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Grycová A, Vyhlídalová B, Dvořák Z. The role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in antiviral immunity: a focus on RNA viruses. Crit Rev Microbiol 2025:1-15. [PMID: 40299755 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2025.2497789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2025] [Accepted: 04/21/2025] [Indexed: 05/01/2025]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcriptional factor that is activated by a plethora of exogenous and endogenous compounds, including environmental pollutants, drugs, and microbial metabolites. The AhR plays an important role in modulating immunity. Current findings suggest that AhR activation serves as a mechanism for evasion of host antiviral immune response and promotes viral replication. This review will focus on AhR's role in RNA virus infection because they show high mutation rates compared with DNA viruses, and therefo pose one of the greatest threats to humans in terms of potential pandemic risk. Indeed, they include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza A virus (IAV), coronaviruses (CoVs), Zika virus, and others. Understanding the mechanisms by which AhR influences the immune response to these viruses is critical for developing effective therapeutic strategies. By focusing on the interplay between AhR signaling and RNA virus infections, this review aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding host-pathogen interactions and the implications for antiviral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Grycová
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Vyhlídalová
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Dvořák
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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2
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Li Y, Luo H, Pang H, Qin B. Epigenetic Targeting for Controlling Persistent Neurotropic Infections Caused by Borna Virus and HIV. Rev Med Virol 2025; 35:e70000. [PMID: 39643925 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.70000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2024] [Revised: 10/09/2024] [Accepted: 10/12/2024] [Indexed: 12/09/2024]
Abstract
Long-lasting persistence within infected cells is a major challenge for viral pathogens, as it necessitates an exact regulation of viral replication to reduce viral cytopathic effects. This is particularly challenging for viruses that persistently infect cells with limited renewal capabilities, such as neurons. Accordingly, neurotropic viruses have evolved various specific mechanisms to promote a long-lasting persistent infection in the host cells without inducing an exacerbated cytopathic effect. Borna disease virus (BDV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are two neurotropic RNA viruses that, in contrast to other RNA viruses, can establish long-lasting intranuclear infections within the nervous system. These viruses interact with different cellular processes such as epigenetic modifications to develop a successful persistence infection. Studies show that cellular epigenetic mechanisms play a significant role in the pathogenesis of BDV and HIV and their neurological disorders. Hence, targeting these mechanisms by epigenetic modulator agents can be regarded as a novel therapeutic strategy to manage BDV- and HIV-associated neurological diseases. This review provides an overview of different epigenetic modulator compounds as a potential therapeutic target for controlling persistent neurotropic intranuclear infections caused by BDV and HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadi Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huating Luo
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Pang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Qin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Dias J, Cattin A, Bendoumou M, Dutilleul A, Lodge R, Goulet JP, Fert A, Raymond Marchand L, Wiche Salinas TR, Ngassaki Yoka CD, Gabriel EM, Caballero RE, Routy JP, Cohen ÉA, Van Lint C, Ancuta P. Retinoic acid enhances HIV-1 reverse transcription and transcription in macrophages via mTOR-modulated mechanisms. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114414. [PMID: 38943643 PMCID: PMC11341200 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114414] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal environment facilitates HIV-1 infection via mechanisms involving the gut-homing vitamin A-derived retinoic acid (RA), which transcriptionally reprograms CD4+ T cells for increased HIV-1 replication/outgrowth. Consistently, colon-infiltrating CD4+ T cells carry replication-competent viral reservoirs in people with HIV-1 (PWH) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Intriguingly, integrative infection in colon macrophages, a pool replenished by monocytes, represents a rare event in ART-treated PWH, thus questioning the effect of RA on macrophages. Here, we demonstrate that RA enhances R5 but not X4 HIV-1 replication in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). RNA sequencing, gene set variation analysis, and HIV interactor NCBI database interrogation reveal RA-mediated transcriptional reprogramming associated with metabolic/inflammatory processes and HIV-1 resistance/dependency factors. Functional validations uncover post-entry mechanisms of RA action including SAMHD1-modulated reverse transcription and CDK9/RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-dependent transcription under the control of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). These results support a model in which macrophages residing in the intestine of ART-untreated PWH contribute to viral replication/dissemination in an mTOR-sensitive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Dias
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Amélie Cattin
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Maryam Bendoumou
- Service of Molecular Virology, Department of Molecular Biology (DBM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Antoine Dutilleul
- Service of Molecular Virology, Department of Molecular Biology (DBM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Robert Lodge
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Augustine Fert
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Laurence Raymond Marchand
- Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Tomas Raul Wiche Salinas
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Christ-Dominique Ngassaki Yoka
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Etiene Moreira Gabriel
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ramon Edwin Caballero
- Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada; Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada; Division of Hematology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Éric A Cohen
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Carine Van Lint
- Service of Molecular Virology, Department of Molecular Biology (DBM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 6041 Gosselies, Belgium.
| | - Petronela Ancuta
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada.
