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Tincati C, Bono V, Cannizzo ES, Tosi D, Savi F, Falcinella C, Casabianca A, Orlandi C, Luigiano C, Augello M, Rusconi S, Muscatello A, Bandera A, Calcagno A, Gori A, Nozza S, Marchetti G. Primary HIV infection features colonic damage and neutrophil inflammation yet containment of microbial translocation. AIDS 2024; 38:623-632. [PMID: 38016163 PMCID: PMC10942218 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003799] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Impairment of the gastrointestinal barrier leads to microbial translocation and peripheral immune activation, which are linked to disease progression. Data in the setting of primary HIV/SIV infection suggest that gut barrier damage is one of the first events of the pathogenic cascade, preceding mucosal immune dysfunction and microbial translocation. We assessed gut structure and immunity as well as microbial translocation in acutely and chronically-infected, combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)-naive individuals. METHODS Fifteen people with primary HIV infection (P-HIV) and 13 with chronic HIV infection (C-HIV) c-ART-naive participants were cross-sectionally studied. Gut biopsies were analysed in terms of gut reservoirs (total, integrated and unintegrated HIV DNA); tight junction proteins (E-cadherin, Zonula Occludens-1), CD4 + expression, neutrophil myeloperoxidase (histochemical staining); collagen deposition (Masson staining). Flow cytometry was used to assess γδ T-cell frequency (CD3 + panγδ+Vδ1+/Vδ2+). In plasma, we measured microbial translocation (LPS, sCD14, EndoCAb) and gut barrier function (I-FABP) markers (ELISA). RESULTS P-HIV displayed significantly higher tissue HIV DNA, yet neutrophil infiltration and collagen deposition in the gut were similar in the two groups. In contrast, microbial translocation markers were significantly lower in P-HIV compared with C-HIV. A trend to higher mucosal E-cadherin, and gut γδ T-cells was also observed in P-HIV. CONCLUSION Early HIV infection features higher HIV DNA in the gut, yet comparable mucosal alterations to those observed in chronic infection. In contrast, microbial translocation is contained in primary HIV infection, likely because of a partial preservation of E-cadherin and mucosal immune subsets, namely γδ T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Tincati
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan
| | - Valeria Bono
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan
| | | | - Delfina Tosi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Milan
| | - Federica Savi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Milan
| | - Camilla Falcinella
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan
| | - Anna Casabianca
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Fano
| | - Chiara Orlandi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Fano
| | | | - Matteo Augello
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan
| | - Stefano Rusconi
- UOC Malattie Infettive, Ospedale Civile di Legnano, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Biosciences, University of Milan
| | - Antonio Muscatello
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan
| | - Alessandra Bandera
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan
| | - Andrea Calcagno
- Unit of Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin
| | - Andrea Gori
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco University of Milan
| | - Silvia Nozza
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Marchetti
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan
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Reed J, Kwak G, Piliper EA, Degli-Angeli EJ, Goecker EA, Greninger AL. Validation of digital droplet PCR assays for cell-associated HIV-1 DNA, HIV-1 2-LTR circle, and HIV-1 unspliced RNA for clinical studies in HIV-1 cure research. J Clin Virol 2024; 170:105632. [PMID: 38113685 PMCID: PMC10842696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell-associated HIV-1 DNA, HIV-1 2-LTR circle, and HIV-1 unspliced RNA (usRNA) are important virological parameters for monitoring HIV-1 persistence and activation of latent HIV-1. Assays fully validated by CLIA and/or GCLP standards are needed for future clinical trials that seek to evaluate treatments directed towards HIV-1 cure. OBJECTIVES To determine performance characteristics of sensitive, moderate-throughput, digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) assays for cell-associated HIV-1 DNA, HIV-1 2-LTR circle, and HIV-1 usRNA that can detect a broad range of HIV-1 M-group subtypes. STUDY DESIGN To evaluate linearity, limit of detection, precision, and accuracy of each assay, contrived specimens were analyzed in a background of uninfected PBMC. Detection breadth was evaluated by in silico analysis of primer and probes sets and analysis of material harvested from PBMC infected in vitro with various HIV-1 subtypes. A cohort of clinical specimens from viremic and virologically suppressed individuals was analyzed to demonstrate applicability to clinical research. RESULTS The empirically determined limit of detection of these assays was 29, 7, and 60 copies per million PBMC for HIV-1 DNA, HIV-1 2-LTR circle, and HIV-1 usRNA, respectively. The assays detect a broad range of HIV-1 M-group subtypes. Finally, analysis of clinical specimens demonstrate that these assays can detect low levels of cell-associated HIV-1 DNA, HIV-1 usRNA, and HIV-1 2-LTR circle and correlate with clinical histories and viral loads of untreated and antiretroviral treated individuals. CONCLUSIONS We report the clinical validation of three HIV reservoir assays with broad HIV-1 coverage for future cure studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Reed
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ginger Kwak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Eli A Piliper
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Emily J Degli-Angeli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Erin A Goecker
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Alexander L Greninger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States.
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Taramasso L, Bozzano F, Casabianca A, Orlandi C, Bovis F, Mora S, Giacomini M, Moretta L, Magnani M, Di Biagio A, De Maria A. Persistence of Unintegrated HIV DNA Associates With Ongoing NK Cell Activation and CD34+DNAM-1brightCXCR4+ Precursor Turnover in Vertically Infected Patients Despite Successful Antiretroviral Treatment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:847816. [PMID: 35558085 PMCID: PMC9088003 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.847816] [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: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The quantification of proviral DNA is raising interest in view of clinical management and functional HIV eradication. Measures of all unintegrated HIV DNA (uDNA) forms in infected reservoir cells provides information on recent replication events that is not found from other proviral DNA assays. To evaluate its actual relevance in a cohort of perinatally-infected adult HIV patients (PHIV), we studied how peripheral blood mononuclear cell uDNA levels correlated with total HIV DNA (tDNA) and with overall replication or innate immune control parameters including NK cell activation/exhaustion and lymphoid turnover. Twenty-two PHIV were included, with successfully controlled HIV (HIV RNA <50 copies/mL) on combined antiretroviral therapy for mean of 8.7 ± 3.9 years. uDNA accounted for 16 [5.2-83.5] copies/µg and was strongly correlated with tDNA (ρ=0.700, p=0.001). Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral NK cells showed that CD69 expression was directly correlated uDNA (p=0.0412), but not with tDNA. Interestingly, CD56-CD16+NK cells which include newly described inflammatory precursors and terminally differentiated cells were directly correlated with uDNA levels (p<0.001), but not with tDNA, and an inverse association was observed between the proportion of NKG2D+ NK cells and uDNA (ρ=-0.548, p=0.015). In addition, CD34+DNAM-1brightCXCR4+ inflammatory precursor frequency correlated directly with uDNA levels (ρ=0.579, p=0.0075). The frequencies of CD56-CD16+ and CD34+DNAM-1brightCXCR4+ cells maintained association with uDNA levels in a multivariable analysis (p=0.045 and p=0.168, respectively). Thus, control of HIV-1 reservoir in aviremic patients on ART is an active process associated with continuous NK cell intervention and turnover, even after many years of treatment. Quantification of linear and circular uDNA provides relevant information on the requirement for ongoing innate immune control in addition to ART, on recent replication history and may help stratify patients for functional HIV eradication protocols with targeted options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Taramasso
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Bozzano
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Casabianca
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Chiara Orlandi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesca Bovis
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sara Mora
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mauro Giacomini
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Biagio
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea De Maria
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Abstract
The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has transformed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 into a chronic, well-managed disease. However, these therapies do not eliminate all infected cells from the body despite suppressing viral load. Viral rebound is largely due to the presence of cellular reservoirs which support long-term persistence of HIV-1. A thorough understanding of the HIV-1 reservoir will facilitate the development of new strategies leading to its detection, reduction, and elimination, ultimately leading to curative therapies for HIV-1. Although immune cells derived from lymphoid and myeloid progenitors have been thoroughly studied as HIV-1 reservoirs, few studies have examined whether mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) can assume this function. In this review, we evaluate published studies which have assessed whether MSCs contribute to the HIV-1 reservoir. MSCs have been found to express the receptors and co-receptors required for HIV-1 entry, albeit at levels of expression and receptor localisation that vary considerably between studies. Exposure to HIV-1 and HIV-1 proteins alters MSC properties in vitro, including their proliferation capacity and differentiation potential. However, in vitro and in vivo experiments investigating whether MSCs can become infected with and harbour latent integrated proviral DNA are lacking. In conclusion, MSCs appear to have the potential to contribute to the HIV-1 reservoir. However, further studies are needed using techniques such as those used to prove that cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ T cells constitute an HIV-1 reservoir before a reservoir function can definitively be ascribed to MSCs.
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Quantification of Total HIV DNA as a Marker to Measure Viral Reservoir: Methods and Potential Implications for Clinical Practice. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 12:diagnostics12010039. [PMID: 35054206 PMCID: PMC8774405 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The focus of this review is to examine the importance of quantifying total HIV DNA to target the HIV reservoir and the clinical implications and challenges involved in its future application in clinical practice. Despite intrinsic limitations, the quantification of total HIV DNA is currently the most widely used marker for exploring the HIV reservoir. As it allows estimating all forms of HIV DNA in the infected cells, total HIV DNA load is the biomarker of the HIV reservoir that provides most of the insights into HIV pathogenesis. The clinical role of total HIV-DNA in both untreated and treated patients is extensively supported by important lines of evidence. Thus, predictive models that include total HIV DNA load together with other variables could constitute a prognostic tool for use in clinical practice. To date, however, this marker has been primarily used in experimental evaluations. The main challenge is technical. Although the implementation of droplet digital PCR could improve analytical performance over real-time PCR, the lack of standardization has made cross-comparisons of the data difficult. An effort by investigators to compare protocols is needed. Furthermore, the main effort now should be to involve the biomedical industry in the development of certified assays for in vitro diagnostics use.
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Orlandi C, Canovari B, Bozzano F, Marras F, Pasquini Z, Barchiesi F, De Maria A, Magnani M, Casabianca A. A comparative analysis of unintegrated HIV-1 DNA measurement as a potential biomarker of the cellular reservoir in the blood of patients controlling and non-controlling viral replication. J Transl Med 2020; 18:204. [PMID: 32429953 PMCID: PMC7236182 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02368-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The persistence of HIV-1 in reservoir cells is one of the major obstacles to eradicating the virus in infected individuals receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (ART). HIV-1 persists in infected cells as a stable integrated genome and more labile unintegrated DNA (uDNA), which includes linear, 1-LTR and 2-LTR circular DNA. 2-LTR circle DNA, although less abundant, is considered a surrogate marker of recent infection events and is currently used instead of the other unintegrated species as a diagnostic tool. This pilot study aimed to investigate how to best achieve the measurement of uDNA. METHODS A comparative analysis of two qPCR-based methods (U-assay and 2-LTR assay) was performed on the blood of 12 ART-naïve, 14 viremic and 29 aviremic On-ART patients and 20 untreated spontaneous controllers (HIC), sampled at a single time point. RESULTS The U-assay, which quantified all unintegrated DNA species, showed greater sensitivity than the 2-LTR assay (up to 75%, p < 0.0001), especially in viremic subjects, in whom other forms, in addition to 2-LTR circles, may also accumulate due to active viral replication. Indeed, in aviremic On-ART samples, the U-assay unexpectedly measured uDNA in a higher proportion of samples (76%, 22/29) than the 2-LTR assay (41%, 12/29), (p = 0.0164). A trend towards lower uDNA levels was observed in aviremic vs viremic On-ART patients, reaching significance when we combined aviremic On-ART and HIC (controllers) vs Off-ART and viremic On-ART subjects (non-controllers) (p = 0.0003), whereas 2-LTR circle levels remained constant (p ≥ 0.2174). These data were supported by the high correlation found between uDNA and total DNA (r = 0.69, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The great advantage of the U-assay is that, unlike the 2-LTR assay, it allows the accurate evaluation of the totality of uDNA that can still be measured even during successful ART when plasma viremia is below the cut-off of common clinical tests (< 50 copies/mL) and 2-LTR circles are more likely to be under the quantification limit. UDNA measurement in blood cells may be used as a biomarker to reveal a so far hidden or underestimated viral reservoir. The potential clinical relevance of uDNA quantification may lead to improvements in diagnostic methods to support clinical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Orlandi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Benedetta Canovari
- Malattie Infettive, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord, Pesaro, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Marras
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ospedale Policlinico S. Martino IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Zeno Pasquini
- Malattie Infettive, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord, Pesaro, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Barchiesi
- Malattie Infettive, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord, Pesaro, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea De Maria
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ospedale Policlinico S. Martino IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, DISSAL, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Anna Casabianca
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy.
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Di Sante L, Costantini A, Caucci S, Corsi A, Brescini L, Menzo S, Bagnarelli P. Quantification of the HIV-1 total reservoir in the peripheral blood of naïve and treated patients by a standardised method derived from a commercial HIV-1 RNA quantification assay. Clin Chem Lab Med 2020; 59:609-617. [PMID: 33326413 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2020-0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES HIV-1 DNA can persist in host cells, establishing a latent reservoir. This study was aimed to develop an extraction and amplification protocol for HIV-1 DNA quantification by modifying a quantitative commercial assay. METHODS HIV-1 DNA was extracted on an Abbott m2000sp instrument, using an open-mode protocol. Two calibrators, spiked with a plasmid containing HIV-1 genome (103 and 105 cps/mL), were extracted and amplified to generate a master calibration curve. Precision, accuracy, linear dynamic range, limit of quantification (LOQ) and limit of detection (LOD) were determined. A cohort of patients, naïve or chronically infected, was analysed. RESULTS Calibration curve was obtained from 42 replicates of standards (stds); precision was calculated (coefficients of variability [CVs] below 10%); accuracy was higher than 90%. Linearity covered the entire range tested (10-104 copies per reaction), and LOD (95%) was 12 copies per reaction. HIV-1 DNA was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in drug-naïve (62) than in chronically treated patients (50), and proviral loads correlated with lymphocytes (p = 0.0002) and CD4+ (p < 0.0001) counts only in naïve patients. Both groups displayed a significant inverse correlation between CD4+ nadir and proviral loads. A significant correlation (p < 0.0001) between viraemia and HIV-1 reservoir was disclosed. No significant difference was obtained from the comparison between proviral loads on whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the same patient. CONCLUSIONS The novelty of our approach relies on the selection of appropriate reference standard extracted and amplified as clinical specimens avoiding any underestimation of the reservoir. Results confirm HIV-1 DNA as a marker of disease progression, supporting the relationship between the width of latent reservoir and the immunological status of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Di Sante
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Costantini
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Sara Caucci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alice Corsi
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucia Brescini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefano Menzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bagnarelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Thomas J, Ruggiero A, Paxton WA, Pollakis G. Measuring the Success of HIV-1 Cure Strategies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:134. [PMID: 32318356 PMCID: PMC7154081 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 eradication strategies aim to achieve viral remission in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The development of an HIV-1 cure remains challenging due to the latent reservoir (LR): long-lived CD4 T cells that harbor transcriptionally silent HIV-1 provirus. The LR is stable despite years of suppressive ART and is the source of rebound viremia following therapy interruption. Cure strategies such as "shock and kill" aim to eliminate or reduce the LR by reversing latency, exposing the infected cells to clearance via the immune response or the viral cytopathic effect. Alternative strategies include therapeutic vaccination, which aims to prime the immune response to facilitate control of the virus in the absence of ART. Despite promising advances, these strategies have been unable to significantly reduce the LR or increase the time to viral rebound but have provided invaluable insight in the field of HIV-1 eradication. The development and assessment of an HIV-1 cure requires robust assays that can measure the LR with sufficient sensitivity to detect changes that may occur following treatment. The viral outgrowth assay (VOA) is considered the gold standard method for LR quantification due to its ability to distinguish intact and defective provirus. However, the VOA is time consuming and resource intensive, therefore several alternative assays have been developed to bridge the gap between practicality and accuracy. Whilst a cure for HIV-1 infection remains elusive, recent advances in our understanding of the LR and methods for its eradication have offered renewed hope regarding achieving ART free viral remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Thomas
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandra Ruggiero
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Immune and Infectious Disease Division, Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - William A Paxton
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Pollakis
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Reduction of Immune Activation and Partial Recovery of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B-Induced Cytokine Production After Switching to an Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor-Containing Regimen: Results from an Observational Cohort Study. Clin Drug Investig 2020; 39:1239-1249. [PMID: 31531832 PMCID: PMC6842342 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-019-00840-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective Despite integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-containing regimens now being considered a preferred option for both initial therapy and switching strategies in virologically suppressed patients, their effects on lymphocyte phenotypes and functions in the course of effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) are still unclear. Thus, we investigated the effect of a 24-week elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (EVG/c/FTC/TDF) regimen on the T cell compartment and HIV reservoirs in HIV-infected patients switching from a suppressive protease inhibitor-based regimen. Methods Thirty HIV-positive patients receiving suppressive tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF + FTC) (for a median of 5 years) in association with either darunavir/ritonavir (DVR/r) (47%) or atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r) (53%) were followed up for 24 weeks after switching to EVG/c/FTC/TDF. At baseline (week 0 [W0]) and after 12 (W12) and 24 (W24) weeks we analyzed HLA-DR (human leukocyte antigen–DR isotype)/CD38/Ki67/CCR7 (C-C chemokine receptor type 7)/CD45RA/CD127/PD-1 (programmed cell death-1) on CD4/CD8, interferon (IFN)-γ/interleukin (IL)-2 after HIV/Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) exposure (flow cytometry); total, integrated, and unintegrated HIV-DNA; and residual low-level HIV viremia (quantitative polymerase chain reaction [qPCR]). Results While EVG/c/FTC/TDF introduction resulted in a stable CD4+ and CD8+ count, residual low-level HIV-RNA viremia, and HIV reservoirs, we observed a significant reduction in both activated CD4+ (p = 0.016) and CD8+ (p = 0.048) T cells, coupled with an increase in IL-2 and IFN-γ release by CD4+ and CD8+ effector memory T cells, and a decrease in cytokine production by terminally differentiated CD8+ T cells following SEB exposure. Furthermore, the magnitude of the reduction of activated HLA-DR + CD38 + CD8+ T cells (r = − 0.63, p = 0.014) inversely correlates with the amount of total HIV-DNA at W24. Conclusions Our data show a favorable effect of EVG/c/FTC/TDF switch to preserve immune activation-driven damage to T cell homeostasis, restore the multifunctional properties of effector T cells, and possibly contain cell-associated HIV viral burden in already virologically suppressed patients.
