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Sugiyama FHC, Dietz LL, Søgaard OS. Utilizing immunotherapy towards achieving a functional cure for HIV-1. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2024; 19:187-193. [PMID: 38686856 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have positively impacted the life expectancy and possibility of living a normal life for people with HIV-1. However, lifelong daily medication is necessary to prevent disease progression. To this end, immunotherapeutic strategies are being tested with the aim of developing a functional cure in which the immune system effectively controls HIV-1 in the absence of ART. RECENT FINDINGS The most promising advances in achieving sustained HIV-1 remission or cure include broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) that are administered alone or in combination with other agents. Newer and more innovative approaches redirecting T cells or natural killer cells to kill HIV-1 infected cells have also shown promising results. Finally, multiple ongoing trials focus on combining bNAbs with other immune-directed therapies to enhance both innate and adaptive immunity. SUMMARY While immunotherapies as an alternative to conventional ART have generally proven to be well tolerated, these therapeutic approaches have largely been unsuccessful in inducing ART-free control of HIV-1. However, promising results from recent trials involving bNAbs that have reported durable HIV-1 control among a subset of participants, provide reason for cautious optimism that we with further optimization of these treatment strategies may be able to achieve functional cure for HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrícia Heloisa Cavicchioli Sugiyama
- Department of Clinical, Toxicological and Bromatological Analysis, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lisa Loksø Dietz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ole Schmeltz Søgaard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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2
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Joshi VR, Altfeld M. Harnessing natural killer cells to target HIV-1 persistence. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2024; 19:141-149. [PMID: 38457230 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this article is to review recent advances in the role of natural killer (NK) cells in approaches aimed at reducing the latent HIV-1 reservoir. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple approaches to eliminate cells harboring latent HIV-1 are being explored, but have been met with limited success so far. Recent studies have highlighted the role of NK cells and their potential in HIV-1 cure efforts. Anti-HIV-1 NK cell function can be optimized by enhancing NK cell activation, antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity, reversing inhibition of NK cells as well as by employing immunotherapeutic complexes to enable HIV-1 specificity of NK cells. While NK cells alone do not eliminate the HIV-1 reservoir, boosting NK cell function might complement other strategies involving T cell and B cell immunity towards an HIV-1 functional cure. SUMMARY Numerous studies focusing on targeting latently HIV-1-infected cells have emphasized a potential role of NK cells in these strategies. Our review highlights recent advances in harnessing NK cells in conjunction with latency reversal agents and other immunomodulatory therapeutics to target HIV-1 persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinita R Joshi
- Department of Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology
| | - Marcus Altfeld
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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3
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Duggan NN, Dragic T, Chanda SK, Pache L. Breaking the Silence: Regulation of HIV Transcription and Latency on the Road to a Cure. Viruses 2023; 15:2435. [PMID: 38140676 PMCID: PMC10747579 DOI: 10.3390/v15122435] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has brought the HIV/AIDS epidemic under control, but a curative strategy for viral eradication is still needed. The cessation of ART results in rapid viral rebound from latently infected CD4+ T cells, showing that control of viral replication alone does not fully restore immune function, nor does it eradicate viral reservoirs. With a better understanding of factors and mechanisms that promote viral latency, current approaches are primarily focused on the permanent silencing of latently infected cells ("block and lock") or reactivating HIV-1 gene expression in latently infected cells, in combination with immune restoration strategies to eliminate HIV infected cells from the host ("shock and kill"). In this review, we provide a summary of the current, most promising approaches for HIV-1 cure strategies, including an analysis of both latency-promoting agents (LPA) and latency-reversing agents (LRA) that have shown promise in vitro, ex vivo, and in human clinical trials to reduce the HIV-1 reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha N. Duggan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tatjana Dragic
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sumit K. Chanda
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Lars Pache
- NCI Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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4
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King HAD, Pokkali S, Kim D, Brammer D, Song K, McCarthy E, Lehman C, Todd JP, Foulds KE, Darrah PA, Seder RA, Bolton DL, Roederer M. Immune Activation Profiles Elicited by Distinct, Repeated TLR Agonist Infusions in Rhesus Macaques. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1643-1655. [PMID: 37861342 PMCID: PMC10656433 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
TLR agonists are a promising class of immune system stimulants investigated for immunomodulatory applications in cancer immunotherapy and viral diseases. In this study, we sought to characterize the safety and immune activation achieved by different TLR agonists in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), a useful preclinical model of complex immune interactions. Macaques received one of three TLR agonists, followed by plasma cytokine, immune cell subset representation, and blood cell activation measurements. The TLR4 agonist LPS administered i.v. induced very transient immune activation, including TNF-α expression and monocyte activation. The TLR7/8 agonist 2BXy elicited more persistent cytokine expression, including type I IFN, IL-1RA, and the proinflammatory IL-6, along with T cell and monocyte activation. Delivery of 2BXy i.v. and i.m. achieved comparable immune activation, which increased with escalating dose. Finally, i.v. bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination (which activates multiple TLRs, especially TLR2/4) elicited the most pronounced and persistent innate and adaptive immune response, including strong induction of IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-1RA. Strikingly, monocyte, T cell, and NK cell expression of the proliferation marker Ki67 increased dramatically following BCG vaccination. This aligned with a large increase in total and BCG-specific cells measured in the lung. Principal component analysis of the combined cytokine expression and cellular activation responses separated animals by treatment group, indicating distinct immune activation profiles induced by each agent. In sum, we report safe, effective doses and routes of administration for three TLR agonists that exhibit discrete immunomodulatory properties in primates and may be leveraged in future immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A. D. King
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD
| | - Supriya Pokkali
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Dohoon Kim
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD
| | - Daniel Brammer
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kaimei Song
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Chelsea Lehman
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - John-Paul Todd
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kathryn E. Foulds
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Robert A. Seder
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Diane L. Bolton
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD
| | - Mario Roederer
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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5
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Li F, Song B, Zhou WF, Chu LJ. Toll-Like Receptors 7/8: A Paradigm for the Manipulation of Immunologic Reactions for Immunotherapy. Viral Immunol 2023; 36:564-578. [PMID: 37751284 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2023.0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system recognizes conserved features of viral and microbial pathogens through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are one type of PRR used by the innate immune system to mediate the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and promote innate and adaptive immune responses. TLR family members TLR7 and TLR8 (referred to as TLR7/8 from herein) are endosomal transmembrane receptors that recognize purine-rich single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and bacterial DNA, eliciting an immunologic reaction to pathogens. TLR7/8 were discovered to mediate the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by activating immune cells. In addition, accumulating evidence has indicated that TLR7/8 may be closely related to numerous immune-mediated disorders, specifically several types of cancer, autoimmune disease, and viral disease. TLR7/8 agonists and antagonists, which are used as drugs or adjuvants, have been identified in preclinical studies and clinical trials as promising immune stimulators for the immunotherapy of these immune-mediated disorders. These results provided reasoning to further explore immunotherapy for the treatment of immune-mediated disorders. Nevertheless, numerous needs remain unmet, and the therapeutic effects of TLR7/8 agonists and antagonists are poor and exert strong immune-related toxicities. The present review aimed to provide an overview of the TLR family members, particularly TLR7/8, and address the underlying molecular mechanisms and clinical implications of TLR7/8 in immune-mediated disorders. The aim of the work is to discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms and clinical implications of TLR7/8 in immune-mediated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, China
| | - Biao Song
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei-Feng Zhou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, China
| | - Li-Jin Chu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, China
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6
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Zhu Y, Jiang Z, Liu L, Yang X, Li M, Cheng Y, Xu J, Yin C, Zhu H. Scopoletin Reactivates Latent HIV-1 by Inducing NF-κB Expression without Global T Cell Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12649. [PMID: 37628826 PMCID: PMC10454185 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612649] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Reversing HIV-1 latency promotes the killing of infected cells and is essential for cure strategies. However, current latency-reversing agents (LRAs) are not entirely effective and safe in activating latent viruses in patients. In this study, we investigated whether Scopoletin (6-Methoxy-7-hydroxycoumarin), an important coumarin phytoalexin found in plants with multiple pharmacological activities, can reactivate HIV-1 latency and elucidated its underlying mechanism. Using the Jurkat T cell model of HIV-1 latency, we found that Scopoletin can reactivate latent HIV-1 replication with a similar potency to Prostratin and did so in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, we provide evidence indicating that Scopoletin-induced HIV-1 reactivation involves the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Importantly, Scopoletin did not have a stimulatory effect on T lymphocyte receptors or HIV-1 receptors. In conclusion, our study suggests that Scopoletin has the potential to reactivate latent HIV-1 without causing global T-cell activation, making it a promising treatment option for anti-HIV-1 latency strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.J.); (L.L.); (X.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.C.); (C.Y.)
| | - Zhengtao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.J.); (L.L.); (X.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.C.); (C.Y.)
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.J.); (L.L.); (X.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.C.); (C.Y.)
| | - Xinyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.J.); (L.L.); (X.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.C.); (C.Y.)
| | - Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.J.); (L.L.); (X.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.C.); (C.Y.)
| | - Yipeng Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.J.); (L.L.); (X.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.C.); (C.Y.)
| | - Jianqing Xu
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China;
| | - Chunhua Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.J.); (L.L.); (X.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.C.); (C.Y.)
| | - Huanzhang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.J.); (L.L.); (X.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.C.); (C.Y.)
