Human immunodeficiency virus transmission-Mechanisms underlying the cell-to-cell spread of human immunodeficiency virus

CD4+ T cells facilitate replication of primary HIV-1 strains in macrophages and formation of macrophage internal virus-containing compartments

HIV-1 replication in macrophages is highly variable with internal virus accumulation in so-called virus-containing compartments (VCCs). VCCs represent a reservoir that is shielded from the antiviral immune response. VCC formation has been studied in lab-adapted HIV-1, but it has not been investigated whether primary HIV-1 strains induce VCCs. Furthermore, although macrophages transmit HIV-1 from VCCs to CD4+ T cells, the effect of T cells on VCCs is unknown. We analyzed the ability of primary and lab-adapted HIV-1 to replicate in macrophages, the effect of non-infected CD4+ T cell coculture, and VCC formation. All HIV-1 strains replicated in CD4+ T cells, whereas only lab-adapted HIV-1 replicated efficiently in macrophage monocultures. Coculture with non-infected CD4+ T cells enhanced the replication of primary HIV-1 in macrophages, a process associated with increased VCC formation and dependent on direct cell-to-cell contact. Broadly neutralizing antibodies differentially affected CD4+ T cell-mediated enhancement of HIV-1 replication in macrophages. CD4 antibody treatment of macrophages phenocopied the infection-promoting effect of CD4+ T cell coculture. In conclusion, non-infected CD4+ T cells facilitate primary HIV-1 replication in macrophages, and the induction of VCCs appears to be a proxy for this phenotype. VCC formation and HIV-1 replication in macrophages are promoted by non-infected CD4+ T cells in a CD4- and GP120-dependent manner. Our findings highlight the critical role of T cell-macrophage interaction in HIV-1 replication dynamics and VCC formation and call for strategies to interfere with VCCs in order to target the HIV-1 reservoir in macrophages.IMPORTANCEHere, we focus on the intimate interplay between HIV-1-infected macrophages and CD4+ T cells. Specifically, we analyzed whether primary HIV-1 strains induce virus-containing compartments (VCCs) within macrophages, which are thought to serve as viral sanctuaries and macrophage reservoirs. Notably, primary HIV-1 strains were unable to replicate in macrophages and induce VCCs unless they were cocultured with non-infected CD4+ T cells, leading to enhanced VCC formation and viral replication. This suggests an essential role for non-infected CD4+ T cells in facilitating primary HIV-1 replication in macrophages. Our data highlight the importance of not only addressing the latent HIV-1 T cell reservoir but also targeting VCC formation in macrophages to achieve the ultimate goal of functional HIV-1 cure.

CRL4-DCAF1 Ubiquitin Ligase Dependent Functions of HIV Viral Protein R and Viral Protein X

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) encodes several proteins that contort the host cell environment to promote viral replication and spread. This is often accomplished through the hijacking of cellular ubiquitin ligases. These reprogrammed complexes initiate or enhance the ubiquitination of cellular proteins that may otherwise act to restrain viral replication. Ubiquitination of target proteins may alter protein function or initiate proteasome-dependent destruction. HIV Viral Protein R (Vpr) and the related HIV-2 Viral Protein X (Vpx), engage the CRL4-DCAF1 ubiquitin ligase complex to target numerous cellular proteins. In this review we describe the CRL4-DCAF1 ubiquitin ligase complex and its interactions with HIV Vpr and Vpx. We additionally summarize the cellular proteins targeted by this association as well as the observed or hypothesized impact on HIV.

Beyond Impairment of Virion Infectivity: New Activities of the Anti-HIV Host Cell Factor SERINC5

Members of the serine incorporator (SERINC) protein family exert broad antiviral activity, and many viruses encode SERINC antagonists to circumvent these restrictions. Significant new insight was recently gained into the mechanisms that mediate restriction and antagonism. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the mode of action and relevance of SERINC proteins in HIV-1 infection. Particular focus will be placed on recent findings that provided important new mechanistic insights into the restriction of HIV-1 virion infectivity, including the discovery of SERINC's lipid scramblase activity and its antagonism by the HIV-1 pathogenesis factor Nef. We also discuss the identification and implications of several additional antiviral activities by which SERINC proteins enhance pro-inflammatory signaling and reduce viral gene expression in myeloid cells. SERINC proteins emerge as versatile and multifunctional regulators of cell-intrinsic immunity against HIV-1 infection.