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Sgadari C, Monini P, Tripiciano A, Picconi O, Casabianca A, Orlandi C, Moretti S, Francavilla V, Arancio A, Paniccia G, Campagna M, Bellino S, Meschiari M, Nozza S, Sighinolfi L, Latini A, Muscatello A, Saracino A, Di Pietro M, Galli M, Cafaro A, Magnani M, Ensoli F, Ensoli B. Continued Decay of HIV Proviral DNA Upon Vaccination With HIV-1 Tat of Subjects on Long-Term ART: An 8-Year Follow-Up Study. Front Immunol 2019; 10:233. [PMID: 30815001 PMCID: PMC6381398 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Tat, a key HIV virulence protein, has been targeted for the development of a therapeutic vaccine aimed at cART intensification. Results from phase II clinical trials in Italy (ISS T-002) and South Africa (ISS T-003) indicated that Tat vaccination promotes increases of CD4+ T-cells and return to immune homeostasis while reducing the virus reservoir in chronically cART-treated patients. Here we present data of 92 vaccinees (59% of total vaccinees) enrolled in the ISS T-002 8-year extended follow-up study (ISS T-002 EF-UP, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02118168). Results: Anti-Tat antibodies (Abs) induced upon vaccination persisted for the entire follow-up in 34/92 (37%) vaccinees, particularly when all 3 Ab classes (A/G/M) were present (66% of vaccinees), as most frequently observed with Tat 30 μg regimens. CD4+ T cells increased above study-entry levels reaching a stable plateau at year 5 post-vaccination, with the highest increase (165 cells/μL) in the Tat 30 μg, 3 × regimen. CD4+ T-cell increase occurred even in subjects with CD4+ nadir ≤ 250 cells/uL and in poor immunological responders and was associated with a concomitant increase of the CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio, a prognostic marker of morbidity/mortality inversely related to HIV reservoir size. Proviral DNA load decreased over time, with a half-life of 2 years and an estimated 90% reduction at year 8 in the Tat 30 μg, 3 × group. In multivariate analysis the kinetic and amplitude of both CD4+ T-cell increase and proviral DNA reduction were fastest and highest in subjects with all 3 anti-Tat Ab classes and in the 30 μg, 3 × group, irrespective of drug regimens (NNRTI/NRTI vs. PI). HIV proviral DNA changes from baseline were inversely related to CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio and CD4+ T-cell changes, and directly related to the changes of CD8+ T cells. Further, HIV DNA decay kinetics were inversely related to the frequency and levels of intermittent viremia. Finally, Tat vaccination was similarly effective irrespective of the individual immunological status or HIV reservoir size at study entry. Conclusions: Tat immunization induces progressive immune restoration and reduction of virus reservoirs above levels reached with long-term cART, and may represent an optimal vaccine candidate for cART intensification toward HIV reservoirs depletion, functional cure, and eradication strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Sgadari
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Monini
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Orietta Picconi
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Casabianca
- Department of Biomolecular Science, University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - Chiara Orlandi
- Department of Biomolecular Science, University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - Sonia Moretti
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Angela Arancio
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Paniccia
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Campagna
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Bellino
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Meschiari
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Policlinic of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Nozza
- Division of Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Sighinolfi
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Latini
- Unit of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Muscatello
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Foundation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Saracino
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, Policlinic Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Pietro
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Galli
- Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, L. Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Aurelio Cafaro
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Science, University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ensoli
- Pathology and Microbiology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Ensoli
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Surdo M, Cortese MF, Orlandi C, Di Santo F, Aquaro S, Magnani M, Perno CF, Casabianca A, Ceccherini-Silberstein F. Different kinetics of viral replication and DNA integration in the main HIV-1 cellular reservoirs in the presence and absence of integrase inhibitors. Antiviral Res 2018; 160:165-174. [PMID: 30420339 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
To compare the kinetics of integration, p24 production and equilibrium of the different HIV-DNA forms in human primary cells in the presence/absence of integrase-inhibitors (INIs) in vitro. Monocyte-derived-macrophages (MDMs), CD4+ T-cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were infected with HIV-1 in the presence/absence of raltegravir and dolutegravir. HIV-DNA levels and p24 production were measured by qPCR and ELISA assays, respectively. In the absence of INIs, levels of HIV-DNA forms were initially very low, with an increase in the integration process starting at 3 dpi. HIV-DNA increased more slowly in MDMs than it did in CD4+ T-cells and PMBCs peaking at 21 dpi with a mean of 1580 (±890) and 615 (±37) copies/103 cells for proviral and unintegrated HIV-DNA, and 455,972 (±213,255) pg/mL of p24 at the same time point. In CD4+ T-cells the proviral HIV-DNA increased together with unintegrated HIV-DNA peaking at 7 dpi (583 ± 261 and 338 ± 254 copies/103 cells) when the p24 was 218,000 (±75,600) pg/mL. A similar trend was observed in PBMCs (494 ± 361 and 350 ± 123 copies/103 cells for proviral and unintegrated HIV-DNA, and p24 production of 149,400 ± 131,800 pg/mL). Both INIs inhibited viral replication and integration in all the cell types that were tested, especially starting at 3 dpi. However, a small but measurable amount of HIV-DNA (<5 copies/103 cells) was still observed in treated-MDMs up to 30 dpi. In conclusion, our study showed differences in HIV-DNA kinetic integration between CD4+ T-cells and MDMs, which could explain the divergent kinetics of viral-replication. Both INIs inhibited HIV-1 integration and replication with no difference found between CD4+ T-cells and MDMs. However, residual HIV-DNA remained detectable up to 30 dpi in INI-treated MDMs although complete inhibition of HIV replication was achieved. The clinical significance of this minor DNA persistence deserves further investigation considering the role of macrophages as reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Surdo
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Francesca Cortese
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chiara Orlandi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | - Fabiola Di Santo
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Stefano Aquaro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy.
