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Lee SG, Kiattiburut W, Burke Schinkel SC, Angel J, Tanphaichitr N. Safety of multiple administrations of spermicidal LL-37 antimicrobial peptide into the mouse female reproductive tract. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad023. [PMID: 37326833 PMCID: PMC10323174 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad023] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated spermicidal activity of LL-37 antimicrobial peptide on mouse/human sperm and its contraceptive effects in female mice. With its microbicidal action against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, LL-37 warrants development into a multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) agent for administering into the female reproductive tract (FRT). However, it is important to verify that multiple administrations of LL-37 do not lead to damage of FRT tissues and/or irreversible loss of fecundity. Herein, we transcervically injected LL-37 (36 µM-10× spermicidal dose) into female mice in estrus in three consecutive estrous cycles. A set of mice were sacrificed for histological assessment of the vagina/cervix/uterus 24 h after the last injection, while the second set were artificially inseminated with sperm from fertile males 1 week afterwards, and then monitored for pregnancy. Mice injected with PBS in parallel were regarded as negative controls, whereas those injected with vaginal contraceptive foam (VCF, available over the counter), containing 12.5% nonoxynol-9, served as positive controls for vaginal epithelium disruption. We demonstrated that the vagina/cervix/uterus remained normal in both LL-37-injected and PBS-injected mice, which also showed 100% resumption of fecundity. In contrast, VCF-injected mice showed histological abnormalities in the vagina/cervix/uterus and only 50% of them resumed fecundity. Similarly, LL-37 multiply administered intravaginally caused no damage to FRT tissues. While our results indicate the safety of multiple treatments of LL-37 in the mouse model, similar studies have to be conducted in non-human primates and then humans. Regardless, our study provides an experimental model for studying in vivo safety of other vaginal MPT/spermicide candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Gee Lee
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Jonathan Angel
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nongnuj Tanphaichitr
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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2
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Thurman AR, Moench TR, Hoke M, Politch JA, Cabral H, Mausser E, Nador E, Morton J, Hamorsky K, Swope K, Bratcher B, Anderson DJ, Whaley KJ. ZB-06, a vaginal film containing an engineered human contraceptive antibody (HC4-N), demonstrates safety and efficacy in a phase 1 postcoital test and safety study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:716.e1-716.e12. [PMID: 36870409 PMCID: PMC10247457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With an unplanned pregnancy rate of 50% or more in many countries, there is an urgent need for contraceptives that are more accessible and acceptable. To meet the growing demand for new contraceptives, ZabBio developed ZB-06, a vaginal film containing HC4-N, a human contraceptive antibody that inactivates sperm. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the potential contraceptive activity of the ZB-06 film using a surrogate assessment for contraceptive efficacy, the postcoital test. We also assessed clinical safety of film use among healthy heterosexual couples. Serum, cervical mucus, and vaginal fluid HC4-N antibody concentrations and sperm agglutination potency were determined after single film use. Changes in the concentration of soluble proinflammatory cytokines and vaginal Nugent score after film use were measured as subclinical safety endpoints. STUDY DESIGN This was a phase 1, first-in-woman, open-label, proof-of-concept, postcoital test and safety study. RESULTS A total of 20 healthy women were enrolled in the study, and 8 heterosexual couples completed all study visits. The product was safe for both female participants and their male sexual partners. The postcoital test performed on ovulatory cervical mucus at baseline (no product use) revealed a mean of 25.9 (±30.6) progressively motile sperm per high-power field. After use of a single ZB-06 film before intercourse, this number dropped to 0.04 (±0.06) progressively motile sperm per high-power field (P<.0001). At the follow-up postcoital test visit approximately 1 month later (no product use), a mean of 47.4 (±37.4) progressively motile sperm per high-power field was observed, indicating contraceptive reversibility. CONCLUSION A single dose of the ZB-06 film applied before intercourse was safe and met efficacy surrogate benchmarks of excluding progressively motile sperm from ovulatory cervical mucus. These data indicate that ZB-06 is a viable contraceptive candidate warranting further development and testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea R Thurman
- CONRAD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA.
| | | | | | - Joseph A Politch
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Howard Cabral
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Emilie Mausser
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Ellena Nador
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | | | | | | | | | - Deborah J Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Kevin J Whaley
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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3
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Franzén Boger M, Benhach N, Hasselrot T, Brand RM, Rohan LC, Wang L, McGowan I, Edick S, Ho K, Meyn L, Matoba N, Palmer KE, Broliden K, Tjernlund A. A topical rectal douche product containing Q-Griffithsin does not disrupt the epithelial border or alter CD4 + cell distribution in the human rectal mucosa. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7547. [PMID: 37161022 PMCID: PMC10169179 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34107-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
To reduce HIV transmission, locally applied pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) products for anorectal use will be important complements to oral and injectable PrEP products already available. It is critical to preserve an intact rectal epithelium and avoid an influx of mucosal HIV target cells with such product use. In this phase 1 clinical trial, we evaluated application of a topical rectal douche product containing Q-Griffithsin (Q-GRFT). Colorectal tissue samples were obtained via sigmoidoscopy at baseline, 1 and 24 h after single-dose exposure in 15 healthy volunteers. In situ staining for epithelial junction markers and CD4+ cells were assessed as an exploratory endpoint. A high-throughput, digitalized in situ imaging analysis workflow was developed to visualize and quantify these HIV susceptibility markers. We observed no significant differences in epithelial distribution of E-cadherin, desmocollin-2, occludin, claudin-1, or zonula occludens-1 when comparing the three timepoints or Q-GRFT versus placebo. There were also no differences in %CD4+ cells within the epithelium or lamina propria in any of these comparisons. In conclusion, the rectal epithelium and CD4+ cell distribution remained unchanged following topical application of Q-GRFT. In situ visualization of HIV susceptibility markers at mucosal sites could be useful to complement standard product safety assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Franzén Boger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden.
| | - Nora Benhach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden
| | - Tyra Hasselrot
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden
| | - Rhonda M Brand
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lisa C Rohan
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lin Wang
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ian McGowan
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Orion Biotechnology, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Stacey Edick
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ken Ho
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leslie Meyn
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nobuyuki Matoba
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Health-Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Kenneth E Palmer
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Health-Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Kristina Broliden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden
| | - