Genetic association of IL-10 gene promoter polymorphism and HIV-1 infection in North Indians

Genetic variants of IL-10 promoter influence susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and disease progression in the Polish population: IL-10 polymorphisms and HIV-1

The risk of HIV-1 infection and the rate of disease progression vary considerably among individuals and the genetic makeup of the host may be one of the possible reasons for this. We aimed to determine association of functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), -1082A/G (rs1800896), -819C/T (rs1800871), and -592C/A (rs1800872) in IL-10 gene, with the susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and clinical parameters expressed as a baseline CD4+ T cell count, CD8+ T cell count, and viral load. Therapy naïve HIV-1 infected individuals and HIV-1 seronegative controls from Poland were recruited for this study. Genotyping results revealed significantly higher frequency of -1082G/G genotype (28.1 % vs 16.1 %; p = 0.0019, OR=0.49) and -1082G allele (47.6 % vs 38.8 %; p = 0.0028, OR = 0.70) as well as lower frequency of -592 and -819 heterozygosity (45.0 % vs 34.4 %; p = 0.0266, OR = 1.47) in controls compared to seropositive subjects. High producing haplotype GCC was associated with increased risk of HIV-1 infection (p = 0.0018, OR = 1.52). Individuals possessing -592 and -819 minor allele had significantly higher CD8+ T cell count compared to the wild type allele carriers (p = 0.0303). Moreover, presence of -1082G allele was related with lower viral load as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells counts among patients infected with R5 HIV-1 variant. Thus, IL-10 gene promoter variants may be a risk factor for HIV-1 transmission and may modulate disease progression in the Polish population.

Association between polymorphisms in the interleukin-10 gene and susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study meta-analyzed the literature on possible association of 3 polymorphisms (-592, -1082, -819) in the interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene with susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Google Scholar were systematically searched to identify relevant studies in English. Meta-analyses were performed to examine the association of IL-10 polymorphisms -592, -1082, and -819 with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection.

RESULTS

A significant association between the -592 polymorphism and susceptibility to HIV-1 infection was found in the total population (recessive model, odds ratios (OR) = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.06-1.96, P = .02; homozygous model, OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.02-2.02, P = .04). However, these results were not observed in subgroups based on ethnicity. The -1082 polymorphism was significantly associated with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection in Caucasians (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.05-1.62, P = .02; recessive model, OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.09-2.03, P = .01; homozygous model, OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.01-2.46, P = .04), but not in Asians or the total population. None of the 5 genetic models suggested a significant association between the -819 polymorphism and HIV-1 infection.

CONCLUSION

The available evidence indicates that the AA genotype of IL-10 -592 may confer increased susceptibility to HIV-1 infection, and that the AA genotype of -1082 may confer increased susceptibility in Caucasians. In contrast, the -819 polymorphism may not be associated with HIV-1 infection risk. These conclusions should be verified in large, well-designed studies.

RETRACTED: Association Between Polymorphisms in the Interleukin-10 Gene and Susceptibility to HIV-1 Infection

AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses officially retracts the paper entitled, "Association Between Polymorphisms in the Interleukin-10 Gene and Susceptibility to HIV-1 Infection," by Dan-Hui Fu, Wen-Juan Deng, Zhi Yang, Sen Hong, Qian-Ling Ding, Yang Zhao, Jia Chen, and Dan-Ke Su (AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses, epub: 16 Jun 2020; DOI: 10.1089/AID.2020.0011) due to a final, post-acceptance plagiarism review of the paper revealed a level of duplication of published sources that exceeded normal thresholds. The authors were provided an opportunity to adjust the problem, but the revision was returned with an even higher degree of duplication. The Editor and Publisher of AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses are committed to preserving the scientific literature and the community it serves.

Defective Antigen Presentation Leads to Upregulation of PD1 and IL-10 in HIV-TB Co-Infection

Human immunodeficiency virus-tuberculosis (HIV-TB) co-infection poses a challenge to the immunologists in developing new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Mechanisms behind the breakdown of the immune defense of the co-infected individual are poorly known. Numerous studies in HIV alone have revealed the role of PD1, TAP, and IL-10, but not in co-infection. The interaction of the 2 distinct bugs, which is resulting in domination over the host immune system, is still a lacuna. Hence, we aimed to portray functions of IL-10, TAP, and PD1 molecules in HIV-TB co-infection. Co-culture cells challenged with γ-irradiated M.Tb under various conditions resulted in high interleukin (IL)-10 secretion and high percentage of PD1 expression on CD8 T cells, which might be due to defective antigen presentation of TAP on dendritic cells and macrophages. Herein our observations provide an insight into the escape mechanisms by M.Tb in HIV-infected individuals from the host immune responses leading to TB co-infection.

[Association of interleukin-10 gene polymorphism with enterovirus 71 infection in children]

OBJECTIVE

To study the association of interleukin-10 (IL-10) -1082A/G, -819C/T, and -592C/A polymorphisms with IL-10 level and the severity of enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection in children.

METHODS

A total of 137 children with hand-foot-mouth disease due to EV71 infection were enrolled as EV71 infection group, which was further divided into mild group with 91 children and severe group with 46 children, and 122 healthy children who underwent physical examination were enrolled as healthy control group. Related clinical data were collected. ELISA was used to measure the serum level of IL-10, and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to analyze IL-10 -1082A/G, -819C/T and -592C/A polymorphisms.

RESULTS

Compared with the healthy control group, the children with EV71 infection had significantly higher frequency of -1082 AA genotype and A allele (P<0.05). Among the children with EV71 infection, the severe group had significantly higher frequency of -1082 AA genotype and A allele than the mild group (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the distribution of IL-10 -819C/T and IL-10 -592C/A polymorphisms between the two groups (P>0.05). The severe group had a significantly higher serum level of IL-10 than the mild group and the healthy control group. IL-10 -1082 AA genotype, -819 TT genotype, and -592 AA genotype were associated with the low expression of IL-10 (P<0.05). As for haplotype, the EV71 infection group had a significantly lower frequency of GCC haplotype than the healthy control group (P<0.05). In the severe group, the children with ATA haplotype had a significantly lower IL-10 level than those with other haplotypes, and the children with GCC haplotype had a significantly higher IL-10 level than those with other haplotypes (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in IL-10 level between children with different haplotypes in the mild group and the healthy control group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

IL-10 gene polymorphisms are associated with IL-10 expression and the severity of EV71 infection in children.

Interleukin-10 polymorphisms and susceptibility to ARV associated hepatotoxicity

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine associated with the inhibition of HIV replication. IL-10 polymorphisms were found to be linked to drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Hence we examined the prevalence of IL-10 (-819C/T,-1082A/G) polymorphisms in a total of 165 HIV patients which included 34 patients with hepatotoxicity, 131 without hepatotoxicity and 155 healthy controls by the PCR-RFLP method. In HIV patients with hepatotoxicity, the IL-10-819TT genotype increased the risk of ARV associated hepatotoxicity severity (OR = 1.61, P = 0.35). IL-10-819TT genotype was overrepresented in patients with hepatotoxicity as compared to healthy controls (26.5% vs. 13.5%, OR = 1.61, P = 0.46). IL-10 -819CT genotype was associated with advance HIV disease stage (OR = 0.49, P = 0.045). In HIV patients without hepatotoxicity, the IL-10-819TT genotype was more prevalent in patients consuming tobacco as compared to non-users (OR = 1.60, P = 0.41). In HIV patients without hepatotoxicity using both alcohol + efavirenz along with IL-10 -819CT genotype resulted in increased risk for the acquisition of ARV associated hepatotoxicity (OR = 4.00, P = 0.36). In multivariate logistic regression, taking nevirapine was associated with the risk hepatotoxicity severity (OR = 0.23, P = 0.005). In conclusion, an insignificant association between IL-10 polymorphisms and susceptibility to ARV associated hepatotoxicity.

P2X Antagonists Inhibit HIV-1 Productive Infection and Inflammatory Cytokines Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-1β in a Human Tonsil Explant Model