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Anna Casabianca
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, PU, Italy.
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12
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Bosman KJ, Wensing AMJ, Pijning AE, van Snippenberg WJ, van Ham PM, de Jong DMC, Hoepelman AIM, Nijhuis M. Development of sensitive ddPCR assays to reliably quantify the proviral DNA reservoir in all common circulating HIV subtypes and recombinant forms. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25185. [PMID: 30375818 PMCID: PMC6138437 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The latent reservoir is the main barrier on the road to HIV cure, and clinical approaches towards eradication are often evaluated by their effect on proviral DNA. To ensure inclusiveness and representativeness in HIV cure studies, proviral DNA quantification assays that are able to detect all common circulating HIV clades are urgently needed. Here, three HIV DNA assays targeting three different genomic regions were evaluated for their sensitivity and subtype-tolerance using digital PCR. METHODS A subtype-B-specific assay targeting gag (GAG) and two assays targeting conserved sequences in ltr and pol (LTR and JO) were assessed for their sensitivity and subtype-tolerance in digital PCR (Bio-Rad QX200), using a panel of serially diluted subtype reference plasmids as well as a panel of clinical isolates. Both panels represent subtypes A, B, C, D, F, G and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) AE and AG, which together are responsible for 94% of HIV infections worldwide. RESULTS HIV subtype was observed to greatly affect HIV DNA quantification results. Robust regression analysis of the serially diluted plasmid panel showed that the GAG assay was only able to linearly quantify subtype B, D and G isolates (4/13 reference plasmids, average R2 = 0.99), whereas LTR and JO were able to quantify all tested isolates (13/13 reference plasmids, respective average R2 = 0.99 and 0.98). In the clinical isolates panel, isolates were considered detectable if all replicates produced a positive result. The GAG assay could detect HIV DNA in four out of five subtype B and one out of two subtype D isolates, whereas the LTR and JO assays detected HIV DNA in all twenty-nine tested isolates. LTR and JO results were found to be equally precise but more precise than GAG. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate the need for a careful validation of proviral reservoir quantification assays prior to investigations into non-B subtype reservoirs. The LTR and JO assays can sensitively and reliably quantify HIV DNA in a panel that represents the worldwide most prevalent subtypes and CRFs (A, B, C, D, AE, F, G and AG), justifying their application in future trials aimed at global HIV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kobus J Bosman
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Annemarie MJ Wensing
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Aster E Pijning
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | | | - Petra M van Ham
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Dorien MC de Jong
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Andy IM Hoepelman
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious DiseasesUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Monique Nijhuis
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
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13
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Mortier V, Demecheleer E, Staelens D, Schauvliege M, Dauwe K, Dinakis S, Hebberecht L, Vancoillie L, Verhofstede C. Quantification of total HIV-1 DNA in buffy coat cells, feasibility and potential added value for clinical follow-up of HIV-1 infected patients on ART. J Clin Virol 2018; 106:58-63. [PMID: 30077957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successfully treated HIV-1 infected patients have a sustained undetectable viral RNA load. In these cases the total HIV-1 DNA load may constitute a valuable tool to further follow the overall viral burden. The value of this marker outside of cure research has been rarely studied. OBJECTIVES To develop a quantitative (q)PCR for total HIV-1 DNA quantification in buffy coat cells and to evaluate the value of this parameter in clinical follow-up. STUDY DESIGN A qPCR using primers and a probe in the conserved HIV-1 LTR region was adapted for use on DNA extracted from buffy coat cells. Sensitivity, accuracy and reproducibility were evaluated using 8E5 cells and samples from naive and treatment experienced patients. The clinical value of DNA load analysis was assessed by testing 119 longitudinal samples from 9 patients before and after ART initiation and 249 cross sectional samples from therapy-experienced patients. RESULTS Inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variability were 5.56 and 5.94 (%CV). HIV-1 DNA was detected in 249 of the 263 (94.7%) patients on ART for at least 5 months (median: 53 months; IQR: 28-84 months). The HIV-1 DNA load varied between 0.60 and 3.37 copies/106 blood cells and showed significant correlation with the pre-ART CD4+ T-cell count nadir and peak viral RNA load. ART initiation resulted in a slow and limited decline of the total HIV-1 DNA concentration. CONCLUSIONS Quantification of total HIV-1 DNA from buffy coat cells is feasible, sensitive and reliable. Although determination of the on-therapy HIV-1 DNA load may be informative, regular testing has limited clinical value because of the very slow evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Mortier
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan, 10-MRB2, B-9000, Gent, Belgium(1)
| | - Els Demecheleer
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan, 10-MRB2, B-9000, Gent, Belgium(1)
| | - Delfien Staelens
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan, 10-MRB2, B-9000, Gent, Belgium(1)
| | - Marlies Schauvliege
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan, 10-MRB2, B-9000, Gent, Belgium(1)
| | - Kenny Dauwe
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan, 10-MRB2, B-9000, Gent, Belgium(1)
| | - Sylvie Dinakis
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan, 10-MRB2, B-9000, Gent, Belgium(1)
| | - Laura Hebberecht
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan, 10-MRB2, B-9000, Gent, Belgium(1)
| | - Leen Vancoillie
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan, 10-MRB2, B-9000, Gent, Belgium(1)
| | - Chris Verhofstede
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan, 10-MRB2, B-9000, Gent, Belgium(1).
