Novel restriction factor RNA-associated early-stage anti-viral factor (REAF) inhibits human and simian immunodeficiency viruses

Capsid-dependent lentiviral restrictions

Host antiviral proteins inhibit primate lentiviruses and other retroviruses by targeting many features of the viral life cycle. The lentiviral capsid protein and the assembled viral core are known to be inhibited through multiple, directly acting antiviral proteins. Several phenotypes, including those known as Lv1 through Lv5, have been described as cell type-specific blocks to infection against some but not all primate lentiviruses. Here we review important features of known capsid-targeting blocks to infection together with several blocks to infection for which the genes responsible for the inhibition still remain to be identified. We outline the features of these blocks as well as how current methodologies are now well suited to find these antiviral genes and solve these long-standing mysteries in the HIV and retrovirology fields.

HIV-1 Vpr Functions in Primary CD4+ T Cells

HIV-1 encodes four accesory proteins in addition to its structural and regulatory genes. Uniquely amongst them, Vpr is abundantly present within virions, meaning it is poised to exert various biological effects on the host cell upon delivery. In this way, Vpr contributes towards the establishment of a successful infection, as evidenced by the extent to which HIV-1 depends on this factor to achieve full pathogenicity in vivo. Although HIV infects various cell types in the host organism, CD4+ T cells are preferentially targeted since they are highly permissive towards productive infection, concomitantly bringing about the hallmark immune dysfunction that accompanies HIV-1 spread. The last several decades have seen unprecedented progress in unraveling the activities Vpr possesses in the host cell at the molecular scale, increasingly underscoring the importance of this viral component. Nevertheless, it remains controversial whether some of these advances bear in vivo relevance, since commonly employed cellular models significantly differ from primary T lymphocytes. One prominent example is the "established" ability of Vpr to induce G2 cell cycle arrest, with enigmatic physiological relevance in infected primary T lymphocytes. The objective of this review is to present these discoveries in their biological context to illustrate the mechanisms whereby Vpr supports HIV-1 infection in CD4+ T cells, whilst identifying findings that require validation in physiologically relevant models.

The innate immune factor RPRD2/REAF and its role in the Lv2 restriction of HIV

Intracellular innate immunity involves co-evolved antiviral restriction factors that specifically inhibit infecting viruses. Studying these restrictions has increased our understanding of viral replication, host-pathogen interactions, and pathogenesis, and represent potential targets for novel antiviral therapies. Lentiviral restriction 2 (Lv2) was identified as an unmapped early-phase restriction of HIV-2 and later shown to also restrict HIV-1 and simian immunodeficiency virus. The viral determinants of Lv2 susceptibility have been mapped to the envelope and capsid proteins in both HIV-1 and HIV-2, and also viral protein R (Vpr) in HIV-1, and appears dependent on cellular entry mechanism. A genome-wide screen identified several likely contributing host factors including members of the polymerase-associated factor 1 (PAF1) and human silencing hub (HUSH) complexes, and the newly characterized regulation of nuclear pre-mRNA domain containing 2 (RPRD2). Subsequently, RPRD2 (or RNA-associated early-stage antiviral factor) has been shown to be upregulated upon T cell activation, is highly expressed in myeloid cells, binds viral reverse transcripts, and potently restricts HIV-1 infection. RPRD2 is also bound by HIV-1 Vpr and targeted for degradation by the proteasome upon reverse transcription, suggesting RPRD2 impedes reverse transcription and Vpr targeting overcomes this block. RPRD2 is mainly localized to the nucleus and binds RNA, DNA, and DNA:RNA hybrids. More recently, RPRD2 has been shown to negatively regulate genome-wide transcription and interact with the HUSH and PAF1 complexes which repress HIV transcription and are implicated in maintenance of HIV latency. In this review, we examine Lv2 restriction and the antiviral role of RPRD2 and consider potential mechanism(s) of action.