HIV-1 causes a persistent infection of the immune system that is associated with chronic comorbidities. The mechanisms that underlie this inflammation are poorly understood. Emerging literature has implicated proinflammatory purinergic receptors and downstream signaling mediators in HIV-1 infection. This study probed whether inhibitors of purinergic receptors would reduce HIV-1 infection and HIV-1-stimulated inflammation. An ex vivo human tonsil histoculture infection model was developed to support HIV-1 productive infection and stimulated the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and the immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). This study tests whether inhibitors of purinergic receptors would reduce HIV-1 infection and HIV-1-stimulated inflammation. The purinergic P2X1 receptor antagonist NF449, the purinergic P2X7 receptor antagonist A438079, and azidothymidine (AZT) were tested in HIV-1-infected human tonsil explants to compare levels of inhibition of HIV-1 infection and HIV-stimulated inflammatory cytokine production. All drugs limited HIV-1 productive infection, but P2X-selective antagonists (NF449 and A438079) significantly lowered HIV-stimulated IL-10 and IL-1β. We further observed that P2X1- and P2X7-selective antagonists can act differentially as inhibitors of both HIV-1 infection and HIV-1-stimulated inflammation. Our findings highlight the differential effects of HIV-1 on inflammation in peripheral blood compared to those in lymphoid tissue. For the first time, we demonstrate that P2X-selective antagonists act differentially as inhibitors of both HIV-1 infection and HIV-1-stimulated inflammation. Drugs that block these pathways can have independent inhibitory activities against HIV-1 infection and HIV-induced inflammation.IMPORTANCE Patients who are chronically infected with HIV-1 experience sequelae related to chronic inflammation. The mechanisms of this inflammation have not been elucidated. Here, we describe a class of drugs that target the P2X proinflammatory signaling receptors in a human tonsil explant model. This model highlights differences in HIV-1 stimulation of lymphoid tissue inflammation and peripheral blood. These drugs serve to block both HIV-1 infection and production of IL-10 and IL-1β in lymphoid tissue, suggesting a novel approach to HIV-1 therapeutics in which both HIV-1 replication and inflammatory signaling are simultaneously targeted.

Susceptibility to HIV-1 infection is influenced by toll like receptor-2 (-196 to -174) polymorphism in a north Indian population

BACKGROUND

Toll like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors that recognize molecular patterns of pathogens and play an important role in innate immunity. Recent studies have identified that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the TLR gene impairs the response to TLR ligands in some individuals and is associated with susceptibility to various infectious diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the role of four SNPs in the TLR2 gene [-196 to -174 Ins/Del, 2258 G/A (Arg753Gln), 2029 C/T (Arg677Trp) and 1892 C/A (Pro631His)] with respect to susceptibility and progression to HIV-1 in North Indian individuals.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 160 HIV-1 seropositive patients stratified on the basis of disease severity (stages I, II and III) and 270 HIV-1 seronegative individuals. The subjects were genotyped for TLR2 gene polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

In the present study, we found that the TLR2 Del mutant genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 2.138; p = 0.001] and allele (OR = 1.562; p = 0.002) was at a higher frequency in patients with HIV-1 infection compared to healthy controls and was significantly associated with the risk of HIV-1 infection and disease susceptibility. Furthermore, we also found that TLR2 Del homozygous genotype was at a lower frequency in stage III (19.35%) compared to stage I (50.87%; OR = 1.901) and stage II (43.05%; OR = 1.514) and was associated with a reduced risk of HIV-1 disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study reports for the first time that the TLR2-196 to -174 Ins/Del polymorphism is a risk factor for HIV-1 transmission in HIV-1 infected North Indian individuals.

IL-10-592 polymorphism is associated with IL-10 expression and severity of enterovirus 71 infection in chinese children

BACKGROUND

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection results in some severe complications with high mortality and disability in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in children. Recent studies have shown that cytokine genetic predispositions have associations with both the development of EV71 infection and severity of HFMD.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate whether the IL-10-592 polymorphism is associated with IL-10 levels and disease severity in Chinese children with EV71 infection.

STUDY DESIGN

In patients selected, there were 378 cases with EV71 infection (including 291 mild cases, 70 severe cases and 17 critical cases), as well as 406 health controls. EV71 in serum was tested by RT-PCR, and IL-10-592 genotype was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis techniques.

RESULT

The IL-10-592C allele was observed with higher frequency in patients with critical EV71 infection (70.59%) compared with severe EV71 infection (41.43%, P<0.01), mild EV71 infection (43.81%, P<0.01) and healthy children (44.46%, P<0.01). The blood IL-10 levels of critical cases were significantly higher than severe cases, mild cases, and healthy children. Among all of the four groups, IL-10 levels in patients with genotype AA were significantly lower than those with genotypes AC+CC (t=4.86, P<0.05; t=2.30, P<0.05; t=3.44, P<0.05; t=5.58, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

IL-10-592C allele is associated with IL-10 expressions and the severity of EV71 infection in Chinese patients.