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Control of the HIV-1 DNA Reservoir Is Associated In Vivo and In Vitro with NKp46/NKp30 (CD335 CD337) Inducibility and Interferon Gamma Production by Transcriptionally Unique NK Cells. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.00647-17. [PMID: 28956765 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00647-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The size of lentiviral DNA reservoirs reflects the effectiveness of immune responses against lentiviruses. So far, abundant information has been gathered on the control of HIV-1 replication. Understanding the innate mechanisms contributing to containment of the HIV DNA reservoir, however, are only partly clarified and are relevant to guiding interventions for reservoir containment or eradication. We studied the contribution of natural killer (NK) cell functional features in HIV patients controlling replication either spontaneously (HIV controllers [HIC]) or after progression and antiretroviral treatment (progressor patients [PP]). An inverse correlation between HIV DNA copy numbers (either total or integrated) in circulating CD4+ cells and NK cell function was observed. Induced interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production and NKp46/NKp30 activating receptor-induced expression correlated inversely with reservoir size. The correlation was present not only for a homogeneous cohort of HIC patients but also when PP were included in the analysis. Adaptive (NKG2C+ CD57+) NK cell features were not associated with reservoir size. However, a distinct set of 370 differentially expressed transcripts was found to underlie functional differences in NK cells controlling HIV DNA reservoir size. In proof-of-principle in vitro experiments of CD4+ cell infection with HIV-1, purified NK cells with the above-mentioned functional/transcriptional features displayed 10- and 30-fold higher abilities to control HIV replication and DNA burdens in vitro, respectively, than those of other NK cells. Thus, NK cells with a specific functional and transcriptional signature contribute to control of the HIV reservoir in CD4+ cells. Their selection, expansion, and/or adoptive transfer may support strategies to eradicate HIV-1 infection or to safely deescalate antiretroviral treatment.IMPORTANCE The most relevant feature of HIV-1 infection is represented by its DNA reservoir size in the body, which guarantees lifelong infection and resumption of virus replication after antiretroviral treatment interruption. So far, there has been little success in the identification of factors contributing to HIV-1 reservoir containment. In this study, by studying quantitative total and integrated HIV-1 DNA levels and NK cells in HIV-1 patients with either progressive or nonprogressive disease, we observed that inducible IFN-γ and natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) expression in a specific subset of NK cells with a characteristic transcriptional signature represents a correlate for HIV-1 reservoir control. This represents an advance in our understanding of the mechanism(s) that controls the lentivirus reservoir. Monitoring, selection, expansion, and adoptive transfer of these NK cells may allow monitoring of treatment efficacy and the likelihood of reservoir control and may support protocols for HIV-1 eradication.
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15
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Ruhanya V, Jacobs GB, Glashoff RH, Engelbrecht S. Clinical Relevance of Total HIV DNA in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Compartments as a Biomarker of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND). Viruses 2017; 9:E324. [PMID: 29088095 PMCID: PMC5707531 DOI: 10.3390/v9110324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders is complex and multifactorial. It is hypothesized that the critical events initiating this condition occur outside the brain, particularly in the peripheral blood. Diagnoses of HIV-induced neurocognitive disorders largely rely on neuropsychometric assessments, which are not precise. Total HIV DNA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), quantified by PCR, correlate with disease progression, which is a promising biomarker to predict HAND. Numerous PCR assays for HIV DNA in cell compartments are prone to variation due to the lack of standardization and, therefore, their utility in predicting HAND produced different outcomes. This review evaluates the clinical relevance of total HIV DNA in circulating mononuclear cells using different published quantitative PCR (qPCR) protocols. The rationale is to shed light on the most appropriate assays and sample types used to accurately quantify HIV DNA load, which predicts severity of neurocognitive impairment. The role of monocytes as a vehicle for trafficking HIV into the CNS makes it the most suitable sample for determining a HAND associated reservoir. Studies have also shown significant associations between monocyte HIV DNA levels with markers of neurodamage. However, qPCR assays using PBMCs are cheaper and available commercially, thus could be beneficial in clinical settings. There is need, however, to standardise DNA extraction, normalisation and limit of detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vurayai Ruhanya
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Avenue, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box A178, Avondale Harare 00263, Zimbabwe.
| | - Graeme B Jacobs
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Avenue, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.
| | - Richard H Glashoff
- Division of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Avenue, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.
- Division of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tygerberg Business Unit, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.
| | - Susan Engelbrecht
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Avenue, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.
- Division of Medical Virology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tygerberg Business Unit, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.