Primate TRIM34 is a broadly-acting, TRIM5-dependent lentiviral restriction factor

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other lentiviruses adapt to new hosts by evolving to evade host-specific innate immune proteins that differ in sequence and often viral recognition between host species. Understanding how these host antiviral proteins, called restriction factors, constrain lentivirus replication and transmission is key to understanding the emergence of pandemic viruses like HIV-1. Human TRIM34, a paralogue of the well-characterized lentiviral restriction factor TRIM5α, was previously identified by our lab via CRISPR-Cas9 screening as a restriction factor of certain HIV and SIV capsids. Here, we show that diverse primate TRIM34 orthologues from non-human primates can restrict a range of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) capsids including SIVAGM-SAB, SIVAGM-TAN and SIVMAC capsids, which infect sabaeus monkeys, tantalus monkeys, and rhesus macaques, respectively. All primate TRIM34 orthologues tested, regardless of species of origin, were able to restrict this same subset of viral capsids. However, in all cases, this restriction also required the presence of TRIM5α. We demonstrate that TRIM5α is necessary, but not sufficient, for restriction of these capsids, and that human TRIM5α functionally interacts with TRIM34 from different species. Finally, we find that both the TRIM5α SPRY v1 loop and the TRIM34 SPRY domain are essential for TRIM34-mediated restriction. These data support a model in which TRIM34 is a broadly-conserved primate lentiviral restriction factor that acts in tandem with TRIM5α, such that together, these proteins can restrict capsids that neither can restrict alone.

Primate TRIM34 is a broadly-acting, TRIM5-dependent lentiviral restriction factor

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other lentiviruses adapt to new hosts by evolving to evade host-specific innate immune proteins that differ in sequence and often viral recognition between host species. Understanding how these host antiviral proteins, called restriction factors, constrain lentivirus replication and transmission is key to understanding the emergence of pandemic viruses like HIV-1. Human TRIM34, a paralogue of the well-characterized lentiviral restriction factor TRIM5α, was previously identified by our lab via CRISPR-Cas9 screening as a restriction factor of certain HIV and SIV capsids. Here, we show that diverse primate TRIM34 orthologues from non-human primates can restrict a range of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) capsids including SIV AGM-SAB , SIV AGM-TAN and SIV MAC capsids, which infect sabaeus monkeys, tantalus monkeys, and rhesus macaques, respectively. All primate TRIM34 orthologues tested, regardless of species of origin, were able to restrict this same subset of viral capsids. However, in all cases, this restriction also required the presence of TRIM5α. We demonstrate that TRIM5α is necessary, but not sufficient, for restriction of these capsids, and that human TRIM5α functionally interacts with TRIM34 from different species. Finally, we find that both the TRIM5α SPRY v1 loop and the TRIM34 SPRY domain are essential for TRIM34-mediated restriction. These data support a model in which TRIM34 is a broadly-conserved primate lentiviral restriction factor that acts in tandem with TRIM5α, such that together, these proteins can restrict capsids that neither can restrict alone.

Host Restriction Factors Modulating HIV Latency and Replication in Macrophages

In addition to CD4⁺ T lymphocytes, myeloid cells and, particularly, differentiated macrophages are targets of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection via the interaction of gp120Env with CD4 and CCR5 or CXCR4. Both T cells and macrophages support virus replication, although with substantial differences. In contrast to activated CD4⁺ T lymphocytes, HIV-1 replication in macrophages occurs in nondividing cells and it is characterized by the virtual absence of cytopathicity both in vitro and in vivo. These general features should be considered in evaluating the role of cell-associated restriction factors aiming at preventing or curtailing virus replication in macrophages and T cells, particularly in the context of designing strategies to tackle the viral reservoir in infected individuals receiving combination antiretroviral therapy. In this regard, we will here also discuss a model of reversible HIV-1 latency in primary human macrophages and the role of host factors determining the restriction or reactivation of virus replication in these cells.

Structure, Function, and Interactions of the HIV-1 Capsid Protein

The capsid (CA) protein of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is an essential structural component of a virion and facilitates many crucial life cycle steps through interactions with host cell factors. Capsid shields the reverse transcription complex from restriction factors while it enables trafficking to the nucleus by hijacking various adaptor proteins, such as FEZ1 and BICD2. In addition, the capsid facilitates the import and localization of the viral complex in the nucleus through interaction with NUP153, NUP358, TNPO3, and CPSF-6. In the later stages of the HIV-1 life cycle, CA plays an essential role in the maturation step as a constituent of the Gag polyprotein. In the final phase of maturation, Gag is cleaved, and CA is released, allowing for the assembly of CA into a fullerene cone, known as the capsid core. The fullerene cone consists of ~250 CA hexamers and 12 CA pentamers and encloses the viral genome and other essential viral proteins for the next round of infection. As research continues to elucidate the role of CA in the HIV-1 life cycle and the importance of the capsid protein becomes more apparent, CA displays potential as a therapeutic target for the development of HIV-1 inhibitors.