Association Between the Interleukin-10-1082G/A, -592C/A, -819C/T Gene Polymorphism and HIV-1 Susceptibility: A Meta-Analysis

The Interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene polymorphism influences the pathogenesis and evolution of HIV-1 disease. Many studies in this regard have evaluated the association between this polymorphism and HIV-1 susceptibility, yet, the exact relationship between them remains ambiguous and contradictory. A systematic literature search was conducted and the found case-control studies assessing the association between IL-10-1082G/A, -592C/A, -819C/T gene polymorphism and HIV-1 susceptibility were analyzed. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by a fixed effect model. In general, no significant relationship was found between IL-10-1082G/A gene polymorphism and susceptibility to HIV-1 infection (A vs. G genotype model: OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.81-1.23, p = .775; GG vs. AA+AG model: OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.76-1.27, p = .867; GG+AG vs. AA model: OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.70-1.35, p = .852; GG vs. AA model: OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.67-1.15, p = .348; AG vs. AA model: OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.67-1.37, p = .811; GG+AA vs. AG model: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.74-1.43, p = .886). IL-10-529C/A gene polymorphism might lead to a decreased risk of HIV-1 infection (A vs. G genotype model: OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.73-1.06, p = .166; GG vs. AA+AG model: OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.80-1.11, p = .447; GG+AG vs. AA model: OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.61-0.92, p = .005; GG vs. AA model: OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.57-0.93, p = .012; AG vs. AA model: OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.60-0.92, p = .0.007; GG+AA vs. AG model: OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.72-1.71, p = .641). IL-10-819C/T gene polymorphism might lead to an increased risk of HIV-1 infection (A vs. G genotype model: OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.04-1.50, p = .019; GG vs. AA+AG model: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 0.81-2.01, p = .278; GG+AG vs. AA model: OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.05-1.93, p = .023; GG vs. AA model: OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.11-2.38, p = .012; AG vs. AA model: OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.95-1.84, p = .094; GG+AA vs. AG model: OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.72-1.19, p = .537). In general, the meta-analysis found no marked association between the IL-10-1082G/A gene polymorphism and HIV-1 susceptibility, IL-10-529C/A gene polymorphism might lead to a decreased risk of HIV-1 infection, and IL-10-819C/T gene polymorphism might lead to an increased risk of HIV-1 infection.

Combination of low producer AA-genotypes in IFN-γ and IL-10 genes makes a high risk genetic variant for HIV disease progression

Rate of HIV disease progression varies considerably among individuals, host genetic makeup be one of the possible reasons. We aimed to determine association of functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), (-179G/T and +874T/A) in IFN-γ and (-1082A/G, -819C/T and -592C/A) in IL-10 genes, with the rate of disease progression or susceptibility to HIV infection. Therapy naïve HIV infected individuals from North India, categorized as slow progressors or fast progressors and HIV exposed seronegative individuals were recruited for this study. Genotyping results revealed significantly higher frequencies of low producer AA genotype at +874T/A in IFN-γ gene and -592C/A position in IL-10 gene in FPs (p<0.002). Multifactor dimensional reduction (MDR) analysis revealed this to be a high risk combination for faster disease progression in HIV-1 infected individuals. Low producer AA genotype carriers at +874T/A in IFN-γ gene produced significantly low amounts of cellular IFN-γ. Low producing haplotype 'ATA' at -1082, -819 and -592 loci in IL-10 gene was significantly over-represented in FPs as compared to SPs (p<0.01) and these individuals showed poor response to therapy in terms of CD4 count gains after one year of ART, compared to high producing haplotype (GCC) carriers. Thus, a combination of genetic variations in IFN-γ and IL-10 cytokine genes in a single host associate with HIV disease progression and may help clinicians to better manage the HIV disease if known earlier.

Influence of interleukin 10 polymorphisms -592 and -1082 to the HIV, HBV and HCV serostatus among intravenous drug users

BACKGROUND

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a multifunctional cytokine produced by macrophages, monocytes, and T-helper cells. Two polymorphisms at positions -592 and -1082 have been associated with HIV susceptibility. However, their associations with susceptibility to HIV and its co-infections among intravenous drug users (IDUs) are largely unknown.

METHODS

A total of 345 IDUs were recruited. Of the 173 HIV negative IDUs, 20 were classified as highly exposed HIV seronegative subjects (HESNs). A control group consisted of 496 blood donors; all HIV, HCV, and HBV negative. The IL-10-592C/A and -1082A/G were determined using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay.