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16
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Total HIV-1 DNA, a Marker of Viral Reservoir Dynamics with Clinical Implications. Clin Microbiol Rev 2017; 29:859-80. [PMID: 27559075 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00015-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 DNA persists in infected cells despite combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), forming viral reservoirs. Recent trials of strategies targeting latent HIV reservoirs have rekindled hopes of curing HIV infection, and reliable markers are thus needed to evaluate viral reservoirs. Total HIV DNA quantification is simple, standardized, sensitive, and reproducible. Total HIV DNA load influences the course of the infection and is therefore clinically relevant. In particular, it is predictive of progression to AIDS and death, independently of HIV RNA load and the CD4 cell count. Baseline total HIV DNA load is predictive of the response to cART. It declines during cART but remains quantifiable, at a level that reflects both the history of infection (HIV RNA zenith, CD4 cell count nadir) and treatment efficacy (residual viremia, cumulative viremia, immune restoration, immune cell activation). Total HIV DNA load in blood is also predictive of the presence and severity of some HIV-1-associated end-organ disorders. It can be useful to guide individual treatment, notably, therapeutic de-escalation. Although it does not distinguish between replication-competent and -defective latent viruses, the total HIV DNA load in blood, tissues, and cells provides insights into HIV pathogenesis, probably because all viral forms participate in host cell activation and HIV pathogenesis. Total HIV DNA is thus a biomarker of HIV reservoirs, which can be defined as all infected cells and tissues containing all forms of HIV persistence that participate in pathogenesis. This participation may occur through the production of new virions, creating new cycles of infection and disseminating infected cells; maintenance or amplification of reservoirs by homeostatic cell proliferation; and viral transcription and synthesis of viral proteins without new virion production. These proteins can induce immune activation, thus participating in the vicious circle of HIV pathogenesis.
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17
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the recent literatures related to the factors associated with the size of the HIV reservoir and their clinical significance. DATA SOURCES Literatures related to the size of HIV DNA was collected from PubMed published from 1999 to June 2016. STUDY SELECTION All relevant articles on the HIV DNA and reservoir were collected and reviewed, with no limitation of study design. RESULTS The composition and development of the HIV-1 DNA reservoir in either treated or untreated patients is determined by integrated mechanism comprising viral characteristics, immune system, and treatment strategies. The HIV DNA reservoir is a combination of latency and activity. The residual viremia from the stochastic activation of the reservoir acts as the fuse, continuing to stimulate the immune system to maintain the activated microenvironment for the rebound of competent virus once treatment with antiretroviral therapy is discontinued. CONCLUSION The size of the HIV-1 DNA pool and its composition has great significance in clinical treatment and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni-Dan Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Tai-Sheng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
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18
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Hamid FB, Kim J, Shin CG. Distribution and fate of HIV-1 unintegrated DNA species: a comprehensive update. AIDS Res Ther 2017; 14:9. [PMID: 28209198 PMCID: PMC5314604 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-016-0127-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse transcription of viral RNA and the subsequent integration of reverse transcripts are the classical early events of the HIV-1 life-cycle. Simultaneously, abundant unintegrated DNAs (uDNAs), are formed in cells ubiquitously. The uDNAs either undergo recombination or degradation or persist inactively for long periods in the nucleus as future resources. Among them, 2-LTR circles are considered a dead-end for viral spread. Their contribution to the HIV-1 infection is still poorly understood. Nevertheless, the preintegration transcription of the aberrant DNAs and the consequent alterations of cellular factors have already been reported. Since the major fate of the viral genome is to persist as episomal DNA, precise characterization is required for studying the biology of HIV-1. This review compiles the biochemical and genetic updates on uDNA in the HIV-1 life cycle and could provide direction to further study of their roles in HIV-1 replication and application in HIV-1 pathogenesis.
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Abstract
It was widely believed in the late 1960s that infectious diseases had been conquered by vaccines and antibiotics and humans were no longer under threat by microbial pathogens. Yet, since that time more than 60 pathogens have been discovered that can cause serious emerging infectious diseases. Molecular methods have played critical roles in the discovery, monitoring, and clinical diagnostics of emerging pathogens. In this chapter, we present well-recognized emerging pathogens. We provide examples of the utility of molecular assays in research and clinical care of emerging infectious diseases. We also discuss some theoretical and practical limitations of molecular tests and the future prospects of expanding molecular diagnostics for emerging pathogens based on new advances of knowledge and technologies.
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20
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Ghosh S, Sow A, Guillot C, Jeng A, Ndow G, Njie R, Toure S, Diop M, Mboup S, Kane CT, Lemoine M, Thursz M, Zoulim F, Mendy M, Chemin I. Implementation of an in-house quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method for Hepatitis B virus quantification in West African countries. J Viral Hepat 2016; 23:897-904. [PMID: 27353593 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. HBV infection is diagnosed by serological tests, while real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays are used to quantify viral load, which is a crucial parameter to determine viral replication and to monitor antiviral treatments. However, measuring viral load in resource-limited countries remains nonsystematic, due to the high cost of commercial kits. Here, we describe the development, validation and implementation of a low-cost, in-house qRT-PCR assay to monitor HBV viral load in chronic carriers enrolled in the PROLIFICA programme in the Gambia and Senegal. Over 1500 HBsAg-positive patients, including 210 chronically infected HBV patients, who were given antiviral treatment (tenofovir), were monitored by qRT-PCR using the SYBR Green- and HBV-specific primers. Twenty-four tenofovir-treated patients were followed up and their viral load was tested every 3 months over the 12-month experimental time course. Compared to commercial assays, our in-house assay was shown to be (i) highly reliable, with good intra- and interassay reproducibility over a wide range (45-4.5 × 108 copies mL-1 ), (ii) very similar in the viral loads detected (R2 = .90), (iii) highly sensitive, as it detected loads as low as 30 copies mL-1 (~5 IU mL-1 ), (iv) cheaper (2- to 3-fold), (v) easier to implement and (vi) more rapid. Based on our experience, we recommend this assay as a reliable alternative to commercial assays, for monitoring HBV viraemia in resource-limited, highly endemic countries to reduce the cost and technical obstacles associated with commercial kits.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ghosh
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - A Sow
- La Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | - C Guillot
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - A Jeng
- MRC, The Gambia Unit, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - G Ndow
- MRC, The Gambia Unit, Banjul, The Gambia
- Department of Hepatology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - R Njie
- MRC, The Gambia Unit, Banjul, The Gambia
- Laboratory Services and Biobank Group (DIR/LSB), IARC, Lyon, France
| | - S Toure
- MRC, The Gambia Unit, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - M Diop
- La Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - M Lemoine
- Department of Hepatology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - M Thursz
- Department of Hepatology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - F Zoulim
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
- Department of Hepatology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - M Mendy
- Laboratory Services and Biobank Group (DIR/LSB), IARC, Lyon, France
| | - I Chemin
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France.