Vpr Is a VIP: HIV Vpr and Infected Macrophages Promote Viral Pathogenesis

HIV infects several cell types in the body, including CD4+ T cells and macrophages. Here we review the role of macrophages in HIV infection and describe complex interactions between viral proteins and host defenses in these cells. Macrophages exist in many forms throughout the body, where they play numerous roles in healthy and diseased states. They express pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) that bind viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens, making them both a key player in innate immunity and a potential target of infection by pathogens, including HIV. Among these PRRs is mannose receptor, a macrophage-specific protein that binds oligosaccharides, restricts HIV replication, and is downregulated by the HIV accessory protein Vpr. Vpr significantly enhances infection in vivo, but the mechanism by which this occurs is controversial. It is well established that Vpr alters the expression of numerous host proteins by using its co-factor DCAF1, a component of the DCAF1-DDB1-CUL4 ubiquitin ligase complex. The host proteins targeted by Vpr and their role in viral replication are described in detail. We also discuss the structure and function of the viral protein Env, which is stabilized by Vpr in macrophages. Overall, this literature review provides an updated understanding of the contributions of macrophages and Vpr to HIV pathogenesis.

HIV-1 Accessory Protein Vpr Interacts with REAF/RPRD2 To Mitigate Its Antiviral Activity

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) accessory protein Vpr enhances viral replication in both macrophages and, to a lesser extent, cycling T cells. Virion-packaged Vpr is released in target cells shortly after entry, suggesting it is required in the early phase of infection. Previously, we described REAF (RNA-associated early-stage antiviral factor; RPRD2), a constitutively expressed protein that potently restricts HIV replication at or during reverse transcription. Here, we show that a virus without an intact vpr gene is more highly restricted by REAF and, using delivery by virus-like particles (VLPs), that Vpr alone is sufficient for REAF degradation in primary macrophages. REAF is more highly expressed in macrophages than in cycling T cells, and we detected, by coimmunoprecipitation assay, an interaction between Vpr protein and endogenous REAF. Vpr acts quickly during the early phase of replication and induces the degradation of REAF within 30 min of viral entry. Using Vpr F34I and Q65R viral mutants, we show that nuclear localization and interaction with cullin 4A-DBB1 (DCAF1) E3 ubiquitin ligase are required for REAF degradation by Vpr. In response to infection, cells upregulate REAF levels. This response is curtailed in the presence of Vpr. These findings support the hypothesis that Vpr induces the degradation of a factor, REAF, that impedes HIV infection in macrophages.IMPORTANCE For at least 30 years, it has been known that HIV-1 Vpr, a protein carried in the virion, is important for efficient infection of primary macrophages. Vpr is also a determinant of the pathogenic effects of HIV-1 in vivo A number of cellular proteins that interact with Vpr have been identified. So far, it has not been possible to associate these proteins with altered viral replication in macrophages or to explain why Vpr is carried in the virus particle. Here, we show that Vpr mitigates the antiviral effects of REAF, a protein highly expressed in primary macrophages and one that inhibits virus replication during reverse transcription. REAF is degraded by Vpr within 30 min of virus entry in a manner dependent on the nuclear localization of Vpr and its interaction with the cell's protein degradation machinery.

In-Vitro Subtype-Specific Modulation of HIV-1 Trans-Activator of Transcription (Tat) on RNAi Silencing Suppressor Activity and Cell Death

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a global health concern affecting millions of individuals with a wide variety of currently circulating subtypes affecting various regions of the globe. HIV relies on multiple regulatory proteins to modify the host cell to promote replication in infected T cells, and these regulatory proteins can have subtle phenotypic differences between subtypes. One of these proteins, HIV-1 Trans-Activator of Transcription (Tat), is capable of RNA interference (RNAi) Silencing Suppressor (RSS) activity and induction of cell death in T cells. However, the subtype-specific RSS activity and induction of cell death have not been explored. We investigated the ability of Tat subtypes and variants to induce RSS activity and cell death. TatB, from HIV-1 subtype B, was found to be a potent RSS activator by 40% whereas TatC, from HIV-1 subtype C, showed 15% RSS activity while subtype TatC variants exhibited varying levels. A high level of cell death (50–53%) was induced by subtype TatB when compared to subtype TatC (25–28%) and varying levels were observed with subtype TatC variants. These differential activities could be due to variations in the functional domains of Tat. These observations further our understanding of subtype-specific augmentation of Tat in HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis.