RESULTS

Of the IDUs, 50% were HIV positive, 89% HCV positive, 67% HBV positive and 41% had triple infection. IL-10-592C allele and -1082A allele were the most common and the -1082AG/-592CC was the most common genotype pair. All HESNs exhibited -1082A allele as compared to 81.4% of the HIV positive IDUs and 79% of donors (p=0.029 and p=0.019, respectively). None of HESNs had GG/CC genotype pair compared with 18.6% of HIV positive IDUs and 21.0% of donors (p=0.029 and p=0.019, respectively). The possession of -592AC and genotype pair AG/AC were associated with the decreased odds of HBV infection (OR=0.28; 95% CI 0.09-0.87; p=0.028 and OR=0.19; 95% CI 0.06-0.61; p=0.052, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of low producing IL-10-1082A and -592A alleles and their containing genetic variants protect highly exposed IDUs against acquisition of HIV and HBV infections.

The SNP at -592 of human IL-10 gene is associated with serum IL-10 levels and increased risk for human papillomavirus cervical lesion development

BACKGROUND

Women with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) persistence are characterized by high levels of IL-10 at cervix. We have determined whether polymorphisms of IL-10 gene promoter might be associated with increased risk of squamous intraepithelial cervical lesions (SICL) and whether exist significative differences of IL-10 mRNA expression at cervix and systemic and serum IL-10 protein between SICL cases and non-Cervical Lesions (NCL).

METHODS

Peripheral blood samples from SICL (n = 204) and NCL (n = 166) were used to detect IL-10 promoter polymorphisms at loci -592A/C (rs1800872), -819C/T (rs1800871), -1082A/G (rs1800896), -1352A/G (rs1800893), by allelic discrimination and to evaluate serum IL-10 protein. Cervical epithelial scrapings from NCL and biopsies from SICLs were used for HPV-typing and to evaluate IL-10 mRNA expression level. The systemic and local IL-10 mRNA expression levels were measured by real time-PCR. Genotypic and allelic frequencies of the selected polymorphisms were analyzed by logistic regression, adjusting by age and HPV-genotype, to determine the association with SICL.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between genotype frequencies at loci -819, -1082, and -1352. Individuals carrying at least one copy of risk allele A of polymorphism -592 had a two-fold increased risk of developing SICL [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 2.02 (95% CI, 1.26-3.25), p = 0.003], compared to NCL. The IL-10 mRNA expression and serum IL-10 protein, were significantly higher in SICL cases (p < 0.01), being higher in patients carrying the risk allele A.

CONCLUSIONS

The -592 polymorphism is associated with increased risk of SICL and can serve as a marker of genetic susceptibility to SICL among Mexican women. According to IL-10 levels found in SICL, IL-10 can be relevant factor for viral persistence and progression disease.

Influence of cytokines on HIV-specific antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activation profile of natural killer cells

There is growing interest in HIV-specific antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) as an effective immune response to prevent or control HIV infection. ADCC relies on innate immune effector cells, particularly NK cells, to mediate control of virus-infected cells. The activation of NK cells (i.e., expression of cytokines and/or degranulation) by ADCC antibodies in serum is likely subject to the influence of other factors that are also present. We observed that the HIV-specific ADCC antibodies, within serum samples from a panel of HIV-infected individuals induced divergent activation profiles of NK cells from the same donor. Some serum samples primarily induced NK cell cytokine expression (i.e., IFNγ), some primarily initiated NK cell expression of a degranulation marker (CD107a) and others initiated a similar magnitude of responses across both effector functions. We therefore evaluated a number of HIV-relevant soluble factors for their influence on the activation of NK cells by HIV-specific ADCC antibodies. Key findings were that the cytokines IL-15 and IL-10 consistently enhanced the ability of NK cells to respond to HIV-specific ADCC antibodies. Furthermore, IL-15 was demonstrated to potently activate “educated” KIR3DL1⁺ NK cells from individuals carrying its HLA-Bw4 ligand. The cytokine was also demonstrated to activate “uneducated” KIR3DL1⁺ NK cells from HLA-Bw6 homozygotes, but to a lesser extent. Our results show that cytokines influence the ability of NK cells to respond to ADCC antibodies in vitro. Manipulating the immunological environment to enhance the potency of NK cell-mediated HIV-specific ADCC effector functions could be a promising immunotherapy or vaccine strategy.

Profile of inflammatory mediators in gestational diabetes mellitus: phenotype and genotype

PROBLEM

Our study aimed to assess in vitro production of IL-10, IL-6, TNF-A, and adiponectin serum levels in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to investigate a possible association between GDM and IL-10-1082 A>G (rs1800896), IL-6-174 G>C (rs1800795), TNF-A-308 G>A (rs1800629), adiponectin +45 T>G (rs2241766), and adiponectin-11377 C>G (rs266729) gene polymorphisms.