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4
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Mbonye U, Karn J. The cell biology of HIV-1 latency and rebound. Retrovirology 2024; 21:6. [PMID: 38580979 PMCID: PMC10996279 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-024-00639-w] [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: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcriptionally latent forms of replication-competent proviruses, present primarily in a small subset of memory CD4+ T cells, pose the primary barrier to a cure for HIV-1 infection because they are the source of the viral rebound that almost inevitably follows the interruption of antiretroviral therapy. Over the last 30 years, many of the factors essential for initiating HIV-1 transcription have been identified in studies performed using transformed cell lines, such as the Jurkat T-cell model. However, as highlighted in this review, several poorly understood mechanisms still need to be elucidated, including the molecular basis for promoter-proximal pausing of the transcribing complex and the detailed mechanism of the delivery of P-TEFb from 7SK snRNP. Furthermore, the central paradox of HIV-1 transcription remains unsolved: how are the initial rounds of transcription achieved in the absence of Tat? A critical limitation of the transformed cell models is that they do not recapitulate the transitions between active effector cells and quiescent memory T cells. Therefore, investigation of the molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 latency reversal and LRA efficacy in a proper physiological context requires the utilization of primary cell models. Recent mechanistic studies of HIV-1 transcription using latently infected cells recovered from donors and ex vivo cellular models of viral latency have demonstrated that the primary blocks to HIV-1 transcription in memory CD4+ T cells are restrictive epigenetic features at the proviral promoter, the cytoplasmic sequestration of key transcription initiation factors such as NFAT and NF-κB, and the vanishingly low expression of the cellular transcription elongation factor P-TEFb. One of the foremost schemes to eliminate the residual reservoir is to deliberately reactivate latent HIV-1 proviruses to enable clearance of persisting latently infected cells-the "Shock and Kill" strategy. For "Shock and Kill" to become efficient, effective, non-toxic latency-reversing agents (LRAs) must be discovered. Since multiple restrictions limit viral reactivation in primary cells, understanding the T-cell signaling mechanisms that are essential for stimulating P-TEFb biogenesis, initiation factor activation, and reversing the proviral epigenetic restrictions have become a prerequisite for the development of more effective LRAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Mbonye
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
| | - Jonathan Karn
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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5
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Yi Y, Zankharia U, Cassel JA, Lu F, Salvino JM, Lieberman PM, Collman RG. A high-throughput screening assay for silencing established HIV-1 macrophage infection identifies nucleoside analogs that perturb H3K9me3 on proviral genomes. J Virol 2023; 97:e0065323. [PMID: 37578230 PMCID: PMC10506489 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00653-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-infected macrophages are long-lived cells that represent a barrier to functional cure. Additionally, low-level viral expression by central nervous system (CNS) macrophages contributes to neurocognitive deficits that develop despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). We recently identified H3K9me3 as an atypical epigenetic mark associated with chronic HIV infection in macrophages. Thus, strategies are needed to suppress HIV-1 expression in macrophages, but the unique myeloid environment and the responsible macrophage/CNS-tropic strains require cell/strain-specific approaches. Here, we generated an HIV-1 reporter virus from a CNS-derived strain with intact auxiliary genes expressing destabilized luciferase. We employed this reporter virus in polyclonal infection of primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) for a high-throughput screen (HTS) to identify compounds that suppress virus expression from established macrophage infection. Screening ~6,000 known drugs and compounds yielded 214 hits. A secondary screen with 10-dose titration identified 24 meeting criteria for HIV-selective activity. Using three replication-competent CNS-derived macrophage-tropic HIV-1 isolates and viral gene expression readout in MDM, we confirmed the effect of three purine analogs, nelarabine, fludarabine, and entecavir, showing the suppression of HIV-1 expression from established macrophage infection. Nelarabine inhibited the formation of H3K9me3 on HIV genomes in macrophages. Thus, this novel HTS assay can identify suppressors of HIV-1 transcription in established macrophage infection, such as nucleoside analogs and HDAC inhibitors, which may be linked to H3K9me3 modification. This screen may be useful to identify new metabolic and epigenetic agents that ameliorate HIV-driven neuroinflammation in people on ART or prevent viral recrudescence from macrophage reservoirs in strategies to achieve ART-free remission. IMPORTANCE Macrophages infected by HIV-1 are a long-lived reservoir and a barrier in current efforts to achieve HIV cure and also contribute to neurocognitive complications in people despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). Silencing HIV expression in these cells would be of great value, but the regulation of HIV-1 in macrophages differs from T cells. We developed a novel high-throughput screen for compounds that can silence established infection of primary macrophages, and identified agents that downregulate virus expression and alter provirus epigenetic profiles. The significance of this assay is the potential to identify new drugs that act in the unique macrophage environment on relevant viral strains, which may contribute to adjunctive treatment for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and/or prevent viral rebound in efforts to achieve ART-free remission or cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Yi
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Urvi Zankharia
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Fang Lu
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Ronald G. Collman
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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6
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Saeb S, Wallet C, Rohr O, Schwartz C, Loustau T. Targeting and eradicating latent CNS reservoirs of HIV-1: original strategies and new models. Biochem Pharmacol 2023:115679. [PMID: 37399950 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is the standard treatment for all people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). Although cART is effective in treating productive infection, it does not eliminate latent reservoirs of the virus. This leads to lifelong treatment associated with the occurrence of side effects and the development of drug-resistant HIV-1. Suppression of viral latency is therefore the major hurdle to HIV-1 eradication. Multiple mechanisms exist to regulate viral gene expression and drive the transcriptional and post-transcriptional establishment of latency. Epigenetic processes are amongst the most studied mechanisms influencing both productive and latent infection states. The central nervous system (CNS) represents a key anatomical sanctuary for HIV and is the focal point of considerable research efforts. However, limited and difficult access to CNS compartments makes understanding the HIV-1 infection state in latent brain cells such as microglial cells, astrocytes, and perivascular macrophages challenging. This review examines the latest advances on epigenetic transformations involved in CNS viral latency and targeting of brain reservoirs. Evidence from clinical studies as well as in vivo and in vitro models of HIV-1 persistence in the CNS will be discussed, with a special focus on recent 3D in vitro models such as human brain organoids. Finally, the review will address therapeutic considerations for targeting latent CNS reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Saeb
- Department of Allied Medicine, Qaen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Strasbourg University, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Clémentine Wallet
- Strasbourg University, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Olivier Rohr
- Strasbourg University, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Christian Schwartz
- Strasbourg University, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Thomas Loustau
- Strasbourg University, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France.
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7
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Chatterjee D, Zhang Y, Ngassaki-Yoka CD, Dutilleul A, Khalfi S, Hernalsteens O, Wiche Salinas TR, Dias J, Chen H, Smail Y, Goulet JP, Bell B, Routy JP, Van Lint C, Ancuta P. Identification of aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a barrier to HIV-1 infection and outgrowth in CD4 + T cells. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112634. [PMID: 37310858 PMCID: PMC10592455 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) regulates Th17-polarized CD4+ T cell functions, but its role in HIV-1 replication/outgrowth remains unknown. Genetic (CRISPR-Cas9) and pharmacological inhibition reveal AhR as a barrier to HIV-1 replication in T cell receptor (TCR)-activated CD4+ T cells in vitro. In single-round vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-G-pseudotyped HIV-1 infection, AhR blockade increases the efficacy of early/late reverse transcription and subsequently facilitated integration/translation. Moreover, AhR blockade boosts viral outgrowth in CD4+ T cells of people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Finally, RNA sequencing reveals genes/pathways downregulated by AhR blockade in CD4+ T cells of ART-treated PLWH, including HIV-1 interactors and gut-homing molecules with AhR-responsive elements in their promoters. Among them, HIC1, a repressor of Tat-mediated HIV-1 transcription and a tissue-residency master regulator, is identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation as a direct AhR target. Thus, AhR governs a T cell transcriptional program controlling viral replication/outgrowth and tissue residency/recirculation, supporting the use of AhR inhibitors in "shock and kill" HIV-1 remission/cure strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debashree Chatterjee
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Christ-Dominique Ngassaki-Yoka
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Antoine Dutilleul
- Service of Molecular Virology, Department of Molecular Biology (DBM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Soumia Khalfi
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Olivier Hernalsteens
- Service of Molecular Virology, Department of Molecular Biology (DBM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Tomas Raul Wiche Salinas
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Jonathan Dias
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Huicheng Chen
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Yasmine Smail
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | | | - Brendan Bell
- Département de Microbiologie et Infectiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé and Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Division of Hematology and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3H 2R9, Canada; Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3H 2R9, Canada
| | - Carine Van Lint
- Service of Molecular Virology, Department of Molecular Biology (DBM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 6041 Gosselies, Belgium.
| | - Petronela Ancuta
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest & The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.
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8
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Nühn MM, Gumbs SBH, Buchholtz NVEJ, Jannink LM, Gharu L, de Witte LD, Wensing AMJ, Lewin SR, Nijhuis M, Symons J. Shock and kill within the CNS: A promising HIV eradication approach? J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:1297-1315. [PMID: 36148896 PMCID: PMC9826147 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5vmr0122-046rrr] [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: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The most studied HIV eradication approach is the "shock and kill" strategy, which aims to reactivate the latent reservoir by latency reversing agents (LRAs) and allowing elimination of these cells by immune-mediated clearance or viral cytopathic effects. The CNS is an anatomic compartment in which (persistent) HIV plays an important role in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder. Restriction of the CNS by the blood-brain barrier is important for maintenance of homeostasis of the CNS microenvironment, which includes CNS-specific cell types, expression of transcription factors, and altered immune surveillance. Within the CNS predominantly myeloid cells such as microglia and perivascular macrophages are thought to be a reservoir of persistent HIV infection. Nevertheless, infection of T cells and astrocytes might also impact HIV infection in the CNS. Genetic adaptation to this microenvironment results in genetically distinct, compartmentalized viral populations with differences in transcription profiles. Because of these differences in transcription profiles, LRAs might have different effects within the CNS as compared with the periphery. Moreover, reactivation of HIV in the brain and elimination of cells within the CNS might be complex and could have detrimental consequences. Finally, independent of activity on latent HIV, LRAs themselves can have adverse neurologic effects. We provide an extensive overview of the current knowledge on compartmentalized (persistent) HIV infection in the CNS and on the "shock and kill" strategy. Subsequently, we reflect on the impact and promise of the "shock and kill" strategy on the elimination of persistent HIV in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke M. Nühn
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical CenterUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Stephanie B. H. Gumbs
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical CenterUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Ninée V. E. J. Buchholtz
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical CenterUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Lisanne M. Jannink
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical CenterUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Lavina Gharu
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical CenterUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Lot D. de Witte
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical CenterUtrechtthe Netherlands,Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Annemarie M. J. Wensing
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical CenterUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Sharon R. Lewin
- Department of Infectious DiseasesThe University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute of Immunity and InfectionMelbourneVICAustralia,Victorian Infectious Diseases ServiceThe Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute of Immunity and InfectionMelbourneVICAustralia,Department of Infectious DiseasesAlfred Hospital and Monash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Monique Nijhuis
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical CenterUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Jori Symons
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Medical CenterUtrechtthe Netherlands
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Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected macrophages are long-lived cells that sustain persistent virus expression, which is both a barrier to viral eradication and contributor to neurological complications in patients despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). To better understand the regulation of HIV-1 in macrophages, we compared HIV-infected primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) to acutely infected primary CD4 T cells and Jurkat cells latently infected with HIV (JLAT 8.4). HIV genomes in MDM were actively transcribed despite enrichment with heterochromatin-associated H3K9me3 across the complete HIV genome in combination with elevated activation marks of H3K9ac and H3K27ac at the long terminal repeat (LTR). Macrophage patterns contrasted with JLAT cells, which showed conventional bivalent H3K4me3/H3K27me3, and acutely infected CD4 T cells, which showed an intermediate epigenotype. 5'-Methylcytosine (5mC) was enriched across the HIV genome in latently infected JLAT cells, while 5'-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) was enriched in CD4 cells and MDMs. HIV infection induced multinucleation of MDMs along with DNA damage-associated p53 phosphorylation, as well as loss of TET2 and the nuclear redistribution of 5-hydoxymethylation. Taken together, our findings suggest that HIV induces a unique macrophage nuclear and transcriptional profile, and viral genomes are maintained in a noncanonical bivalent epigenetic state. IMPORTANCE Macrophages serve as a reservoir for long-term persistence and chronic production of HIV. We found an atypical epigenetic control of HIV in macrophages marked by heterochromatic H3K9me3 despite active viral transcription. HIV infection induced changes in macrophage nuclear morphology and epigenetic regulatory factors. These findings may identify new mechanisms to control chronic HIV expression in infected macrophages.
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Saeb S, Ravanshad M, Pourkarim MR, Daouad F, Baesi K, Rohr O, Wallet C, Schwartz C. Brain HIV-1 latently-infected reservoirs targeted by the suicide gene strategy. Virol J 2021; 18:107. [PMID: 34059075 PMCID: PMC8166011 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-021-01584-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Reducing the pool of HIV-1 reservoirs in patients is a must to achieve functional cure. The most prominent HIV-1 cell reservoirs are resting CD4 + T cells and brain derived microglial cells. Infected microglial cells are believed to be the source of peripheral tissues reseedings and the emergence of drug resistance. Clearing infected cells from the brain is therefore crucial. However, many characteristics of microglial cells and the central nervous system make extremely difficult their eradication from brain reservoirs. Current methods, such as the "shock and kill", the "block and lock" and gene editing strategies cannot override these difficulties. Therefore, new strategies have to be designed when considering the elimination of brain reservoirs. We set up an original gene suicide strategy using latently infected microglial cells as model cells. In this paper we provide proof of concept of this strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Saeb
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Mehrdad Ravanshad
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahmoud Reza Pourkarim
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Division of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fadoua Daouad
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Kazem Baesi
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Olivier Rohr
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Clémentine Wallet
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Christian Schwartz
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France.
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11
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Salahong T, Schwartz C, Sungthong R. Are BET Inhibitors yet Promising Latency-Reversing Agents for HIV-1 Reactivation in AIDS Therapy? Viruses 2021; 13:v13061026. [PMID: 34072421 PMCID: PMC8228869 DOI: 10.3390/v13061026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AIDS first emerged decades ago; however, its cure, i.e., eliminating all virus sources, is still unachievable. A critical burden of AIDS therapy is the evasive nature of HIV-1 in face of host immune responses, the so-called "latency." Recently, a promising approach, the "Shock and Kill" strategy, was proposed to eliminate latently HIV-1-infected cell reservoirs. The "Shock and Kill" concept involves two crucial steps: HIV-1 reactivation from its latency stage using a latency-reversing agent (LRA) followed by host immune responses to destroy HIV-1-infected cells in combination with reinforced antiretroviral therapy to kill the progeny virus. Hence, a key challenge is to search for optimal LRAs. Looking at epigenetics of HIV-1 infection, researchers proved that some bromodomains and extra-terminal motif protein inhibitors (BETis) are able to reactivate HIV-1 from latency. However, to date, only a few BETis have shown HIV-1-reactivating functions, and none of them have yet been approved for clinical trial. In this review, we aim to demonstrate the epigenetic roles of BETis in HIV-1 infection and HIV-1-related immune responses. Possible future applications of BETis and their HIV-1-reactivating properties are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanarat Salahong
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand;
| | - Christian Schwartz
- Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, University of Strasbourg, 67300 Schiltigheim, France
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Rungroch Sungthong
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
- Laboratory of Hydrology and Geochemistry of Strasbourg, University of Strasbourg, UMR 7517 CNRS/EOST, 67084 Strasbourg CEDEX, France
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (R.S.)