Inhibiting the Ins and Outs of HIV Replication: Cell-Intrinsic Antiretroviral Restrictions at the Plasma Membrane

Like all viruses, human immunodeficiency viruses (HIVs) and their primate lentivirus relatives must enter cells in order to replicate and, once produced, new virions need to exit to spread to new targets. These processes require the virus to cross the plasma membrane of the cell twice: once via fusion mediated by the envelope glycoprotein to deliver the viral core into the cytosol; and secondly by ESCRT-mediated scission of budding virions during release. This physical barrier thus presents a perfect location for host antiviral restrictions that target enveloped viruses in general. In this review we will examine the current understanding of innate host antiviral defences that inhibit these essential replicative steps of primate lentiviruses associated with the plasma membrane, the mechanism by which these viruses have adapted to evade such defences, and the role that this virus/host battleground plays in the transmission and pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS.

SB 9200, a novel agonist of innate immunity, shows potent antiviral activity against resistant HCV variants

SB 9200 is a novel, first-in-class oral modulator of innate immunity that is believed to act via the activation of the RIG-I and NOD2 pathways. SB 9200 has broad-spectrum antiviral activity against RNA viruses including hepatitis C virus (HCV), norovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza and has demonstrated activity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in vitro and in vivo. In phase I clinical trials in chronically infected HCV patients, SB 9200 has been shown to reduce HCV RNA by up to 1.9 log₁₀ . Here, we demonstrate the antiviral activity of SB 9200 against a HCV replicon system and patient derived virus. Using the HCV capture-fusion assay, we show that SB 9200 is active against diverse HCV genotypes and is also effective against HCV derived from patients who relapse following direct-acting antiviral treatment, including viruses containing known NS5A resistance-associated sequences. These data confirm the broad antiviral activity of SB 9200 and indicate that it may have clinical utility in HCV patients who have failed to respond to current antiviral regimens.

RNA-Associated Early-Stage Antiviral Factor Is a Major Component of Lv2 Restriction

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication in human cells is restricted at early postentry steps by host inhibitory factors. We previously described and characterized an early-phase restriction of HIV-1 and -2 replication in human cell lines, primary macrophages, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The restriction was termed lentiviral restriction 2 (Lv2). The viral determinants of Lv2 susceptibility mapped to the HIV-2 envelope (Env) and capsid (CA). We subsequently reported a whole-genome small interfering RNA screening for factors involved in HIV that identified RNA-associated early-stage antiviral factor (REAF). Using HIV-2 chimeras of susceptible and nonsusceptible viruses, we show here that REAF is a major component of the previously described Lv2 restriction. Further studies of the viral CA demonstrate that the CA mutation I73V (previously called I207V), a potent determinant for HIV-2, is a weak determinant of susceptibility for HIV-1. More potent CA determinants for HIV-1 REAF restriction were identified at P38A, N74D, G89V, and G94D. These results firmly establish that in HIV-1, CA is a strong determinant of susceptibility to Lv2/REAF. Similar to HIV-2, HIV-1 Env can rescue sensitive CAs from restriction. We conclude that REAF is a major component of the previously described Lv2 restriction.IMPORTANCE Measures taken by the host cell to combat infection drive the evolution of pathogens to counteract or sidestep them. The study of such virus-host conflicts can point to possible weaknesses in the arsenal of viruses and may lead to the rational design of antiviral agents. Here we describe our discovery that the host restriction factor REAF fulfills the same criteria previously used to describe lentiviral restriction (Lv2). We show that, like the HIV-2 CA, the CA of HIV-1 is a strong determinant of Lv2/REAF susceptibility. We illustrate how HIV counteracts Lv2/REAF by using an envelope with alternative routes of entry into cells.