METHOD OF STUDY

This case-control study included 79 women with GDM and 169 healthy controls (C) grouped according to pre-pregnancy BMI. IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-A culture supernatant and adiponectin serum levels were assessed by ELISA. DNA genotype was performed by PCR-RFLP.

RESULTS

Adiponectin levels were significantly higher in C than GDM women, even within the same BMI category. Cytokines levels were similar between the groups. There were no associations between GDM and the analyzed gene polymorphisms.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with GDM have significantly lower adiponectin levels in the third trimester, regardless of BMI.

Pre-existing adenovirus immunity modifies a complex mixed Th1 and Th2 cytokine response to an Ad5/HIV-1 vaccine candidate in humans

The results of the recent Step Study highlight a need to clarify the effects of pre-existing natural immunity to a vaccine vector on vaccine-induced T-cell responses. To investigate this interaction, we examined the relationship between pre-existing Ad5 immunity and T-cell cytokine response profiles in healthy, HIV-uninfected recipients of MRKAd5 HIV-1 gag vaccine (HVTN 050, ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT00849732). Participants were grouped by baseline Ad5 neutralizing antibody titer as either Ad5-seronegative (titer ≤18; n = 36) or Ad5-seropositive (titer >200; n = 34). Samples from vaccine recipients were analyzed for immune responses to either HIV-1 Gag peptide pools or Ad5 empty vector using an ex vivo assay that measures thirty cytokines in the absence of long-term culture. The overall profiles of cytokine responses to Gag and Ad5 had similar combinations of induced Th1- and Th2-type cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α, IP-10, IL-13, and IL-10, although the Ad5-specific responses were uniformly higher than the Gag-specific responses (p<0.0001 for 9 out of 11 significantly expressed analytes). At the peak response time point, PBMC from Ad5-seronegative vaccinees secreted significantly more IP-10 in response to Gag (p = 0.008), and significantly more IP-10 (p = 0.0009), IL-2 (p = 0.006) and IL-10 (p = 0.05) in response to Ad5 empty vector than PBMC from Ad5-seropositive vaccinees. Additionally, similar responses to the Ad5 vector prior to vaccination were observed in almost all subjects, regardless of Ad5 neutralizing antibody status, and the levels of secreted IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-1Ra and GM-CSF were blunted following vaccination. The cytokine response profile of Gag-specific T cells mirrored the Ad5-specific response present in all subjects before vaccination, and included a number of Th1- and Th2-associated cytokines not routinely assessed in current vaccine trials, such as IP-10, IL-10, IL-13, and GM-CSF. Together, these results suggest that vector-specific humoral responses may reduce vaccine-induced T-cell responses by previously undetected mechanisms.

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) pathway: genetic variants and outcomes of HIV-1 infection in African American adolescents

BACKGROUND

Immunological and clinical outcomes can vary considerably at the individual and population levels during both treated and untreated HIV-1 infection. Cytokines encoded by the interleukin-10 gene (IL10) family have broad immunomodulatory function in viral persistence, and several SNPs in the IL10 promoter sequence have been reported to influence pathogenesis or acquisition of HIV-1 infection.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We examined 104 informative SNPs in IL10, IL19, IL20, IL24, IL10RA and IL10RB among 250 HIV-1 seropositive and 106 high-risk seronegative African American adolescents in the REACH cohort. In subsequent evaluation of five different immunological and virological outcomes related to HIV-1 infection, 25 SNPs were associated with a single outcome and three were associated with two different outcomes. One SNP, rs2243191 in the IL19 open reading frame (Ser to Phe substitution) was associated with CD4(+) T-cell increase during treatment. Another SNP rs2244305 in IL10RB (in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs443498) was associated with an initial decrease in CD4(+) T-cell by 23 ± 9% and 29 ± 9% every 3 months (for AA and AG genotypes, respectively, compared with GG) during ART-free period. These associations were reversed during treatment, as CD4(+) T-cell increased by 31 ± 0.9% and 17 ± 8% every 3 months for AA and AG genotype, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

In African Americans, variants in IL10 and related genes might influence multiple outcomes of HIV-1 infection, especially immunological response to HAART. Fine mapping coupled with analysis of gene expression and function should help reveal the immunological importance of the IL10 gene family to HIV-1/AIDS.