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12
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Epigenetic Mechanisms of HIV-1 Persistence. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9050514. [PMID: 34067608 PMCID: PMC8156729 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Eradicating HIV-1 in infected individuals will not be possible without addressing the persistence of the virus in its multiple reservoirs. In this context, the molecular characterization of HIV-1 persistence is key for the development of rationalized therapeutic interventions. HIV-1 gene expression relies on the redundant and cooperative recruitment of cellular epigenetic machineries to cis-regulatory proviral regions. Furthermore, the complex repertoire of HIV-1 repression mechanisms varies depending on the nature of the viral reservoir, although, so far, few studies have addressed the specific regulatory mechanisms of HIV-1 persistence in other reservoirs than the well-studied latently infected CD4+ T cells. Here, we present an exhaustive and updated picture of the heterochromatinization of the HIV-1 promoter in its different reservoirs. We highlight the complexity, heterogeneity and dynamics of the epigenetic mechanisms of HIV-1 persistence, while discussing the importance of further understanding HIV-1 gene regulation for the rational design of novel HIV-1 cure strategies.
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13
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Ait-Ammar A, Bellefroid M, Daouad F, Martinelli V, Van Assche J, Wallet C, Rodari A, De Rovere M, Fahrenkrog B, Schwartz C, Van Lint C, Gautier V, Rohr O. Inhibition of HIV-1 gene transcription by KAP1 in myeloid lineage. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2692. [PMID: 33514850 PMCID: PMC7846785 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82164-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 latency generates reservoirs that prevent viral eradication by the current therapies. To find strategies toward an HIV cure, detailed understandings of the molecular mechanisms underlying establishment and persistence of the reservoirs are needed. The cellular transcription factor KAP1 is known as a potent repressor of gene transcription. Here we report that KAP1 represses HIV-1 gene expression in myeloid cells including microglial cells, the major reservoir of the central nervous system. Mechanistically, KAP1 interacts and colocalizes with the viral transactivator Tat to promote its degradation via the proteasome pathway and repress HIV-1 gene expression. In myeloid models of latent HIV-1 infection, the depletion of KAP1 increased viral gene elongation and reactivated HIV-1 expression. Bound to the latent HIV-1 promoter, KAP1 associates and cooperates with CTIP2, a key epigenetic silencer of HIV-1 expression in microglial cells. In addition, Tat and CTIP2 compete for KAP1 binding suggesting a dynamic modulation of the KAP1 cellular partners upon HIV-1 infection. Altogether, our results suggest that KAP1 contributes to the establishment and the persistence of HIV-1 latency in myeloid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Ait-Ammar
- grid.11843.3f0000 0001 2157 9291Université de Strasbourg, UR 7292 DHPI, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, 1 Allée d’Athènes, 67300 Schiltigheim, France ,grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743Center for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Medicine and Medical Science (SMMS), University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland ,grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Service of Molecular Virology, Institute for Molecular Biology and Medicine (IBMM), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Maxime Bellefroid
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Service of Molecular Virology, Institute for Molecular Biology and Medicine (IBMM), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Fadoua Daouad
- grid.11843.3f0000 0001 2157 9291Université de Strasbourg, UR 7292 DHPI, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, 1 Allée d’Athènes, 67300 Schiltigheim, France
| | - Valérie Martinelli
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Laboratory Biology of the Nucleus, Institute for Molecular Biology and Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041 Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Jeanne Van Assche
- grid.11843.3f0000 0001 2157 9291Université de Strasbourg, UR 7292 DHPI, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, 1 Allée d’Athènes, 67300 Schiltigheim, France
| | - Clémentine Wallet
- grid.11843.3f0000 0001 2157 9291Université de Strasbourg, UR 7292 DHPI, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, 1 Allée d’Athènes, 67300 Schiltigheim, France
| | - Anthony Rodari
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Service of Molecular Virology, Institute for Molecular Biology and Medicine (IBMM), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Marco De Rovere
- grid.11843.3f0000 0001 2157 9291Université de Strasbourg, UR 7292 DHPI, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, 1 Allée d’Athènes, 67300 Schiltigheim, France
| | - Birthe Fahrenkrog
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Laboratory Biology of the Nucleus, Institute for Molecular Biology and Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041 Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Christian Schwartz
- grid.11843.3f0000 0001 2157 9291Université de Strasbourg, UR 7292 DHPI, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, 1 Allée d’Athènes, 67300 Schiltigheim, France
| | - Carine Van Lint
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Service of Molecular Virology, Institute for Molecular Biology and Medicine (IBMM), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Virginie Gautier
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743Center for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Medicine and Medical Science (SMMS), University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Olivier Rohr
- grid.11843.3f0000 0001 2157 9291Université de Strasbourg, UR 7292 DHPI, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, 1 Allée d’Athènes, 67300 Schiltigheim, France
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14
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ZBTB gene expression in HIV patients: a possible new molecular mechanism of viral control. Arch Virol 2020; 166:167-178. [PMID: 33130911 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-020-04854-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
HIV infects its target cell and integrates into its genome as an essential step in its replication cycle. Proviral DNA is also subjected to the same transcriptional regulation as the host cell genome by its own transcriptional factors, with activating or repressive activity. There is a clear interaction between the presence of transcriptional repressors and a decrease in the rate of HIV replication, promoting gene silencing in infected cells, which serve as viral reservoirs. This represents a major obstacle for HIV eradication. The ZBTB gene family comprises 49 genes that encode transcription factors that have a repressor function in differentiation and development of cells of the lymphopoietic lineage, including the main target cells of HIV, CD4+ T cells. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the expression profile of ZBTB genes in CD4+ T cells of HIV-positive individuals with different levels of infection control. We found upregulation of gene expression of ZBTB4 (p < 0.01), ZBTB7B (p < 0.001), and ZBTB38 (p < 0.05) and downregulation of ZBTB16 (p < 0.01) in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative individuals. Interestingly, in a deeper analysis, we observed that elite controllers had the highest levels of expression of the ZBTB38, ZBTB2, HIC1, ZBTB7A, ZBTB7B (ThPOK) and ZBTB4 genes, showing 2.56- to 7.60-fold upregulation compare to the ART-naïve group. These results suggest a possible contribution of these ZBTB transcriptional repressors in HIV-positive patients and a possible new molecular mechanism of viral control.
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15
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Wallet C, Rohr O, Schwartz C. Evolution of a concept: From accessory protein to key virulence factor, the case of HIV-1 Vpr. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 180:114128. [PMID: 32619426 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Back in 1989 some studies have shown that the viral protein Vpr was dispensable for HIV-1 replication in vitro. From then the concept of accessory or auxiliary protein for Vpr has emerged and it is still used to date. However, Vpr soon appeared to be very important for in vivo virus spread and pathogenesis. Vpr has been involved in many biological functions including regulation of reverse transcriptase activity, the nuclear import of the pre-integration complex (PIC), HIV-1 transcription, gene splicing, apoptosis and in cell cycle arrest. Thus, we might rather consider Vpr as a true virulence factor instead of just an accessory factor. At present, Vpr can be regarded as a potential and promising target in different strategies aiming to fight infected cells including latently infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémentine Wallet
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Olivier Rohr
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Christian Schwartz
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France.
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16
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Wallet C, De Rovere M, Van Assche J, Daouad F, De Wit S, Gautier V, Mallon PWG, Marcello A, Van Lint C, Rohr O, Schwartz C. Microglial Cells: The Main HIV-1 Reservoir in the Brain. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:362. [PMID: 31709195 PMCID: PMC6821723 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite efficient combination of the antiretroviral therapy (cART), which significantly decreased mortality and morbidity of HIV-1 infection, a definitive HIV cure has not been achieved. Hidden HIV-1 in cellular and anatomic reservoirs is the major hurdle toward a functional cure. Microglial cells, the Central Nervous system (CNS) resident macrophages, are one of the major cellular reservoirs of latent HIV-1. These cells are believed to be involved in the emergence of drugs resistance and reseeding peripheral tissues. Moreover, these long-life reservoirs are also involved in the development of HIV-1-associated neurocognitive diseases (HAND). Clearing these infected cells from the brain is therefore crucial to achieve a cure. However, many characteristics of microglial cells and the CNS hinder the eradication of these brain reservoirs. Better understandings of the specific molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 latency in microglial cells should help to design new molecules and new strategies preventing HAND and achieving HIV cure. Moreover, new strategies are needed to circumvent the limitations associated to anatomical sanctuaries with barriers such as the blood brain barrier (BBB) that reduce the access of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clementine Wallet
- Université de Strasbourg, EA7292, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Marco De Rovere
- Université de Strasbourg, EA7292, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Jeanne Van Assche
- Université de Strasbourg, EA7292, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Fadoua Daouad
- Université de Strasbourg, EA7292, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Stéphane De Wit
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Saint-Pierre University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Virginie Gautier
- UCD Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research (CEPHR), School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick W G Mallon
- UCD Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research (CEPHR), School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alessandro Marcello
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Carine Van Lint
- Service of Molecular Virology, Department of Molecular Biology (DBM), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Olivier Rohr
- Université de Strasbourg, EA7292, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Christian Schwartz
- Université de Strasbourg, EA7292, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
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17
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HIV-1 Vpr mediates the depletion of the cellular repressor CTIP2 to counteract viral gene silencing. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13154. [PMID: 31511615 PMCID: PMC6739472 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48689-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammals have evolved many antiviral factors impacting different steps of the viral life cycle. Associated with chromatin-modifying enzymes, the cellular cofactor CTIP2 contributes to HIV-1 gene silencing in latently infected reservoirs that constitute the major block toward an HIV cure. We report, for the first time, that the virus has developed a strategy to overcome this major transcriptional block. Productive HIV-1 infection results in a Vpr-mediated depletion of CTIP2 in microglial cells and CD4+ T cells, two of the major viral reservoirs. Associated to the Cul4A-DDB1-DCAF1 ubiquitin ligase complex, Vpr promotes CTIP2 degradation via the proteasome pathway in the nuclei of target cells and notably at the latent HIV-1 promoter. Importantly, Vpr targets CTIP2 associated with heterochromatin-promoting enzymes dedicated to HIV-1 gene silencing. Thereby, Vpr reactivates HIV-1 expression in a microglial model of HIV-1 latency. Altogether our results suggest that HIV-1 Vpr mediates the depletion of the cellular repressor CTIP2 to counteract viral gene silencing.
