of HIV-infected persons will experience rapid viral rebound after ART interruption, there are rare individuals, termed post-treatment controllers (PTCs), who demonstrate sustained virologic suppression for months or years after treatment cessation. These individuals are considered an ideal example of durable HIV control, with direct implications for HIV cure research. However, understanding of the mechanisms behind the capacity of PTCs to control HIV remains incomplete. This is in part due to the scarcity of PTCs identified through any one research center or clinical trial, and in part because of the limited scope of studies that have been performed in these remarkable individuals. In this review, we summarize the results of both clinical and basic research studies of PTCs to date, explore key differences between PTCs and HIV spontaneous controllers, examine potential mechanisms of post-treatment control, and discuss unanswered questions and future research directions in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jonathan Z. Li
- Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Elite controllers and lessons learned for HIV-1 cure. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 38:31-36. [PMID: 31252326 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Following the success of HIV-1 antiviral treatment that maintains undetectable levels of viral replication and lack of clinical progression, the design of an HIV-1 cure for patients became the next objective. The success of the treated individuals together with the identification of subjects that spontaneously control the clinical progression for long periods, such as long-term non-progressors (LTNPs) and particularly LTNP Elite Controllers (LTNP EC) have shed hope for the feasibility of a potential cure. Although a successful cure has not been attained yet, these patients have provided critical information on the mechanisms involved in the clinical control such as host genetic factors, as well as strong immune responses against the virus. Less attention has been paid to virological factors, particularly the association of the genetic variability and the control of viral infection. Considering all these studies, it has become clear that a combination of several host, immune and viral factors is needed to attain control of the viral replication control and the non-progressor clinical phenotype. Because this control can be reached through different combinations of factors, this group of individuals is not homogenous. As HIV-1 cure has been shown to be extremely difficult to achieve, a more feasible objective is the functional cure of the viral infection. After the analysis of multiple studies on the mechanisms of control in LTNP EC, we found subjects with various host protective factors and prolonged viral control. These subjects present a complete lack of evolution after more than 20-30 years of infection, stable levels of CD4+ cells (>400-500 cells/μl), a strong immune response, and no signs of clinical progression. We propose that individuals with these characteristics could have attained a functional cure of the HIV-1 infection.
Collapse
|
34
|
Interferon Alpha Enhances NK Cell Function and the Suppressive Capacity of HIV-Specific CD8 + T Cells. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.01541-18. [PMID: 30404799 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01541-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Current shock-and-kill strategies for the eradication of the HIV-1 reservoir have resulted in blips of viremia but not in a decrease in the size of the latent reservoir in patients on suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). This discrepancy could potentially be explained by an inability of the immune system to kill HIV-1-infected cells following the reversal of latency. Furthermore, some studies have suggested that certain latency-reversing agents (LRAs) may inhibit CD8+ T cell and natural killer (NK) cell responses. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that alpha interferon (IFN-α) could improve the function of NK cells from chronic progressors (CP) on ART. We show here that IFN-α treatment enhanced cytokine secretion, polyfunctionality, degranulation, and the cytotoxic potential of NK cells from healthy donors (HD) and CP. We also show that this cytokine enhanced the viral suppressive capacity of NK cells from HD and elite controllers or suppressors. Furthermore, IFN-α enhanced global CP CD8+ T cell cytokine responses and the suppressive capacity of ES CD8+ T cells. Our data suggest that IFN-α treatment may potentially be used as an immunomodulatory agent in HIV-1 cure strategies.IMPORTANCE Data suggest that HIV+ individuals unable to control infection fail to do so due to impaired cytokine production and/cytotoxic effector cell function. Consequently, the success of cure agendas such as the shock-and-kill strategy will probably depend on enhancing patient effector cell function. In this regard, NK cells are of particular interest since they complement the function of CD8+ T cells. Here, we demonstrate the ability of short-course alpha interferon (IFN-α) treatments to effectively enhance such effector functions in chronic progressor NK cells without inhibiting their general CD8+ T cell function. These results point to the possibility of exploring such short-course IFN-α treatments for the enhancement of effector cell function in HIV+ patients in future cure strategies.
Collapse
|