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7
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Cong Z, Sun Y, Dang C, Yang C, Zhang J, Lu J, Chen T, Wei Q, Wang W, Xue J. TLR7 Agonist GS-9620 Combined with Nicotinamide Generate Viral Reactivation in Seronegative SHIV SF162P3-Infected Rhesus Monkeys. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1707. [PMID: 37371802 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy is capable of inhibiting HIV replication, but it fails to completely achieve a cure due to HIV persistence. The commonly used HIV cure approach is the "shock and kill" strategy, which employs latency-reversing agents to trigger viral reactivation and boost cellular immunity. Finding the appropriate drug combination for the "shock and kill" strategy would greatly facilitate clinical trials. The toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 agonist GS-9620 and nicotinamide (NAM) are reported as potential latency-reversing agents. Herein, we found the absence of viral reactivation when SHIVSF162P3-aviremic rhesus macaques were treated with GS-9620 monotherapy. However, our findings demonstrate that viral blips emerged in half of the macaques treated with the combination therapy of GS-9620 and NAM. Notably, an increase in the reactivation of the replication-competent latent virus was measured in monkeys treated with the combination therapy. These findings suggest that the GS-9620 and NAM combination could be used as a multipronged HIV latency stimulation approach, with potential for optimizing antiviral therapy design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Cong
- MOH Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases, Comparative Medicine Center, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yuting Sun
- MOH Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases, Comparative Medicine Center, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Cui Dang
- MOH Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases, Comparative Medicine Center, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chenbo Yang
- MOH Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases, Comparative Medicine Center, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- MOH Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases, Comparative Medicine Center, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jiahan Lu
- MOH Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases, Comparative Medicine Center, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Ting Chen
- MOH Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases, Comparative Medicine Center, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- MOH Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases, Comparative Medicine Center, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wei Wang
- MOH Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases, Comparative Medicine Center, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jing Xue
- MOH Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases, Comparative Medicine Center, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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8
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Kayesh MEH, Kohara M, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. Toll-like Receptor Response to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 or Co-Infection with Hepatitis B or C Virus: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119624. [PMID: 37298575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are evolutionarily conserved pattern recognition receptors that play important roles in the early detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns and shaping innate and adaptive immune responses, which may influence the consequences of infection. Similarly to other viral infections, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) also modulates the host TLR response; therefore, a proper understanding of the response induced by human HIV-1 or co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV), due to the common mode of transmission of these viruses, is essential for understanding HIV-1 pathogenesis during mono- or co-infection with HBV or HCV, as well as for HIV-1 cure strategies. In this review, we discuss the host TLR response during HIV-1 infection and the innate immune evasion mechanisms adopted by HIV-1 for infection establishment. We also examine changes in the host TLR response during HIV-1 co-infection with HBV or HCV; however, this type of study is extremely scarce. Moreover, we discuss studies investigating TLR agonists as latency-reverting agents and immune stimulators towards new strategies for curing HIV. This understanding will help develop a new strategy for curing HIV-1 mono-infection or co-infection with HBV or HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
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9
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Chen J, He Y, Zhong H, Hu F, Li Y, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Lin W, Li Q, Xu F, Chen S, Zhang H, Cai W, Li L. Transcriptome analysis of CD4+ T cells from HIV-infected individuals receiving ART with LLV revealed novel transcription factors regulating HIV-1 promoter activity. Virol Sin 2023:S1995-820X(23)00022-6. [PMID: 36907331 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Some HIV-infected individuals receiving ART develop low-level viremia (LLV), with a plasma viral load of 50-1000 copies/mL. Persistent low-level viremia is associated with subsequent virologic failure. The peripheral blood CD4+ T cell pool is a source of LLV. However, the intrinsic characteristics of CD4+ T cells in LLV which may contribute to low-level viremia are largely unknown. We analyzed the transcriptome profiling of peripheral blood CD4+ T cells from healthy controls (HC) and HIV-infected patients receiving ART with either virologic suppression (VS) or LLV. To identify pathways potentially responding to increasing viral loads from HC to VS and to LLV, KEGG pathways of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were acquired by comparing VS with HC (VS-HC group) and LLV with VS (LLV-VS group). Characterization of DEGs in key overlapping pathways showed that CD4+ T cells in LLV expressed higher levels of Th1 signature transcription factors (TBX21), toll-like receptors (TLR-4, -6, -7 and -8), anti-HIV entry chemokines (CCL3 and CCL4), and anti-IL-1β factors (ILRN and IL1R2) compared to VS. Our results also indicated activation of the NF-κB and TNF signaling pathways that could promote HIV-1 transcription. Finally, we evaluated the effects of 4 and 17 transcription factors that were upregulated in the VS-HC and LLV-VS groups, respectively, on HIV-1 promoter activity. Functional studies revealed that CXXC5 significantly increased, while SOX5 markedly suppressed HIV-1 transcription. In summary, we found that CD4+ T cells in LLV displayed a distinct mRNA profiling compared to that in VS, which promoted HIV-1 replication and reactivation of viral latency and may eventually contribute to virologic failure in patients with persistent LLV. CXXC5 and SOX5 may serve as targets for the development of latency-reversing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingliang Chen
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Yaozu He
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Huolin Zhong
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Fengyu Hu
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Yonghong Li
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Yeyang Zhang
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Weiyin Lin
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Quanmin Li
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Feilong Xu
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Shaozhen Chen
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, 510005, China.
| | - Weiping Cai
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510440, China.
| | - Linghua Li
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510440, China.
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10
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Role of TLRs in HIV-1 Infection and Potential of TLR Agonists in HIV-1 Vaccine Development and Treatment Strategies. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010092. [PMID: 36678440 PMCID: PMC9866513 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs), as a family of pattern recognition receptors, play an important role in the recognition of HIV-1 molecular structures by various cells of the innate immune system, but also provide a functional association with subsequent mechanisms of adaptive immunity. TLR7 and TLR8 play a particularly important role in the innate immune response to RNA viruses due to their ability to recognise GU-rich single-stranded RNA molecules and subsequently activate intracellular signalling pathways resulting in expression of genes coding for various biological response modifiers (interferons, proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines). The aim of this review is to summarise the most recent knowledge on the role of TLRs in the innate immune response to HIV-1 and the role of TLR gene polymorphisms in the biology and in the clinical aspects of HIV infections. In addition, the role of TLR agonists as latency reversing agents in research to treat HIV infections and as immunomodulators in HIV vaccine research will be discussed.
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11
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Medicinal Chemistry of Anti-HIV-1 Latency Chemotherapeutics: Biotargets, Binding Modes and Structure-Activity Relationship Investigation. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 28:molecules28010003. [PMID: 36615199 PMCID: PMC9822059 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The existence of latent viral reservoirs (LVRs), also called latent cells, has long been an acknowledged stubborn hurdle for effective treatment of HIV-1/AIDS. This stable and heterogeneous reservoir, which mainly exists in resting memory CD4+ T cells, is not only resistant to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) but cannot be detected by the immune system, leading to rapid drug resistance and viral rebound once antiviral treatment is interrupted. Accordingly, various functional cure strategies have been proposed to combat this barrier, among which one of the widely accepted and utilized protocols is the so-called 'shock-and-kill' regimen. The protocol begins with latency-reversing agents (LRAs), either alone or in combination, to reactivate the latent HIV-1 proviruses, then eliminates them by viral cytopathic mechanisms (e.g., currently available antiviral drugs) or by the immune killing function of the immune system (e.g., NK and CD8+ T cells). In this review, we focuse on the currently explored small molecular LRAs, with emphasis on their mechanism-directed drug targets, binding modes and structure-relationship activity (SAR) profiles, aiming to provide safer and more effective remedies for treating HIV-1 infection.
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Balakrishnan PB, Holmberg CS, Ledezma DK, Bosque A, Fernandes R. PolyIC-coated Prussian blue nanoparticles as a dual-mode HIV latency reversing agent. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:2159-2171. [PMID: 36734362 PMCID: PMC10061244 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0311] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) coated with the synthetic analog of dsRNA polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (polyIC) for their ability to function as HIV latency reversing agents. Methods: A layer-by-layer method was used to synthesize polyIC-coated PBNPs (polyIC-PBNPs). PolyIC-PBNPs were stable and monodisperse, maintained the native absorbance properties of both polyIC and PBNPs and were obtained with high nanoparticle collection yield and polyIC attachment efficiencies. Results: PolyIC-PBNPs were more effective in reactivating latent HIV than free polyIC in a cell model of HIV latency. Furthermore, polyIC-PBNPs were more effective in promoting immune activation than free polyIC in CD4 and CD8 T cells. Conclusion: PBNPs function as efficient carriers of nucleic acids to directly reverse HIV latency and enhance immune activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preethi B Balakrishnan
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, 2300 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
- The George Washington Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Science & Engineering Hall, Ste 8300, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Carissa S Holmberg
- The Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, 2300 I Street NW, Ross Hall, Room 561, Washington, DC 20037, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, 2300 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Debbie K Ledezma
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, 2300 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
- The George Washington Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Science & Engineering Hall, Ste 8300, Washington, DC 20052, USA
- The Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, 2300 I Street NW, Ross Hall, Room 561, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Alberto Bosque
- The Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, 2300 I Street NW, Ross Hall, Room 561, Washington, DC 20037, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, 2300 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Rohan Fernandes
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, 2300 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
- The George Washington Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Science & Engineering Hall, Ste 8300, Washington, DC 20052, USA
- The Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, 2300 I Street NW, Ross Hall, Room 561, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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Campbell GR, Spector SA. Current strategies to induce selective killing of HIV-1-infected cells. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:1273-1284. [PMID: 35707952 PMCID: PMC9613504 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4mr0422-636r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to significant HIV-1 suppression and improvement in immune function, persistent viral reservoirs remain that are refractory to intensified ART. ART poses many challenges such as adherence to drug regimens, the emergence of resistant virus, and cumulative toxicity resulting from long-term therapy. Moreover, latent HIV-1 reservoir cells can be stochastically activated to produce viral particles despite effective ART and contribute to the rapid viral rebound that typically occurs within 2 weeks of ART interruption; thus, lifelong ART is required for continued viral suppression. Several strategies have been proposed to address the HIV-1 reservoir such as reactivation of HIV-1 transcription using latency reactivating agents with a combination of ART, host immune clearance and HIV-1-cytotoxicity to purge the infected cells-a "shock and kill" strategy. However, these approaches do not take into account the multiple transcriptional and translational blocks that contribute to HIV-1 latency or the complex heterogeneity of the HIV-1 reservoir, and clinical trials have thus far failed to produce the desired results. Here, we describe alternative strategies being pursued that are designed to kill selectively HIV-1-infected cells while sparing uninfected cells in the absence of enhanced humoral or adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant R. Campbell
- Department of PediatricsDivision of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Stephen A. Spector
- Department of PediatricsDivision of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA,Division of Infectious DiseasesRady Children's HospitalSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
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Abbas F, Cenac C, Youness A, Azar P, Delobel P, Guéry JC. HIV-1 infection enhances innate function and TLR7 expression in female plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/10/e202201452. [PMID: 36271499 PMCID: PMC9441429 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study shows that the TLR7-driven innate function of pDCs is increased in HIV/ART women and is associated with enhanced expression of the TLR7 locus from both X chromosomes. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) express TLR7, a ssRNA-sensor encoded on the X chromosome, which escapes X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in females. pDCs are specialized in the production of type 1 interferons (IFN-I) through TLR7 activation which mediates both immune cell activation and also reactivation of latent HIV-1. The effect of HIV-1 infection in women under antiretroviral therapy (ART) on pDC functional responses remains poorly understood. Here, we show that pDCs from HIV/ART women exhibit exacerbated production of IFN-α and TNF-α compared with uninfected controls (UC) upon TLR7 activation. Because TLR7 can escape XCI in female pDCs, we measured the contribution of TLR7 allelic expression using SNP haplotypic markers to rigorously tag the allele of origin of TLR7 gene at single-cell resolution. Herein, we provide evidence that the enhanced functional response of pDCs in HIV/ART women is associated with higher transcriptional activity of the TLR7 locus from both X chromosomes, rather than differences in the frequency of TLR7 biallelic cells. These data reinforce the interest in targeting the HIV-1 reservoir using TLR7 agonists in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Abbas
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Claire Cenac
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Ali Youness
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Pascal Azar
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Delobel
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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15
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Macedo AB, Levinger C, Nguyen BN, Richard J, Gupta M, Cruz CRY, Finzi A, Chiappinelli KB, Crandall KA, Bosque A. The HIV Latency Reversal Agent HODHBt Enhances NK Cell Effector and Memory-Like Functions by Increasing Interleukin-15-Mediated STAT Activation. J Virol 2022; 96:e0037222. [PMID: 35867565 PMCID: PMC9364794 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00372-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Elimination of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reservoirs is a critical endpoint to eradicate HIV. One therapeutic intervention against latent HIV is "shock and kill." This strategy is based on the transcriptional activation of latent HIV with a latency-reversing agent (LRA) with the consequent killing of the reactivated cell by either the cytopathic effect of HIV or the immune system. We have previously found that the small molecule 3-hydroxy-1,2,3-benzotriazin-4(3H)-one (HODHBt) acts as an LRA by increasing signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) factor activation mediated by interleukin-15 (IL-15) in cells isolated from aviremic participants. The IL-15 superagonist N-803 is currently under clinical investigation to eliminate latent reservoirs. IL-15 and N-803 share similar mechanisms of action by promoting the activation of STATs and have shown some promise in preclinical models directed toward HIV eradication. In this work, we evaluated the ability of HODHBt to enhance IL-15 signaling in natural killer (NK) cells and the biological consequences associated with increased STAT activation in NK cell effector and memory-like functions. We showed that HODHBt increased IL-15-mediated STAT phosphorylation in NK cells, resulting in increases in the secretion of CXCL-10 and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and the expression of cytotoxic proteins, including granzyme B, granzyme A, perforin, granulysin, FASL, and TRAIL. This increased cytotoxic profile results in increased cytotoxicity against HIV-infected cells and different tumor cell lines. HODHBt also improved the generation of cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells. Overall, our data demonstrate that enhancing the magnitude of IL-15 signaling with HODHBt favors NK cell cytotoxicity and memory-like generation, and thus, targeting this pathway could be further explored for HIV cure interventions. IMPORTANCE Several clinical trials targeting the HIV latent reservoir with LRAs have been completed. In spite of a lack of clinical benefit, they have been crucial to elucidate hurdles that "shock and kill" strategies have to overcome to promote an effective reduction of the latent reservoir to lead to a cure. These hurdles include low reactivation potential mediated by LRAs, the negative influence of some LRAs on the activity of natural killer and effector CD8 T cells, an increased resistance to apoptosis of latently infected cells, and an exhausted immune system due to chronic inflammation. To that end, finding therapeutic strategies that can overcome some of these challenges could improve the outcome of shock and kill strategies aimed at HIV eradication. Here, we show that the LRA HODHBt also improves IL-15-mediated NK cell effector and memory-like functions. As such, pharmacological enhancement of IL-15-mediated STAT activation can open new therapeutic avenues toward an HIV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B. Macedo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Callie Levinger
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bryan N. Nguyen
- Computational Biology Institute, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jonathan Richard
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mamta Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- GW Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Conrad Russell Y. Cruz
- GW Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andrés Finzi
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Katherine B. Chiappinelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- GW Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Keith A. Crandall
- Computational Biology Institute, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alberto Bosque
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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16
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HIV Latency in Myeloid Cells: Challenges for a Cure. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060611. [PMID: 35745465 PMCID: PMC9230125 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) treatment has been highly successful in controlling plasma viremia to undetectable levels. However, a complete cure for HIV is hindered by the presence of replication-competent HIV, integrated in the host genome, that can persist long term in a resting state called viral latency. Resting memory CD4+ T cells are considered the biggest reservoir of persistent HIV infection and are often studied exclusively as the main target for an HIV cure. However, other cell types, such as circulating monocytes and tissue-resident macrophages, can harbor integrated, replication-competent HIV. To develop a cure for HIV, focus is needed not only on the T cell compartment, but also on these myeloid reservoirs of persistent HIV infection. In this review, we summarize their importance when designing HIV cure strategies and challenges associated to their identification and specific targeting by the “shock and kill” approach.
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Falcinelli SD, Peterson JJ, Turner AMW, Irlbeck D, Read J, Raines SL, James KS, Sutton C, Sanchez A, Emery A, Sampey G, Ferris R, Allard B, Ghofrani S, Kirchherr JL, Baker C, Kuruc JD, Gay CL, James LI, Wu G, Zuck P, Rioja I, Furze RC, Prinjha RK, Howell BJ, Swanstrom R, Browne EP, Strahl BD, Dunham RM, Archin NM, Margolis DM. Combined noncanonical NF-κB agonism and targeted BET bromodomain inhibition reverse HIV latency ex vivo. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e157281. [PMID: 35426377 PMCID: PMC9012286 DOI: 10.1172/jci157281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Latency reversal strategies for HIV cure using inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) antagonists (IAPi) induce unprecedented levels of latent reservoir expression without immunotoxicity during suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, full targeting of the reservoir may require combinatorial approaches. A Jurkat latency model screen for IAPi combination partners demonstrated synergistic latency reversal with bromodomain (BD) and extraterminal domain protein inhibitors (BETi). Mechanistic investigations using CRISPR-CAS9 and single-cell RNA-Seq informed comprehensive ex vivo evaluations of IAPi plus pan-BET, bD-selective BET, or selective BET isoform targeting in CD4+ T cells from ART-suppressed donors. IAPi+BETi treatment resulted in striking induction of cell-associated HIV gag RNA, but lesser induction of fully elongated and tat-rev RNA compared with T cell activation-positive controls. IAPi+BETi resulted in HIV protein induction in bulk cultures of CD4+ T cells using an ultrasensitive p24 assay, but did not result in enhanced viral outgrowth frequency using a standard quantitative viral outgrowth assay. This study defines HIV transcriptional elongation and splicing as important barriers to latent HIV protein expression following latency reversal, delineates the roles of BET proteins and their BDs in HIV latency, and provides a rationale for exploration of IAPi+BETi in animal models of HIV latency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane D. Falcinelli
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jackson J. Peterson
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anne-Marie W. Turner
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - David Irlbeck
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- HIV Drug Discovery, ViiV Healthcare, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jenna Read
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Samuel L.M. Raines
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Katherine S. James
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cameron Sutton
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anthony Sanchez
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ann Emery
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gavin Sampey
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert Ferris
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- HIV Drug Discovery, ViiV Healthcare, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brigitte Allard
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Simon Ghofrani
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Kirchherr
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Caroline Baker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - JoAnn D. Kuruc
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cynthia L. Gay
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lindsey I. James
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Guoxin Wu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Paul Zuck
- Department of Infectious Disease, Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Inmaculada Rioja
- Immuno-Epigenetics, Immunology Research Unit, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca C. Furze
- Immuno-Epigenetics, Immunology Research Unit, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Rab K. Prinjha
- Immuno-Epigenetics, Immunology Research Unit, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Bonnie J. Howell
- Department of Infectious Disease, Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ronald Swanstrom
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edward P. Browne
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brian D. Strahl
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Richard M. Dunham
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- HIV Drug Discovery, ViiV Healthcare, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nancie M. Archin
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - David M. Margolis
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Duan S, Liu S. Targeting NK Cells for HIV-1 Treatment and Reservoir Clearance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:842746. [PMID: 35371060 PMCID: PMC8967654 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.842746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) can inhibit the replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and reduce viral loads in the peripheral blood to undetectable levels. However, the presence of latent HIV-1 reservoirs prevents complete HIV-1 eradication. Several drugs and strategies targeting T cells are now in clinical trials, but their effectiveness in reducing viral reservoirs has been mixed. Interestingly, innate immune natural killer (NK) cells, which are promising targets for cancer therapy, also play an important role in HIV-1 infection. NK cells are a unique innate cell population with features of adaptive immunity that can regulate adaptive and innate immune cell populations; therefore, they can be exploited for HIV-1 immunotherapy and reservoir eradication. In this review, we highlight immunotherapy strategies for HIV infection that utilize the beneficial properties of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqin Duan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangzhou Women and Children Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuwen Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Sun Y, Zhou J, Jiang Y. Negative Regulation and Protective Function of Natural Killer Cells in HIV Infection: Two Sides of a Coin. Front Immunol 2022; 13:842831. [PMID: 35320945 PMCID: PMC8936085 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.842831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play an important immunologic role, targeting tumors and virus-infected cells; however, NK cells do not impede the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In HIV infection, NK cells exhibit impaired functions and negatively regulate other immune cell responses, although NK cells can kill HIV-infected cells and thereby suppress HIV replication. Considerable recent research has emerged regarding NK cells in the areas of immune checkpoints, negative regulation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and HIV reservoirs during HIV infection; however, no overall summary of these factors is available. This review focuses on several important aspects of NK cells in relation to HIV infection, including changes in NK cell count, subpopulations, and immune checkpoints, as well as abnormalities in NK cell functions and NK cell negative regulation. The protective function of NK cells in inhibiting HIV replication to reduce the viral reservoir and approaches for enhancing NK cell functions are also summarized.
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20
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Pan T, Cao G, Tang E, Zhao Y, Penaloza-MacMaster P, Fang Y, Huang J. A single-cell atlas reveals shared and distinct immune responses and metabolism during SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 infections. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.01.10.475725. [PMID: 35043114 PMCID: PMC8764725 DOI: 10.1101/2022.01.10.475725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 are RNA viruses that have killed millions of people worldwide. Understanding the similarities and differences between these two infections is critical for understanding disease progression and for developing effective vaccines and therapies, particularly for 38 million HIV-1 + individuals who are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 co-infection. Here, we utilized single-cell transcriptomics to perform a systematic comparison of 94,442 PBMCs from 7 COVID-19 and 9 HIV-1 + patients in an integrated immune atlas, in which 27 different cell types were identified using an accurate consensus single-cell annotation method. While immune cells in both cohorts show shared inflammation and disrupted mitochondrial function, COVID-19 patients exhibit stronger humoral immunity, broader IFN-I signaling, elevated Rho GTPase and mTOR pathway activities, and downregulated mitophagy. Our results elucidate transcriptional signatures associated with COVID-19 and HIV-1 that may reveal insights into fundamental disease biology and potential therapeutic targets to treat these viral infections. HIGHLIGHTS COVID-19 and HIV-1 + patients show disease-specific inflammatory immune signatures COVID-19 patients show more productive humoral responses than HIV-1 + patients SARS-CoV-2 elicits more enriched IFN-I signaling relative to HIV-IDivergent, impaired metabolic programs distinguish SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 infections.
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21
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Margolis DM. Latency Reversal and Clearance of Persistent HIV Infection. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2407:375-389. [PMID: 34985677 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1871-4_25] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Efforts to prevent and treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) infection have begun to blunt the spread of HIV infection. Potent, safe, and well-tolerated antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows those infected with HIV to attain a life expectancy similar to that of HIV-uninfected individuals. But the persistence of the quiescent retroviral genome, enforced by the natural proliferative responses of the immune system itself, and a delicate balance of regulators viral expression, mandates lifelong ART suppression to prevent rebound viremia and the return of disease.The approach to HIV eradication that has been studied the most extensively envisions adding therapies to induce the expression of quiescent HIV-1 genomes following the control of viremia by ART, paired with immunotherapies to clear persistent infection. Paired testing of latency reversal and clearance strategies has begun, but the field is still in its infancy and additional obstacles to HIV eradication may emerge. However, there is reason for optimism that together with advances in ART delivery and HIV prevention strategies, efforts in HIV cure research will markedly diminish the effect of the HIV pandemic on society.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Margolis
- UNC HIV Cure Center, Department of Medicine, and Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Perera Molligoda Arachchige AS. NK cell-based therapies for HIV infection: Investigating current advances and future possibilities. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 111:921-931. [PMID: 34668588 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ru0821-412rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are well-known for their antiviral functions. Also, their role in HIV has been well established, with rapid responses elicited during early HIV infection. Most immune cells including CD4+ T cells, monocytes, Mϕs, and dendritic cells are readily infected by HIV. Recent evidence from multiple studies has suggested that similar to these cells, in chronic conditions like HIV, NK cells also undergo functional exhaustion with impaired cytotoxicity, altered cytokine production, and impaired ADCC. NK-based immunotherapy aims to successfully restore, boost, and modify their activity as has been already demonstrated in the field of cancer immunotherapy. The utilization of NK cell-based strategies for the eradication of HIV from the body provides many advantages over classical ART. The literature search consisted of manually selecting the most relevant studies from databases including PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrial.gov. Some of the treatments currently under consideration are CAR-NK cell therapy, facilitating ADCC, TLR agonists, bNAbs, and BiKEs/TriKEs, blocking inhibitory NK receptors during infection, IL-15 and IL-15 superagonists (eg: ALT-803), and so on. This review aims to discuss the NK cell-based therapies currently under experimentation against HIV infection and finally highlight the challenges associated with NK cell-based immunotherapies.
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Olwenyi OA, Johnson SD, Pandey K, Thurman M, Acharya A, Buch SJ, Fox HS, Podany AT, Fletcher CV, Byrareddy SN. Diminished Peripheral CD29hi Cytotoxic CD4+ T Cells Are Associated With Deleterious Effects During SIV Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:734871. [PMID: 34721397 PMCID: PMC8548621 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.734871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic CD4+ T cells (CD4+ CTLs) limit HIV pathogenesis, as evidenced in elite controllers (a subset of individuals who suppress the virus without the need for therapy). CD4+ CTLs have also been shown to kill HIV-infected macrophages. However, little is known about their contribution towards HIV persistence, how they are affected following exposure to immune modulators like morphine, and what factors maintain their frequencies and function. Further, the lack of robust markers to identify CD4+ CTLs in various animal models limits understanding of their role in HIV pathogenesis. We utilized various PBMC samples obtained from SIV infected and cART treated rhesus macaques exposed to morphine or saline and subjected to flow cytometry evaluations. Thereafter, we compared and correlated the expression of CD4+ CTL-specific markers to viral load and viral reservoir estimations in total CD4+ T cells. We found that CD29 could be reliably used as a marker to identify CD4+ CTLs in rhesus macaques since CD29hi CD4+ T cells secrete higher cytotoxic and proinflammatory cytokines following PMA/ionomycin or gag stimulation. In addition, this immune cell subset was depleted during untreated SIV infection. Strikingly, we also observed that early initiation of cART reconstitutes depleted CD29hi CD4+ T cells and restores their function. Furthermore, we noted that morphine exposure reduced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines/cytotoxic molecules in CD29hi CD4+ T cells. Lastly, increased functionality of CD29hi CD4+ T cells as depicted by elevated levels of either IL-21 or granzyme B hi T Bet+ gag specific responses were linked to limiting the size of the replication-competent reservoir during cART treatment. Collectively, our data suggest that CD4+ CTLs are crucial in limiting SIV pathogenesis and persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omalla A. Olwenyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Samuel D. Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Kabita Pandey
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Michellie Thurman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Arpan Acharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Shilpa J. Buch
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Howard S. Fox
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Anthony T. Podany
- Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory, Center for Drug Discovery, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Courtney V. Fletcher
- Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory, Center for Drug Discovery, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zaongo SD, Wang Y, Ma P, Song FZ, Chen YK. Selective elimination of host cells harboring replication-competent human immunodeficiency virus reservoirs: a promising therapeutic strategy for HIV cure. Chin Med J (Engl) 2021; 134:2776-2787. [PMID: 34620750 PMCID: PMC8667983 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Many seminal advances have been made in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS research over the past four decades. Treatment strategies, such as gene therapy and immunotherapy, are yielding promising results to effectively control HIV infection. Despite this, a cure for HIV/AIDS is not envisioned in the near future. A recently published academic study has raised awareness regarding a promising alternative therapeutic option for HIV/AIDS, referred to as "selective elimination of host cells capable of producing HIV" (SECH). Similar to the "shock and kill strategy," the SECH approach requires the simultaneous administration of drugs targeting key mechanisms in specific cells to efficiently eliminate HIV replication-competent cellular reservoirs. Herein, we comprehensively review the specific mechanisms targeted by the SECH strategy. Briefly, the suggested cocktail of drugs should contain (i) latency reversal agents to promote the latency reversal process in replication-competent reservoir cells, (ii) pro-apoptotic and anti-autophagy drugs to induce death of infected cells through various pathways, and finally (iii) drugs that eliminate new cycles of infection by prevention of HIV attachment to host cells, and by HIV integrase inhibitor drugs. Finally, we discuss three major challenges that are likely to restrict the application of the SECH strategy in HIV/AIDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvere D. Zaongo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Institute for Medical Device Standardization Administration; National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tianjin Second People Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Fang-Zhou Song
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yao-Kai Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China
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Rossignol E, Alter G, Julg B. Antibodies for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Cure Strategies. J Infect Dis 2021; 223:22-31. [PMID: 33586772 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to the establishment of a long-lived latent cellular reservoir. One strategy to eliminate quiescent reservoir cells is to reactivate virus replication to induce HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env) expression on the cell surface exposing them to subsequent antibody targeting. Via the interactions between the antibody Fc domain and Fc-γ receptors (FcγRs) that are expressed on innate effector cells, such as natural killer cells, monocytes, and neutrophils, antibodies can mediate the elimination of infected cells. Over the last decade, a multitude of human monoclonal antibodies that are broadly neutralizing across many HIV-1 subtypes have been identified and are currently being explored for HIV eradication strategies. Antibody development also includes novel Fc engineering approaches to increase engagement of effector cells and optimize antireservoir efficacy. In this review, we discuss the usefulness of antibodies for HIV eradication approaches specifically focusing on antibody-mediated strategies to target latently infected cells and options to increase antibody efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Rossignol
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Galit Alter
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Boris Julg
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Infectious Disease Unit, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Interests of the Non-Human Primate Models for HIV Cure Research. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9090958. [PMID: 34579195 PMCID: PMC8472852 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9090958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-human primate (NHP) models are important for vaccine development and also contribute to HIV cure research. Although none of the animal models are perfect, NHPs enable the exploration of important questions about tissue viral reservoirs and the development of intervention strategies. In this review, we describe recent advances in the use of these models for HIV cure research and highlight the progress that has been made as well as limitations using these models. The main NHP models used are (i) the macaque, in which simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac) infection displays similar replication profiles as to HIV in humans, and (ii) the macaque infected by a recombinant virus (SHIV) consisting of SIVmac expressing the HIV envelope gene serving for studies analyzing the impact of anti-HIV Env broadly neutralizing antibodies. Lessons for HIV cure that can be learned from studying the natural host of SIV are also presented here. An overview of the most promising and less well explored HIV cure strategies tested in NHP models will be given.
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TLR1/2 Agonist Enhances Reversal of HIV-1 Latency and Promotes NK Cell-Induced Suppression of HIV-1-Infected Autologous CD4 + T Cells. J Virol 2021; 95:e0081621. [PMID: 34133900 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00816-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The complete eradication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is blocked by latent reservoirs in CD4+ T cells and myeloid lineage cells. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) can induce the reversal of HIV-1 latency and trigger the innate immune response. To the best of our knowledge, there is little evidence showing the "killing" effect of TLR1/2 agonists but only a small "shock" potential. To identify a new approach for eradicating the HIV latent reservoir, we evaluated the effectiveness of SMU-Z1, a novel small-molecule TLR1/2 agonist, in the "shock-and-kill" strategy. The results showed that SMU-Z1 could enhance latent HIV-1 transcription not only ex vivo in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from aviremic HIV-1-infected donors receiving combined antiretroviral therapy but also in vitro in cells of myeloid-monocytic origin targeting the NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Interestingly, the activation marker CD69 was significantly upregulated in natural killer (NK) cells, B cells, and monocytes 48 h after SMU-Z1 treatment. Furthermore, SMU-Z1 was able to activate T cells without global T cell activation, as well as increasing NK cell degranulation and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production, which further block HIV-1-infected CD4+ lymphocytes. In summary, the present study found that SMU-Z1 can both enhance HIV-1 transcription and promote NK cell-mediated inhibition of HIV-1-infected autologous CD4+ T cells. These findings indicate that the novel TLR1/2 agonist SMU-Z1 is a promising latency-reversing agent (LRA) for eradication of HIV-1 reservoirs. IMPORTANCE Multiple in vivo studies showed that many LRAs used in the shock-and-kill approach could activate viral transcription but could not induce killing effectively. Therefore, a dual-function LRA is needed for elimination of HIV-1 reservoirs. We previously developed a small-molecule TLR1/2 agonist, SMU-Z1, and demonstrated that it could upregulate NK cells and CD8+ T cells with immune adjuvant and antitumor properties in vivo. In the present study, SMU-Z1 could activate innate immune cells without global T cell activation, induce production of proinflammatory and antiviral cytokines, and enhance the cytotoxic function of NK cells. We showed that SMU-Z1 displayed dual potential ex vivo in the shock of exposure of latently HIV-1-infected cells and in the kill of clearance of infected cells, which is critical for effective use in combination with therapeutic vaccines or broadly neutralizing antibody treatments aimed at curing AIDS.
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Shared immunotherapeutic approaches in HIV and hepatitis B virus: combine and conquer. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2021; 15:157-164. [PMID: 32167944 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this study was to identify similarities, differences and lessons to be shared from recent progress in HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunotherapeutic approaches. RECENT FINDINGS Immune dysregulation is a hallmark of both HIV and HBV infection, which have shared routes of transmission, with approximately 10% of HIV-positive patients worldwide being coinfected with HBV. Immune modulation therapies to orchestrate effective innate and adaptive immune responses are currently being sought as potential strategies towards a functional cure in both HIV and HBV infection. These are based on activating immunological mechanisms that would allow durable control by triggering innate immunity, reviving exhausted endogenous responses and/or generating new immune responses. Recent technological advances and increased appreciation of humoral responses in the control of HIV have generated renewed enthusiasm in the cure field. SUMMARY For both HIV and HBV infection, a primary consideration with immunomodulatory therapies continues to be a balance between generating highly effective immune responses and mitigating any significant toxicity. A large arsenal of new approaches and ongoing research offer the opportunity to define the pathways that underpin chronic infection and move closer to a functional cure.
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Bricker KM, Chahroudi A, Mavigner M. New Latency Reversing Agents for HIV-1 Cure: Insights from Nonhuman Primate Models. Viruses 2021; 13:1560. [PMID: 34452425 PMCID: PMC8402914 DOI: 10.3390/v13081560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) controls human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) replication and prevents disease progression but does not eradicate HIV-1. The persistence of a reservoir of latently infected cells represents the main barrier to a cure. "Shock and kill" is a promising strategy involving latency reversing agents (LRAs) to reactivate HIV-1 from latently infected cells, thus exposing the infected cells to killing by the immune system or clearance agents. Here, we review advances to the "shock and kill" strategy made through the nonhuman primate (NHP) model, highlighting recently identified latency reversing agents and approaches such as mimetics of the second mitochondrial activator of caspase (SMACm), experimental CD8+ T cell depletion, immune checkpoint blockade (ICI), and toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. We also discuss the advantages and limits of the NHP model for HIV cure research and methods developed to evaluate the efficacy of in vivo treatment with LRAs in NHPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Bricker
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Ann Chahroudi
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.B.); (A.C.)
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Emory + Children’s Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Maud Mavigner
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.B.); (A.C.)
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Campbell GR, Spector SA. Induction of Autophagy to Achieve a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Cure. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071798. [PMID: 34359967 PMCID: PMC8307643 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective antiretroviral therapy has led to significant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) suppression and improvement in immune function. However, the persistence of integrated proviral DNA in latently infected reservoir cells, which drive viral rebound post-interruption of antiretroviral therapy, remains the major roadblock to a cure. Therefore, the targeted elimination or permanent silencing of this latently infected reservoir is a major focus of HIV-1 research. The most studied approach in the development of a cure is the activation of HIV-1 expression to expose latently infected cells for immune clearance while inducing HIV-1 cytotoxicity—the “kick and kill” approach. However, the complex and highly heterogeneous nature of the latent reservoir, combined with the failure of clinical trials to reduce the reservoir size casts doubt on the feasibility of this approach. This concern that total elimination of HIV-1 from the body may not be possible has led to increased emphasis on a “functional cure” where the virus remains but is unable to reactivate which presents the challenge of permanently silencing transcription of HIV-1 for prolonged drug-free remission—a “block and lock” approach. In this review, we discuss the interaction of HIV-1 and autophagy, and the exploitation of autophagy to kill selectively HIV-1 latently infected cells as part of a cure strategy. The cure strategy proposed has the advantage of significantly decreasing the size of the HIV-1 reservoir that can contribute to a functional cure and when optimised has the potential to eradicate completely HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant R. Campbell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-858-534-7477
| | - Stephen A. Spector
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
- Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
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Riddler SA, Para M, Benson CA, Mills A, Ramgopal M, DeJesus E, Brinson C, Cyktor J, Jacobs J, Koontz D, Mellors JW, Laird GM, Wrin T, Patel H, Guo S, Wallin J, Boice J, Zhang L, Humeniuk R, Begley R, German P, Graham H, Geleziunas R, Brainard DM, SenGupta D. Vesatolimod, a Toll-like Receptor 7 Agonist, Induces Immune Activation in Virally Suppressed Adults Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:e815-e824. [PMID: 33043969 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment with vesatolimod, an investigational, oral, toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist, leads to sustained viral remission in some non-human primates when combined with anti-envelope antibodies or therapeutic vaccines. We report results of a Phase Ib study evaluating safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of vesatolimod in adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1. METHODS In this double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial, participants on antiretroviral therapy with screening plasma HIV-1 RNA levels <50 copies/mL were randomized (6:2) to receive 6-10 doses of vesatolimod (1-12 mg) or matching placebo orally every other week in sequential dose-escalation cohorts. The primary study objectives included establishing the safety and virologic effects of vesatolimod (change from baseline in plasma HIV-1 RNA). Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic/immunologic activity were assessed as secondary objectives. RESULTS A total of 48 individuals were randomly assigned to vesatolimod (n = 36) or placebo (n = 12). Vesatolimod was generally well tolerated, with no study drug-related serious adverse events or adverse events leading to study drug discontinuation. There were no statistically significant changes from baseline in plasma HIV-1 RNA in the vesatolimod groups, compared to placebo.Vesatolimod plasma exposures increased dose proportionally; consistent responses in cytokines, interferon-stimulated gene expression, and lymphocyte activation were observed with increasing dose levels above 4 mg. Peak elevations 24 hours after receipt of a 6 mg dose were >3.9-fold higher for interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), interferon-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (ITAC) when compared to baseline values. CONCLUSIONS Vesatolimod was well tolerated at doses ranging from 1 to 12 mg. Immune stimulation was observed at doses above 4 mg, providing rationale for future combination trials in people living with HIV. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT02858401.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon A Riddler
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael Para
- Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Constance A Benson
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Anthony Mills
- SoCal Men's Medical Group, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Moti Ramgopal
- Midway Specialty Care Center, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - Joshua Cyktor
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jana Jacobs
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dianna Koontz
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John W Mellors
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Terri Wrin
- Monogram Biosciences, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Heena Patel
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | - Susan Guo
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | | | - Jillian Boice
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Liao Zhang
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Hiba Graham
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
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Sarabia I, Novis CL, Macedo AB, Takata H, Nell R, Kakazu JC, Furler RL, Shakya B, Schubert HL, Hill CP, DePaula-Silva AB, Spivak AM, Trautmann L, Planelles V, Bosque A. Activation of the Anti-Oxidative Stress Response Reactivates Latent HIV-1 Through the Mitochondrial Antiviral Signaling Protein Isoform MiniMAVS. Front Immunol 2021; 12:682182. [PMID: 34194436 PMCID: PMC8236643 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.682182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) is part of the cell's innate immune mechanism of defense. MAVS mRNA is bicistronic and can give rise to a full length-MAVS and a shorter isoform termed miniMAVS. In response to viral infections, viral RNA can be sensed by the cytosolic RNA sensors retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and/or melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5) and activate NF-κB through interaction with MAVS. MAVS can also sense cellular stress and activate an anti-oxidative stress (AOS) response through the activation of NF-κB. Because NF-κB is a main cellular transcription factor for HIV-1, we wanted to address what role MAVS plays in HIV-1 reactivation from latency in CD4 T cells. Our results indicate that RIG-I agonists required full length-MAVS whereas the AOS response induced by Dynasore through its catechol group can reactivate latent HIV-1 in a MAVS dependent manner through miniMAVS isoform. Furthermore, we uncover that PKC agonists, a class of latency-reversing agents, induce an AOS response in CD4 T cells and require miniMAVS to fully reactivate latent HIV-1. Our results indicate that the AOS response, through miniMAVS, can induce HIV-1 transcription in response to cellular stress and targeting this pathway adds to the repertoire of approaches to reactivate latent HIV-1 in 'shock-and-kill' strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indra Sarabia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Camille L. Novis
- Department of Pathology, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Amanda B. Macedo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Hiroshi Takata
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Racheal Nell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Juyeon C. Kakazu
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Robert L. Furler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Binita Shakya
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Heidi L. Schubert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Christopher P. Hill
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Ana Beatriz DePaula-Silva
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Adam M. Spivak
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Lydie Trautmann
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Vicente Planelles
- Department of Pathology, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Alberto Bosque
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
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Assis MA, Carranza PG, Ambrosio E. A "Drug-Dependent" Immune System Can Compromise Protection against Infection: The Relationships between Psychostimulants and HIV. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050722. [PMID: 33919273 PMCID: PMC8143316 DOI: 10.3390/v13050722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychostimulant use is a major comorbidity in people living with HIV, which was initially explained by them adopting risky behaviors that facilitate HIV transmission. However, the effects of drug use on the immune system might also influence this phenomenon. Psychostimulants act on peripheral immune cells even before they reach the central nervous system (CNS) and their effects on immunity are likely to influence HIV infection. Beyond their canonical activities, classic neurotransmitters and neuromodulators are expressed by peripheral immune cells (e.g., dopamine and enkephalins), which display immunomodulatory properties and could be influenced by psychostimulants. Immune receptors, like Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on microglia, are modulated by cocaine and amphetamine exposure. Since peripheral immunocytes also express TLRs, they may be similarly affected by psychostimulants. In this review, we will summarize how psychostimulants are currently thought to influence peripheral immunity, mainly focusing on catecholamines, enkephalins and TLR4, and shed light on how these drugs might affect HIV infection. We will try to shift from the classic CNS perspective and adopt a more holistic view, addressing the potential impact of psychostimulants on the peripheral immune system and how their systemic effects could influence HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Amparo Assis
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero (UNSE), Santiago del Estero G4200, Argentina;
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Inmunología y Microbiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Salud, Tecnología y Desarrollo (IMSaTeD), CONICET-UNSE, Santiago del Estero G4206, Argentina
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Pedro Gabriel Carranza
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero (UNSE), Santiago del Estero G4200, Argentina;
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Inmunología y Microbiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Salud, Tecnología y Desarrollo (IMSaTeD), CONICET-UNSE, Santiago del Estero G4206, Argentina
- Facultad de Agronomía y Agroindustrias, Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero, Santiago del Estero G4206, Argentina
| | - Emilio Ambrosio
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
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Hsieh SM, Pan SC, Huang YS, Chang SC. Reversal of Viral Latency and Induction of Gag-Specific T-Cell Responses in HIV-1-Infected Adults Through Cyclic Treatment Interruption of Rosuvastatin: A Proof-of-Concept Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 86:500-508. [PMID: 33620177 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-1 infection remains incurable through combination antiretroviral therapy. Previous studies have shown statins have immunomodulatory effects, and interruption of statins may cause an immune rebound. METHODS In this proof-of-concept study, we longitudinally assessed the impact of immune rebound by cyclic treatment-interruption (CTI) of rosuvastatin on the reversal of HIV latency. The HIV-1-infected persons with stable viral control were considered to be enrolled for CTI of rosuvastatin with a fixed 12-week interval for 72 weeks (3 treatment-interruption cycles). HIV-1 Gag-specific T-cell responses, cell-associated RNA, and proviral DNA were determined. RESULTS From Feb 2017 to Dec 2019, 10 subjects were enrolled. During the 72-week follow-up, their CD4+ T-cell counts did not significantly change, and plasma HIV RNA remained undetectable. Transient but remarkable increases in levels of cell-associated RNA, Gag-specific interferon-γ production from CD4+ T cells and Gag-specific CD8+ cytotoxic capacity were detected shortly after stopping rosuvastatin in every cycle of CTI of rosuvastatin. Furthermore, there was a 2.63-fold reduction (range, 1.41-4.82) in proviral DNA levels (P = 0.005) during the 72-week follow-up. A significant linear association was demonstrated between their nadir CD4+ T-cell counts and the fold decrease in proviral DNA levels (R = 0.81, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION It may be possible to reverse viral latency in CD4+ T cells, activate Gag-specific T cells, and reduce viral reservoir size through CTI of rosuvastatin in HIV-1-infected subjects with stable combination antiretroviral therapy, especially in those with nadir CD4+ T-cell counts > 350 cells/μL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Min Hsieh
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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McWhirter SM, Jefferies CA. Nucleic Acid Sensors as Therapeutic Targets for Human Disease. Immunity 2021; 53:78-97. [PMID: 32668230 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Innate immune sensors that detect nucleic acids are attractive targets for therapeutic intervention because of their diverse roles in many disease processes. In detecting RNA and DNA from either self or non-self, nucleic acid sensors mediate the pathogenesis of many autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Despite promising pre-clinical data and investigational use in the clinic, relatively few drugs targeting nucleic acid sensors are approved for therapeutic use. Nevertheless, there is growing appreciation for the untapped potential of nucleic acid sensors as therapeutic targets, driven by the need for better therapies for cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. This review highlights the diverse mechanisms by which nucleic acid sensors are activated and exert their biological effects in the context of various disease settings. We discuss current therapeutic strategies utilizing agonists and antagonists targeting nucleic acid sensors to treat infectious disease, cancer, and autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline A Jefferies
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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A functional screen identifies transcriptional networks that regulate HIV-1 and HIV-2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2012835118. [PMID: 33836568 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2012835118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular networks involved in the regulation of HIV replication, transcription, and latency remain incompletely defined. To expand our understanding of these networks, we performed an unbiased high-throughput yeast one-hybrid screen, which identified 42 human transcription factors and 85 total protein-DNA interactions with HIV-1 and HIV-2 long terminal repeats. We investigated a subset of these transcription factors for transcriptional activity in cell-based models of infection. KLF2 and KLF3 repressed HIV-1 and HIV-2 transcription in CD4+ T cells, whereas PLAGL1 activated transcription of HIV-2 through direct protein-DNA interactions. Using computational modeling with interacting proteins, we leveraged the results from our screen to identify putative pathways that define intrinsic transcriptional networks. Overall, we used a high-throughput functional screen, computational modeling, and biochemical assays to identify and confirm several candidate transcription factors and biochemical processes that influence HIV-1 and HIV-2 transcription and latency.
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Extensive proteomic and transcriptomic changes quench the TCR/CD3 activation signal of latently HIV-1 infected T cells. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1008748. [PMID: 33465149 PMCID: PMC7846126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The biomolecular mechanisms controlling latent HIV-1 infection, despite their importance for the development of a cure for HIV-1 infection, are only partially understood. For example, ex vivo studies have recently shown that T cell activation only triggered HIV-1 reactivation in a fraction of the latently infected CD4+ T cell reservoir, but the molecular biology of this phenomenon is unclear. We demonstrate that HIV-1 infection of primary T cells and T cell lines indeed generates a substantial amount of T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 activation-inert latently infected T cells. RNA-level analysis identified extensive transcriptomic differences between uninfected, TCR/CD3 activation-responsive and -inert T cells, but did not reveal a gene expression signature that could functionally explain TCR/CD3 signaling inertness. Network analysis suggested a largely stochastic nature of these gene expression changes (transcriptomic noise), raising the possibility that widespread gene dysregulation could provide a reactivation threshold by impairing overall signal transduction efficacy. Indeed, compounds that are known to induce genetic noise, such as HDAC inhibitors impeded the ability of TCR/CD3 activation to trigger HIV-1 reactivation. Unlike for transcriptomic data, pathway enrichment analysis based on phospho-proteomic data directly identified an altered TCR signaling motif. Network analysis of this data set identified drug targets that would promote TCR/CD3-mediated HIV-1 reactivation in the fraction of otherwise TCR/CD3-reactivation inert latently HIV-1 infected T cells, regardless of whether the latency models were based on T cell lines or primary T cells. The data emphasize that latent HIV-1 infection is largely the result of extensive, stable biomolecular changes to the signaling network of the host T cells harboring latent HIV-1 infection events. In extension, the data imply that therapeutic restoration of host cell responsiveness prior to the use of any activating stimulus will likely have to be an element of future HIV-1 cure therapies. A curative therapy for HIV-1 infection will at least require the eradication of a small pool of CD4+ helper T cells in which the virus can persist in an inactive, latent state, even after years of successful antiretroviral therapy. It has been assumed that activation of these viral reservoir T cells will also reactivate the latent virus, which is a prerequisite for the destruction of these cells. Remarkably, this is not always the case and following application of even the most potent stimuli that activate normal T cells through their T cell receptor, a large portion of the latent virus pool remains in a dormant state. Herein we demonstrate that a large part of latent HIV-1 infection events reside in T cells that have been rendered activation inert. We provide a systemwide, biomolecular description of the changes that render latently HIV-1 infected T cells activation inert and using this description, devise pharmacologic interference strategies that render initially activation inert T cells responsive to stimulation. This in turn allows for efficient triggering of HIV-1 reactivation in a large part of the otherwise unresponsive latently HIV-1 infected T cell reservoir.
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Relaño-Rodríguez I, Muñoz-Fernández MÁ. Emergence of Nanotechnology to Fight HIV Sexual Transmission: The Trip of G2-S16 Polyanionic Carbosilane Dendrimer to Possible Pre-Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249403. [PMID: 33321835 PMCID: PMC7764023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of new, safe, and effective microbicides to prevent human immunodeficiency virus HIV sexual transmission is needed. Unfortunately, most microbicides proved ineffective to prevent the risk of HIV-infection in clinical trials. We are working with G2-S16 polyanionic carbosilane dendrimer (PCD) as a new possible vaginal topical microbicide, based on its short reaction times, wide availability, high reproducibility, and quantitative yields of reaction. G2-S16 PCD exerts anti-HIV activity at an early stage of viral replication, by blocking gp120/CD4/CCR5 interaction, and providing a barrier against infection for long periods of time. G2-S16 PCD was stable at different pH values, as well as in the presence of seminal fluids. It maintained the anti-HIV activity against R5/X4 HIV over time, did not generate any type of drug resistance, and retained the anti-HIV effect when exposed to semen-enhanced viral infection. Importantly, G2-S16 PCD did not modify vaginal microbiota neither in vitro or in vivo. Histopathological examination did not show vaginal irritation, inflammation, lesions, or damage in the vaginal mucosa, after administration of G2-S16 PCD at different concentrations and times in female mice and rabbit animal models. Based on these promising data, G2-S16 PCD could become a good, safe, and readily available candidate to use as a topical vaginal microbicide against HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Relaño-Rodríguez
- Head Section of Immunology, Molecular Immunology Laboratory, General Universitary Hospital Gregorio Marañón, C/Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Maria Ángeles Muñoz-Fernández
- Head Section of Immunology, Molecular Immunology Laboratory, General Universitary Hospital Gregorio Marañón, C/Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain;
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañon (IiSGM), C/Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Spanish HIV HGM BioBank, C/Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), C/Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +34-91-586-8565
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Fujinaga K, Cary DC. Experimental Systems for Measuring HIV Latency and Reactivation. Viruses 2020; 12:v12111279. [PMID: 33182414 PMCID: PMC7696534 DOI: 10.3390/v12111279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The final obstacle to achieving a cure to HIV/AIDS is the presence of latent HIV reservoirs scattered throughout the body. Although antiretroviral therapy maintains plasma viral loads below the levels of detection, upon cessation of therapy, the latent reservoir immediately produces infectious progeny viruses. This results in elevated plasma viremia, which leads to clinical progression to AIDS. Thus, if a HIV cure is ever to become a reality, it will be necessary to target and eliminate the latent reservoir. To this end, tremendous effort has been dedicated to locate the viral reservoir, understand the mechanisms contributing to latency, find optimal methods to reactivate HIV, and specifically kill latently infected cells. Although we have not yet identified a therapeutic approach to completely eliminate HIV from patients, these efforts have provided many technological breakthroughs in understanding the underlying mechanisms that regulate HIV latency and reactivation in vitro. In this review, we summarize and compare experimental systems which are frequently used to study HIV latency. While none of these models are a perfect proxy for the complex systems at work in HIV+ patients, each aim to replicate HIV latency in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koh Fujinaga
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0703, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-415-502-1908
| | - Daniele C. Cary
- Department of Medicine, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0703, USA;
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40
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Ward AR, Mota TM, Jones RB. Immunological approaches to HIV cure. Semin Immunol 2020; 51:101412. [PMID: 32981836 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2020.101412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has proven remarkably successful - for those who can access and afford it - yet HIV infection persists indefinitely in a reservoir of cells, despite effective ART and despite host antiviral immune responses. An HIV cure is therefore the next aspirational goal and challenge, though approaches differ in their objectives - with 'functional cures' aiming for durable viral control in the absence of ART, and 'sterilizing cures' aiming for the more difficult to realize objective of complete viral eradication. Mechanisms of HIV persistence, including viral latency, anatomical sequestration, suboptimal immune functioning, reservoir replenishment, target cell-intrinsic immune resistance, and, potentially, target cell distraction of immune effectors, likely need to be overcome in order to achieve a cure. A small fraction of people living with HIV (PLWH) naturally control infection via immune-mediated mechanisms, however, providing both sound rationale and optimism that an immunological approach to cure is possible. Herein we review up to date knowledge and emerging evidence on: the mechanisms contributing to HIV persistence, as well as potential strategies to overcome these barriers; promising immunological approaches to achieve viral control and elimination of reservoir-harboring cells, including harnessing adaptive immune responses to HIV and engineered therapies, as well as enhancers of their functions and of complementary innate immune functioning; and combination strategies that are most likely to succeed. Ultimately, a cure must be safe, effective, durable, and, eventually, scalable in order to be widely acceptable and available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam R Ward
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; PhD Program in Epidemiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Talia M Mota
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - R Brad Jones
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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Federico S, Pozzetti L, Papa A, Carullo G, Gemma S, Butini S, Campiani G, Relitti N. Modulation of the Innate Immune Response by Targeting Toll-like Receptors: A Perspective on Their Agonists and Antagonists. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13466-13513. [PMID: 32845153 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of proteins that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damaged-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and they are involved in the regulation of innate immune system. These transmembrane receptors, localized at the cellular or endosomal membrane, trigger inflammatory processes through either myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) or TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) signaling pathways. In the last decades, extensive research has been performed on TLR modulators and their therapeutic implication under several pathological conditions, spanning from infections to cancer, from metabolic disorders to neurodegeneration and autoimmune diseases. This Perspective will highlight the recent discoveries in this field, emphasizing the role of TLRs in different diseases and the therapeutic effect of their natural and synthetic modulators, and it will discuss insights for the future exploitation of TLR modulators in human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Federico
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Pozzetti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Papa
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola Relitti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
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Pinto DO, DeMarino C, Vo TT, Cowen M, Kim Y, Pleet ML, Barclay RA, Noren Hooten N, Evans MK, Heredia A, Batrakova EV, Iordanskiy S, Kashanchi F. Low-Level Ionizing Radiation Induces Selective Killing of HIV-1-Infected Cells with Reversal of Cytokine Induction Using mTOR Inhibitors. Viruses 2020; 12:v12080885. [PMID: 32823598 PMCID: PMC7472203 DOI: 10.3390/v12080885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 infects 39.5 million people worldwide, and cART is effective in preventing viral spread by reducing HIV-1 plasma viral loads to undetectable levels. However, viral reservoirs persist by mechanisms, including the inhibition of autophagy by HIV-1 proteins (i.e., Nef and Tat). HIV-1 reservoirs can be targeted by the “shock and kill” strategy, which utilizes latency-reversing agents (LRAs) to activate latent proviruses and immunotarget the virus-producing cells. Yet, limitations include reduced LRA permeability across anatomical barriers and immune hyper-activation. Ionizing radiation (IR) induces effective viral activation across anatomical barriers. Like other LRAs, IR may cause inflammation and modulate the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs). We and others have shown that cells may secrete cytokines and viral proteins in EVs and, therefore, LRAs may contribute to inflammatory EVs. In the present study, we mitigated the effects of IR-induced inflammatory EVs (i.e., TNF-α), through the use of mTOR inhibitors (mTORi; Rapamycin and INK128). Further, mTORi were found to enhance the selective killing of HIV-1-infected myeloid and T-cell reservoirs at the exclusion of uninfected cells, potentially via inhibition of viral transcription/translation and induction of autophagy. Collectively, the proposed regimen using cART, IR, and mTORi presents a novel approach allowing for the targeting of viral reservoirs, prevention of immune hyper-activation, and selectively killing latently infected HIV-1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel O. Pinto
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (D.O.P.); (C.D.); (T.T.V.); (M.C.); (Y.K.); (M.L.P.); (R.A.B.)
| | - Catherine DeMarino
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (D.O.P.); (C.D.); (T.T.V.); (M.C.); (Y.K.); (M.L.P.); (R.A.B.)
| | - Thy T. Vo
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (D.O.P.); (C.D.); (T.T.V.); (M.C.); (Y.K.); (M.L.P.); (R.A.B.)
| | - Maria Cowen
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (D.O.P.); (C.D.); (T.T.V.); (M.C.); (Y.K.); (M.L.P.); (R.A.B.)
| | - Yuriy Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (D.O.P.); (C.D.); (T.T.V.); (M.C.); (Y.K.); (M.L.P.); (R.A.B.)
| | - Michelle L. Pleet
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (D.O.P.); (C.D.); (T.T.V.); (M.C.); (Y.K.); (M.L.P.); (R.A.B.)
| | - Robert A. Barclay
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (D.O.P.); (C.D.); (T.T.V.); (M.C.); (Y.K.); (M.L.P.); (R.A.B.)
| | - Nicole Noren Hooten
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (N.N.H.); (M.K.E.)
| | - Michele K. Evans
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (N.N.H.); (M.K.E.)
| | - Alonso Heredia
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Elena V. Batrakova
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina HIV Cure Center; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Sergey Iordanskiy
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | - Fatah Kashanchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (D.O.P.); (C.D.); (T.T.V.); (M.C.); (Y.K.); (M.L.P.); (R.A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +703-993-9160; Fax: +703-993-7022
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Martinsen JT, Gunst JD, Højen JF, Tolstrup M, Søgaard OS. The Use of Toll-Like Receptor Agonists in HIV-1 Cure Strategies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1112. [PMID: 32595636 PMCID: PMC7300204 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pattern recognition receptors and part of the first line of defense against invading microbes. In humans, we know of 10 different TLRs, which are expressed to varying degrees in immune cell subsets. Engaging TLRs through their specific ligands leads to activation of the innate immune system and secondarily priming of the adaptive immune system. Because of these unique properties, TLR agonists have been investigated as immunotherapy in cancer treatment for many years, but in recent years there has also been growing interest in the use of TLR agonists in the context of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) cure research. The primary obstacle to curing HIV-1 is the presence of a latent viral reservoir in transcriptionally silent immune cells. Due to the very limited transcription of the integrated HIV-1 proviruses, latently infected cells cannot be targeted and cleared by immune effector mechanisms. TLR agonists are very interesting in this context because of their potential dual effects as latency reverting agents (LRAs) and immune modulatory compounds. Here, we review preclinical and clinical data on the impact of TLR stimulation on HIV-1 latency as well as antiviral and HIV-1-specific immunity. We also focus on the promising role of TLR agonists in combination strategies in HIV-1 cure research. Different combinations of TLR agonists and broadly neutralizing antibodies or TLRs agonists as adjuvants in HIV-1 vaccines have shown very encouraging results in non-human primate experiments and these concepts are now moving into clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Martin Tolstrup
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Margolis DM, Archin NM, Cohen MS, Eron JJ, Ferrari G, Garcia JV, Gay CL, Goonetilleke N, Joseph SB, Swanstrom R, Turner AMW, Wahl A. Curing HIV: Seeking to Target and Clear Persistent Infection. Cell 2020; 181:189-206. [PMID: 32220311 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection persists despite years of antiretroviral therapy (ART). To remove the stigma and burden of chronic infection, approaches to eradicate or cure HIV infection are desired. Attempts to augment ART with therapies that reverse viral latency, paired with immunotherapies to clear infection, have advanced into the clinic, but the field is still in its infancy. We review foundational studies and highlight new insights in HIV cure research. Together with advances in ART delivery and HIV prevention strategies, future therapies that clear HIV infection may relieve society of the affliction of the HIV pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Margolis
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Nancie M Archin
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Myron S Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Joseph J Eron
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Guido Ferrari
- Department of Surgery and Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - J Victor Garcia
- International Center for the Advancement of Translational Science, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Cynthia L Gay
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Nilu Goonetilleke
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Sarah B Joseph
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ronald Swanstrom
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Anne-Marie W Turner
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Angela Wahl
- International Center for the Advancement of Translational Science, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Boucau J, Das J, Joshi N, Le Gall S. Latency reversal agents modulate HIV antigen processing and presentation to CD8 T cells. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008442. [PMID: 32196533 PMCID: PMC7112239 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Latency reversal agents (LRA) variably induce HIV re-expression in CD4 T cells but reservoirs are not cleared. Whether HIV epitope presentation is similar between latency reversal and initial infection of CD4 T cells is unknown yet crucial to define immune responses able to detect HIV-infected CD4 T cells after latency reversal. HIV peptides displayed by MHC comes from the intracellular degradation of proteins by proteasomes and post-proteasomal peptidases but the impact of LRAs on antigen processing is not known. Here we show that HDAC inhibitors (HDCAi) reduced cytosolic proteolytic activities while PKC agonists (PKCa) increased them to a lesser extent than that induced by TCR activation. During the cytosolic degradation of long HIV peptides in LRA-treated CD4 T cells extracts, HDACi and PKCa modulated degradation patterns of peptides and altered the production of HIV epitopes in often opposite ways. Beyond known HIV epitopes, HDACi narrowed the coverage of HIV antigenic fragments by 8-11aa degradation peptides while PKCa broadened it. LRAs altered HIV infection kinetics and modulated CD8 T cell activation in an epitope- and time-dependent manner. Interestingly the efficiency of endogenous epitope processing and presentation to CD8 T cells was increased by PKCa Ingenol at early time points despite low levels of antigens. LRA-induced modulations of antigen processing should be considered and exploited to enhance and broaden HIV peptide presentation by CD4 T cells and to improve immune recognition after latency reversal. This property of LRAs, if confirmed with other antigens, might be exploited to improve immune detection of diseased cells beyond HIV. Latently HIV-infected CD4 T cells persist and remain invisible to the immune system. Strategies to flush out HIV reservoirs propose to re-express HIV with latency reversal agents (LRAs), leading to CD4 T cell death or clearance by HIV-specific immune responses. LRAs tested so far variably induced HIV re-expression but did not eliminate reservoirs. The activation of HIV-specific immune responses is triggered by HIV peptides displayed by infected cells after HIV intracellular degradation. Whether HIV antigens are similarly degraded and displayed by CD4 T cells after latency reversal or during initial infection is unknown. We showed that LRAs altered the activities of the degradation machinery and changed the degradation patterns of HIV into peptides. LRA-treated HIV-infected CD4 T cells were variably recognized by immune cells in a time- and peptide-dependent manner. Some LRAs increased the efficiency of HIV peptide presentation despite low levels of HIV antigens inside CD4 T cells. The modulation of HIV peptide presentation by current or future LRAs should be accounted for and exploited to improve HIV peptide presentation and enhance immune detection of HIV-infected CD4 T cells after latency reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Boucau
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jishnu Das
- Center for Systems Immunology, Departments of Immunology and Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Neelambari Joshi
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sylvie Le Gall
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Patinote C, Karroum NB, Moarbess G, Cirnat N, Kassab I, Bonnet PA, Deleuze-Masquéfa C. Agonist and antagonist ligands of toll-like receptors 7 and 8: Ingenious tools for therapeutic purposes. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 193:112238. [PMID: 32203790 PMCID: PMC7173040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of the TLRs family and more precisely its functions opened a variety of gates to modulate immunological host responses. TLRs 7/8 are located in the endosomal compartment and activate a specific signaling pathway in a MyD88-dependant manner. According to their involvement into various autoimmune, inflammatory and malignant diseases, researchers have designed diverse TLRs 7/8 ligands able to boost or block the inherent signal transduction. These modulators are often small synthetic compounds and most act as agonists and to a much lesser extent as antagonists. Some of them have reached preclinical and clinical trials, and only one has been approved by the FDA and EMA, imiquimod. The key to the success of these modulators probably lies in their combination with other therapies as recently demonstrated. We gather in this review more than 360 scientific publications, reviews and patents, relating the extensive work carried out by researchers on the design of TLRs 7/8 modulators, which are classified firstly by their biological activities (agonist or antagonist) and then by their chemical structures, which total syntheses are not discussed here. This review also reports about 90 clinical cases, thereby showing the biological interest of these modulators in multiple pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Patinote
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Nour Bou Karroum
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France; Tumorigenèse et Pharmacologie Antitumorale, Lebanese University, EDST, BP 90656, Fanar Jdeideh, Lebanon
| | - Georges Moarbess
- Tumorigenèse et Pharmacologie Antitumorale, Lebanese University, EDST, BP 90656, Fanar Jdeideh, Lebanon
| | - Natalina Cirnat
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Issam Kassab
- Tumorigenèse et Pharmacologie Antitumorale, Lebanese University, EDST, BP 90656, Fanar Jdeideh, Lebanon
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Schwarzer R, Gramatica A, Greene WC. Reduce and Control: A Combinatorial Strategy for Achieving Sustained HIV Remissions in the Absence of Antiretroviral Therapy. Viruses 2020; 12:v12020188. [PMID: 32046251 PMCID: PMC7077203 DOI: 10.3390/v12020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) indefinitely persists, despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), within a small pool of latently infected cells. These cells often display markers of immunologic memory and harbor both replication-competent and -incompetent proviruses at approximately a 1:100 ratio. Although complete HIV eradication is a highly desirable goal, this likely represents a bridge too far for our current and foreseeable technologies. A more tractable goal involves engineering a sustained viral remission in the absence of ART––a “functional cure.” In this setting, HIV remains detectable during remission, but the size of the reservoir is small and the residual virus is effectively controlled by an engineered immune response or other intervention. Biological precedence for such an approach is found in the post-treatment controllers (PTCs), a rare group of HIV-infected individuals who, following ART withdrawal, do not experience viral rebound. PTCs are characterized by a small reservoir, greatly reduced inflammation, and the presence of a poorly understood immune response that limits viral rebound. Our goal is to devise a safe and effective means for replicating durable post-treatment control on a global scale. This requires devising methods to reduce the size of the reservoir and to control replication of this residual virus. In the following sections, we will review many of the approaches and tools that likely will be important for implementing such a “reduce and control” strategy and for achieving a PTC-like sustained HIV remission in the absence of ART.
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Vansant G, Bruggemans A, Janssens J, Debyser Z. Block-And-Lock Strategies to Cure HIV Infection. Viruses 2020; 12:E84. [PMID: 31936859 PMCID: PMC7019976 DOI: 10.3390/v12010084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Today HIV infection cannot be cured due to the presence of a reservoir of latently infected cells inducing a viral rebound upon treatment interruption. Hence, the latent reservoir is considered as the major barrier for an HIV cure. So far, efforts to completely eradicate the reservoir via a shock-and-kill approach have proven difficult and unsuccessful. Therefore, more research has been done recently on an alternative block-and-lock functional cure strategy. In contrast to the shock-and-kill strategy that aims to eradicate the entire reservoir, block-and-lock aims to permanently silence all proviruses, even after treatment interruption. HIV silencing can be achieved by targeting different factors of the transcription machinery. In this review, we first describe the underlying mechanisms of HIV transcription and silencing. Next, we give an overview of the different block-and-lock strategies under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlinde Vansant
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, 3000 Flanders, Belgium
| | - Anne Bruggemans
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, 3000 Flanders, Belgium
| | - Julie Janssens
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, 3000 Flanders, Belgium
| | - Zeger Debyser
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, 3000 Flanders, Belgium
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HIV-1 Latency and Latency Reversal: Does Subtype Matter? Viruses 2019; 11:v11121104. [PMID: 31795223 PMCID: PMC6950696 DOI: 10.3390/v11121104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells that are latently infected with HIV-1 preclude an HIV-1 cure, as antiretroviral therapy does not target this latent population. HIV-1 is highly genetically diverse, with over 10 subtypes and numerous recombinant forms circulating worldwide. In spite of this vast diversity, much of our understanding of latency and latency reversal is largely based on subtype B viruses. As such, most of the development of cure strategies targeting HIV-1 are solely based on subtype B. It is currently assumed that subtype does not influence the establishment or reactivation of latent viruses. However, this has not been conclusively proven one way or the other. A better understanding of the factors that influence HIV-1 latency in all viral subtypes will help develop therapeutic strategies that can be applied worldwide. Here, we review the latest literature on subtype-specific factors that affect viral replication, pathogenesis, and, most importantly, latency and its reversal.
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