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18
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Wallet C, De Rovere M, Van Assche J, Daouad F, De Wit S, Gautier V, Mallon PWG, Marcello A, Van Lint C, Rohr O, Schwartz C. Microglial Cells: The Main HIV-1 Reservoir in the Brain. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019. [PMID: 31709195 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00362/bibtex] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite efficient combination of the antiretroviral therapy (cART), which significantly decreased mortality and morbidity of HIV-1 infection, a definitive HIV cure has not been achieved. Hidden HIV-1 in cellular and anatomic reservoirs is the major hurdle toward a functional cure. Microglial cells, the Central Nervous system (CNS) resident macrophages, are one of the major cellular reservoirs of latent HIV-1. These cells are believed to be involved in the emergence of drugs resistance and reseeding peripheral tissues. Moreover, these long-life reservoirs are also involved in the development of HIV-1-associated neurocognitive diseases (HAND). Clearing these infected cells from the brain is therefore crucial to achieve a cure. However, many characteristics of microglial cells and the CNS hinder the eradication of these brain reservoirs. Better understandings of the specific molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 latency in microglial cells should help to design new molecules and new strategies preventing HAND and achieving HIV cure. Moreover, new strategies are needed to circumvent the limitations associated to anatomical sanctuaries with barriers such as the blood brain barrier (BBB) that reduce the access of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clementine Wallet
- Université de Strasbourg, EA7292, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Marco De Rovere
- Université de Strasbourg, EA7292, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Jeanne Van Assche
- Université de Strasbourg, EA7292, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Fadoua Daouad
- Université de Strasbourg, EA7292, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Stéphane De Wit
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Saint-Pierre University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Virginie Gautier
- UCD Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research (CEPHR), School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick W G Mallon
- UCD Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research (CEPHR), School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alessandro Marcello
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Carine Van Lint
- Service of Molecular Virology, Department of Molecular Biology (DBM), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Olivier Rohr
- Université de Strasbourg, EA7292, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Christian Schwartz
- Université de Strasbourg, EA7292, FMTS, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The viral transactivator Tat protein is a key modulator of HIV-1 replication, as it regulates transcriptional elongation from the integrated proviral genome. Tat recruits the human transcription elongation factor b, and other host proteins, such as the super elongation complex, to activate the cellular RNA polymerase II, normally stalled shortly after transcription initiation at the HIV promoter. By means of a complex set of interactions with host cellular factors, Tat determines the fate of viral activity within the infected cell. The virus will either actively replicate to promote dissemination in blood and tissues, or become dormant mostly in memory CD4+ T cells, as part of a small but long-living latent reservoir, the main obstacle for HIV eradication. OBJECTIVE In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of the multi-step mechanism that regulates Tat-mediated HIV-1 transcription and RNA polymerase II release, to promote viral transcription elongation. Early events of the human transcription elongation factor b release from the inhibitory 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex and its recruitment to the HIV promoter will be discussed. Specific roles of the super elongation complex subunits during transcription elongation, and insight on recently identified cellular factors and mechanisms regulating HIV latency will be detailed. CONCLUSION Understanding the complexity of HIV transcriptional regulation by host factors may open the door for development of novel strategies to eradicate the resilient latent reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Mousseau
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458. United States
| | - Susana T Valente
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458. United States
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20
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Khan S, Iqbal M, Tariq M, Baig SM, Abbas W. Epigenetic regulation of HIV-1 latency: focus on polycomb group (PcG) proteins. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:14. [PMID: 29441145 PMCID: PMC5800276 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0441-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 latency allows the virus to persist until reactivation, in a transcriptionally silent form in its cellular reservoirs despite the presence of effective cART. Such viral persistence represents a major barrier to HIV eradication since treatment interruption leads to rebound plasma viremia. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins have recently got a considerable attention in regulating HIV-1 post-integration latency as they are involved in the repression of proviral gene expression through the methylation of histones. This epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the establishment and maintenance of HIV-1 latency. In fact, PcG proteins act in complexes and modulate the epigenetic signatures of integrated HIV-1 promoter. Key role played by PcG proteins in the molecular control of HIV-1 latency has led to hypothesize that PcG proteins may represent a valuable target for future HIV-1 therapy in purging HIV-1 reservoirs. In this regard, various small molecules have been synthesized or explored to specifically block the epigenetic activity of PcG. In this review, we will highlight the possible therapeutic approaches to achieve either a functional or sterilizing cure of HIV-1 infection with special focus on histone methylation by PcG proteins together with current and novel pharmacological approaches to reactivate HIV-1 from latency that could ultimately lead towards a better clearance of viral latent reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheraz Khan
- Health Biotechnology Division (HBD), National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), PO Box 577, Jhang road, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mazhar Iqbal
- Health Biotechnology Division (HBD), National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), PO Box 577, Jhang road, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tariq
- Department of Biology (Epigenetics group), SBA School of Science and Engineering, LUMS, Lahore, 54792 Pakistan
| | - Shahid M. Baig
- Health Biotechnology Division (HBD), National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), PO Box 577, Jhang road, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Wasim Abbas
- Health Biotechnology Division (HBD), National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), PO Box 577, Jhang road, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan
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21
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Ne E, Palstra RJ, Mahmoudi T. Transcription: Insights From the HIV-1 Promoter. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 335:191-243. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2017.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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22
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Eilebrecht S, Benecke BJ, Benecke AG. Latent HIV-1 TAR Regulates 7SK-responsive P-TEFb Target Genes and Targets Cellular Immune Responses in the Absence of Tat. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2017; 15:313-323. [PMID: 29037489 PMCID: PMC5673678 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The transactivating response element (TAR) structure of the nascent HIV-1 transcript is critically involved in the recruitment of inactive positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) to the promoter proximal paused RNA polymerase II. The viral transactivator Tat is responsible for subsequent P-TEFb activation in order to start efficient viral transcription elongation. In the absence of the viral transactivator of transcription (Tat), e.g., during latency or in early stages of HIV transcription, TAR mediates an interaction of P-TEFb with its inhibitor hexamethylene bis-acetamide-inducible protein 1 (HEXIM1), keeping P-TEFb in its inactive form. In this study, we address the function of HIV-1 TAR in the absence of Tat by analyzing consequences of HIV-1 TAR overexpression on host cellular gene expression. An RNA chimera consisting of Epstein-Barr virus-expressed RNA 2 (EBER2) and HIV-1 TAR was developed to assure robust overexpression of TAR in HEK293 cells. The overexpression results in differential expression of more than 800 human genes. A significant proportion of these genes is involved in the suppression of cellular immune responses, including a significant set of 7SK-responsive P-TEFb target genes. Our findings identify a novel role for HIV-1 TAR in the absence of Tat, involving the interference with host cellular immune responses by targeting 7SK RNA-mediated gene expression and P-TEFb inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Eilebrecht
- CNRS UMR8246, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 75005, France; ACSIOMA GmbH, Technologiezentrum Ruhr, Bochum 44799, Germany.
| | | | - Arndt G Benecke
- CNRS UMR8246, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 75005, France; Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Schwartz C, Bouchat S, Marban C, Gautier V, Van Lint C, Rohr O, Le Douce V. On the way to find a cure: Purging latent HIV-1 reservoirs. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 146:10-22. [PMID: 28687465 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction of cART in 1996 has drastically increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV-1. However, this treatment has not allowed cure as cessation of cART is associated with a rapid viral rebound. The main barrier to the eradication of the virus is related to the persistence of latent HIV reservoirs. Evidence is now accumulating that purging the HIV-1 reservoir might lead to a cure or a remission. The most studied strategy is the so called "shock and kill" therapy. This strategy is based on reactivation of dormant viruses from the latently-infected reservoirs (the shock) followed by the eradication of the reservoirs (the kill). This review focuses mainly on the recent advances made in the "shock and kill" therapy. We believe that a cure or a remission will come from combinatorial approaches i.e. combination of drugs to reactivate the dormant virus from all the reservoirs including the one located in sanctuaries, and combination of strategies boosting the immune system. Alternative strategies based on cell and gene therapy or based in inducing deep latency, which are evoked in this review reinforce the idea that at least a remission is attainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schwartz
- University of Strasbourg, EA7292, DHPI, Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Pathology, Strasbourg, France; University of Strasbourg, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France.
| | - Sophie Bouchat
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Service of Molecular Virology, Institute for Molecular Biology and Medicine (IBMM), 12 rue des Profs Jeener et Brachet, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Céline Marban
- University of Strasbourg, Inserm UMR 1121 Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire Pavillon Leriche 1, place de l'Hôpital Strasbourg, France
| | - Virginie Gautier
- UCD, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Medicine University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Carine Van Lint
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Service of Molecular Virology, Institute for Molecular Biology and Medicine (IBMM), 12 rue des Profs Jeener et Brachet, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Olivier Rohr
- University of Strasbourg, EA7292, DHPI, Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Pathology, Strasbourg, France; University of Strasbourg, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Valentin Le Douce
- UCD, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Medicine University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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