Inflammatory and Immune Mechanisms for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in HIV

Analysis and validation of hub genes for atherosclerosis and AIDS and immune infiltration characteristics based on bioinformatics and machine learning

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of cardiovascular diseases worldwide, and AIDS linked with chronic inflammation and immune activation, increases atherosclerosis risk. The application of bioinformatics and machine learning to identify hub genes for atherosclerosis and AIDS has yet to be reported. Thus, this study aims to identify the hub genes for atherosclerosis and AIDS. Gene expression profiles were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The Robust Multichip Average was performed for data preprocessing, and the limma package was used for screening differentially expressed genes. Enrichment analysis employed GO and KEGG, protein-protein interaction network was constructed. Hub genes were filtered using topological and machine learning algorithms and validated in external cohorts. Then immune infiltration and correlation analysis of hub genes were constructed. Nomogram, receiver operating curve, and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis were applied to evaluate hub genes. This study identified 48 intersecting genes. Enrichment analyses indicated that these genes are significantly enriched in viral response, inflammatory response, and cytokine signaling pathways. CCR5 and OAS1 were identified as common hub genes in atherosclerosis and AIDS for the first time, highlighting their roles in antiviral immunity, inflammation and immune infiltration. These findings contributed to understanding the shared pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis and AIDS and provided possible potential therapeutic targets for immunomodulatory therapy.

The CLIC/GEEC pathway regulates particle uptake and formation of the virus-containing compartment (VCC) in HIV-1-infected macrophages

HIV-1 particles are captured by the immunoglobulin superfamily member Siglec-1 on the surface of macrophages and dendritic cells, leading to particle internalization and facilitating trans-infection of CD4+ T cells. HIV-1-infected macrophages develop a unique intracellular compartment termed the virus-containing compartment (VCC) that exhibits characteristic markers of the late endosome and is enriched in components of the plasma membrane (PM). The VCC has been proposed as the major site of particle assembly in macrophages. Depleting Siglec-1 from macrophages significantly reduces VCC formation, implying a link between the capture and uptake of external HIV-1 particles and the development of VCCs within HIV-infected cells. We found that internalization of particles to the VCC was independent of clathrin, but required dynamin-2. CD98 and CD44, classical markers of the CLIC/GEEC pathway, colocalized with Siglec-1 and HIV-1 particles within the VCC. Virus-like particles (VLPs) were taken up within CD98 and Siglec-1-enriched tubular membranes that migrated centripetally over time to form VCC-like structures. Inhibition of CLIC/GEEC-mediated endocytosis resulted in the arrest of captured HIV-1 particles on the macrophage cell surface, prevented VCC formation, and significantly reduced the efficiency of trans-infection of T cells. These findings indicate that following capture of virus by Siglec-1, particles follow an endocytic route to the VCC that requires both the CLIC/GEEC pathway and dynamin-2. We propose a model in which internalization of HIV-1 particles together with CLIC/GEEC membranes leads to the formation of the VCC in HIV-infected macrophages, creating an intracellular platform that facilitates further particle assembly and budding.

A Comprehensive Review of the Manifestation of Cardiovascular Diseases in HIV Patients

The increasing lifespan of people living with HIV (PLWH) due to advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) has shifted mortality patterns from AIDS-related to non-AIDS-related causes, notably cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review investigates how HIV and ART contribute to vascular endothelial dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, and hypercoagulation, which significantly exacerbate cardiovascular risk. Mechanistic insights include chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation due to persistent HIV infection and ART-specific effects such as protease inhibitors causing dyslipidemia and zidovudine inducing mitochondrial toxicity leading to cardiomyopathy. ART, while lifesaving, has been implicated in promoting subclinical atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of acute myocardial infarction, further highlighting the need for tailored approaches. The manuscript addresses pressing obstacles, including disparities in healthcare access and the lack of standardized cardiovascular screening guidelines specific to PLWH. It emphasizes the integration of advanced imaging techniques and emerging biomarkers, such as coronary artery calcium scoring and soluble ST2, to detect early subclinical cardiovascular abnormalities. The review also identifies challenges in ART selection to balance virologic control and cardiovascular safety. What sets this review apart is its holistic and detailed approach to the intersection of HIV and cardiovascular health. It not only elucidates complex pathophysiological mechanisms but also offers actionable insights into how current clinical guidelines fall short. This manuscript underscores the urgency of implementing proactive cardiovascular screening protocols tailored for PLWH and refining ART regimens to mitigate CVD risks. By addressing these gaps, this work aims to expand our understanding of HIV-related cardiovascular manifestations and provide a foundation for targeted interventions, thereby improving long-term health outcomes for PLWH. This comprehensive perspective is poised to transform clinical practice by fostering greater awareness among physicians and encouraging the development of more effective strategies for managing cardiovascular risks in the HIV population.

Pathobiology of HIV-related metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities: Towards a unifying mechanism

No abstract available.