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21
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Ensoli F, Cafaro A, Casabianca A, Tripiciano A, Bellino S, Longo O, Francavilla V, Picconi O, Sgadari C, Moretti S, Cossut MRP, Arancio A, Orlandi C, Sernicola L, Maggiorella MT, Paniccia G, Mussini C, Lazzarin A, Sighinolfi L, Palamara G, Gori A, Angarano G, Di Pietro M, Galli M, Mercurio VS, Castelli F, Di Perri G, Monini P, Magnani M, Garaci E, Ensoli B. HIV-1 Tat immunization restores immune homeostasis and attacks the HAART-resistant blood HIV DNA: results of a randomized phase II exploratory clinical trial. Retrovirology 2015; 12:33. [PMID: 25924841 PMCID: PMC4414440 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-015-0151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The phase II multicenter, randomized, open label, therapeutic trial (ISS T-002, Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00751595) was aimed at evaluating the immunogenicity and the safety of the biologically active HIV-1 Tat protein administered at 7.5 or 30 μg, given 3 or 5 times monthly, and at exploring immunological and virological disease biomarkers. The study duration was 48 weeks, however, vaccinees were followed until the last enrolled subject reached the 48 weeks. Reported are final data up to 144 weeks of follow-up. The ISS T-002 trial was conducted in 11 clinical centers in Italy on 168 HIV positive subjects under Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), anti-Tat Antibody (Ab) negative at baseline, with plasma viremia <50 copies/mL in the last 6 months prior to enrollment, and CD4(+) T-cell number ≥200 cells/μL. Subjects from a parallel observational study (ISS OBS T-002, Clinicaltrials.gov NCT0102455) enrolled at the same clinical sites with the same criteria constituted an external reference group to explore biomarkers of disease. RESULTS The vaccine was safe and well tolerated and induced anti-Tat Abs in most patients (79%), with the highest frequency and durability in the Tat 30 μg groups (89%) particularly when given 3 times (92%). Vaccination promoted a durable and significant restoration of T, B, natural killer (NK) cells, and CD4(+) and CD8(+) central memory subsets. Moreover, a significant reduction of blood proviral DNA was seen after week 72, particularly under PI-based regimens and with Tat 30 μg given 3 times (30 μg, 3x), reaching a predicted 70% decay after 3 years from vaccination with a half-life of 88 weeks. This decay was significantly associated with anti-Tat IgM and IgG Abs and neutralization of Tat-mediated entry of oligomeric Env in dendritic cells, which predicted HIV-1 DNA decay. Finally, the 30 μg, 3x group was the only one showing significant increases of NK cells and CD38(+)HLA-DR(+)/CD8(+) T cells, a phenotype associated with increased killing activity in elite controllers. CONCLUSIONS Anti-Tat immune responses are needed to restore immune homeostasis and effective anti-viral responses capable of attacking the virus reservoir. Thus, Tat immunization represents a promising pathogenesis-driven intervention to intensify HAART efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Ensoli
- Pathology and Microbiology, San Gallicano Institute, Istituti Fisioterapici Ospitalieri, Rome, Italy.
| | - Aurelio Cafaro
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | - Anna Casabianca
- Department of Biomolecular Science, University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy.
| | - Antonella Tripiciano
- Pathology and Microbiology, San Gallicano Institute, Istituti Fisioterapici Ospitalieri, Rome, Italy. .,National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | - Stefania Bellino
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | - Olimpia Longo
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | - Vittorio Francavilla
- Pathology and Microbiology, San Gallicano Institute, Istituti Fisioterapici Ospitalieri, Rome, Italy. .,National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | - Orietta Picconi
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Sgadari
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | - Sonia Moretti
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | - Maria R Pavone Cossut
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | - Angela Arancio
- Pathology and Microbiology, San Gallicano Institute, Istituti Fisioterapici Ospitalieri, Rome, Italy. .,National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | - Chiara Orlandi
- Department of Biomolecular Science, University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy.
| | - Leonardo Sernicola
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | - Maria T Maggiorella
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Paniccia
- Pathology and Microbiology, San Gallicano Institute, Istituti Fisioterapici Ospitalieri, Rome, Italy. .,National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | - Cristina Mussini
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Policlinic of Modena, Modena, Italy.
| | - Adriano Lazzarin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, S. Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.
| | - Laura Sighinolfi
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Guido Palamara
- Department of Infectious Dermatology, San Gallicano Hospital, Rome, Italy.
| | - Andrea Gori
- Division of Infectious Diseases, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy.
| | - Gioacchino Angarano
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, Policlinic Hospital, Bari, Italy.
| | - Massimo Di Pietro
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, S.M. Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Massimo Galli
- Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, L. Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Vito S Mercurio
- Department of Infectious Diseases, S. Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Castelli
- Division of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Di Perri
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Turin, Italy.
| | - Paolo Monini
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Science, University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy.
| | - Enrico Garaci
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy, present address University of Tor Vergata, Rome, 00173, Italy.
| | - Barbara Ensoli
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy.
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