Cyclophilins and nucleoporins are required for infection mediated by capsids from circulating HIV-2 primary isolates

HIV-2 groups have emerged from sooty mangabey SIV and entered the human population in Africa on several separate occasions. Compared to world pandemic HIV-1 that arose from the chimpanzee SIVcpz virus, the SIVsm-derived HIV-2, largely confined to West Africa, is less replicative, less transmissible and less pathogenic. Here, we evaluated the interactions between host cellular factors, which control HIV-1 infection and target the capsid, and HIV-2 capsids obtained from primary isolates from patients with different disease progression status. We showed that, like HIV-1, all HIV-2 CA we tested exhibited a dependence on cyclophilin A. However, we observed no correlation between HIV-2 viremia and susceptibility to hu-TRIM5alpha or dependence to CypA. Finally, we found that all CA from HIV-2 primary isolates exploit Nup358 and Nup153 for nucleus transposition. Altogether, these findings indicate that the ability to use the two latter nucleoporins is essential to infection of human cells for both HIV-1 and HIV-2. This dependence provides another molecular target that could be used for antiviral strategies against both HIV-1 and 2, based on both nucleoporins.

Dynamic Modulation of Expression of Lentiviral Restriction Factors in Primary CD4+ T Cells following Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Although multiple restriction factors have been shown to inhibit HIV/SIV replication, little is known about their expression in vivo Expression of 45 confirmed and putative HIV/SIV restriction factors was analyzed in CD4⁺ T cells from peripheral blood and the jejunum in rhesus macaques, revealing distinct expression patterns in naive and memory subsets. In both peripheral blood and the jejunum, memory CD4⁺ T cells expressed higher levels of multiple restriction factors compared to naive cells. However, relative to their expression in peripheral blood CD4⁺ T cells, jejunal CCR5⁺ CD4⁺ T cells exhibited significantly lower expression of multiple restriction factors, including APOBEC3G, MX2, and TRIM25, which may contribute to the exquisite susceptibility of these cells to SIV infection. In vitro stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies or type I interferon resulted in upregulation of distinct subsets of multiple restriction factors. After infection of rhesus macaques with SIVmac239, the expression of most confirmed and putative restriction factors substantially increased in all CD4⁺ T cell memory subsets at the peak of acute infection. Jejunal CCR5⁺ CD4⁺ T cells exhibited the highest levels of SIV RNA, corresponding to the lower restriction factor expression in this subset relative to peripheral blood prior to infection. These results illustrate the dynamic modulation of confirmed and putative restriction factor expression by memory differentiation, stimulation, tissue microenvironment and SIV infection and suggest that differential expression of restriction factors may play a key role in modulating the susceptibility of different populations of CD4⁺ T cells to lentiviral infection.IMPORTANCE Restriction factors are genes that have evolved to provide intrinsic defense against viruses. HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) target CD4⁺ T cells. The baseline level of expression in vivo and degree to which expression of restriction factors is modulated by conditions such as CD4⁺ T cell differentiation, stimulation, tissue location, or SIV infection are currently poorly understood. We measured the expression of 45 confirmed and putative restriction factors in primary CD4⁺ T cells from rhesus macaques under various conditions, finding dynamic changes in each state. Most dramatically, in acute SIV infection, the expression of almost all target genes analyzed increased. These are the first measurements of many of these confirmed and putative restriction factors in primary cells or during the early events after SIV infection and suggest that the level of expression of restriction factors may contribute to the differential susceptibility of CD4⁺ T cells to SIV infection.

TLR7/8 agonist induces a post-entry SAMHD1-independent block to HIV-1 infection of monocytes

Background

Monocytes, the primary myeloid cell-type in peripheral blood, are resistant to HIV-1 infection as a result of the lentiviral restriction factor SAMHD1. Toll-like receptors recognize microbial pathogen components, inducing the expression of antiviral host proteins and proinflammatory cytokines. TLR agonists that mimic microbial ligands have been found to have activity against HIV-1 in macrophages. The induction of restriction factors in monocytes by TLR agonist activation has not been well studied. To analyze restriction factor induction by TLR activation in monocytes, we used the imidazoquinoline TLR7/8 agonist R848 and infected with HIV-1 reporter virus that contained packaged viral accessory protein Vpx, which allows the virus to escape SAMHD1-mediated restriction. 

Results

R848 prevented the replication of Vpx-containing HIV-1 and HIV-2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and monocytes. The block was post-entry but prior to reverse transcription of the viral genomic RNA. The restriction was associated with destabilization of the genomic RNA molecules of the in-coming virus particle. R848 treatment of activated T cells did not protect them from infection but treated monocytes produced high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including type-I IFN that protected bystander activated T cells from infection.

Conclusion

The activation of TLR7/8 induces two independent restrictions to HIV-1 replication in monocytes: a cell-intrinsic block that acts post-entry to prevent reverse transcription; and a cell-extrinsic block, in which monocytes produce high levels of proinflammatory cytokines (primarily type-I IFN) that protects bystander monocytes and T lymphocytes. The cell-intrinsic block may result from the induction of a novel restriction factor, which can be termed Lv5 and acts by destabilizing the in-coming viral genomic RNA, either by the induction of a host ribonuclease or by disrupting the viral capsid. TLR agonists are being developed for therapeutic use to diminish the size of the latent provirus reservoir in HIV-1 infected individuals. Such drugs may both induce latent provirus expression and restrict virus replication during treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12977-016-0316-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The EuroSciCon's 2015 Innate Immunity Summit

The EuroSciCon's 2015 Innate Immunity Summit, London, UK, 17–19 November 2015

A first line of defense against viral infection is prompted by the innate immune system. Viruses activate both extracellular and intracellular events that lead to a war between the virus and the host. In addition to vaccines which induce adaptive T- and B-cell response in readiness for infection, other therapies that potentiate the host immune response are in development, such as those that induce an increase in restriction factor activity or diminish inflammation through Toll-like receptors’ antagonists. Other modulators of immune response, such as thymosin α-1, contribute to the inhibition of HIV-1 and human T lymphotropic virus 1 infection. Understanding the mechanisms by which the innate immune response combats pathogen invasion will enable the generation of novel therapeutic strategies to cure viral infection.

Cellular minichromosome maintenance complex component 5 (MCM5) is incorporated into HIV-1 virions and modulates viral replication in the newly infected cells

The post-entry events of HIV-1 infection occur within reverse transcription complexes derived from the viral cores entering the target cell. HIV-1 cores contain host proteins incorporated from virus-producing cells. In this report, we show that MCM5, a subunit of the hexameric minichromosome maintenance (MCM) DNA helicase complex, associates with Gag polyprotein and is incorporated into HIV-1 virions. The progeny virions depleted of MCM5 demonstrated reduced reverse transcription in newly infected cells, but integration and subsequent replication steps were not affected. Interestingly, increased packaging of MCM5 into the virions also led to reduced reverse transcription, but here viral replication was impaired. Our data suggest that incorporation of physiological amounts of MCM5 promotes aberrant reverse transcription, leading to partial incapacitation of cDNA, whereas increased MCM5 abundance leads to reduced reverse transcription and infection. Therefore, MCM5 has the properties of an inhibitory factor that interferes with production of an integration-competent cDNA product.

HIV-2 infects resting CD4+ T cells but not monocyte-derived dendritic cells

Background

Human Immunodeficiency Virus-type 2 (HIV-2) encodes Vpx that degrades SAMHD1, a cellular restriction factor active in non-dividing cells. HIV-2 replicates in lymphocytes but the susceptibility of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) to in vitro infection remains partly characterized.

Results

Here, we investigated HIV-2 replication in primary CD4+ T lymphocytes, both activated and non-activated, as well as in MDDCs. We focused on the requirement of Vpx for productive HIV-2 infection, using the reference HIV-2 ROD strain, the proviral clone GL-AN, as well as two primary HIV-2 isolates. All HIV-2 strains tested replicated in activated CD4+ T cells. Unstimulated CD4+ T cells were not productively infected by HIV-2, but viral replication was triggered upon lymphocyte activation in a Vpx-dependent manner. In contrast, MDDCs were poorly infected when exposed to HIV-2. HIV-2 particles did not potently fuse with MDDCs and did not lead to efficient viral DNA synthesis, even in the presence of Vpx. Moreover, the HIV-2 strains tested were not efficiently sensed by MDDCs, as evidenced by a lack of MxA induction upon viral exposure. Virion pseudotyping with VSV-G rescued fusion, productive infection and HIV-2 sensing by MDDCs.

Conclusion

Vpx allows the non-productive infection of resting CD4+ T cells, but does not confer HIV-2 with the ability to efficiently infect MDDCs. In these cells, an entry defect prevents viral fusion and reverse transcription independently of SAMHD1. We propose that HIV-2, like HIV-1, does not productively infect MDDCs, possibly to avoid triggering an immune response mediated by these cells.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12977-014-0131-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.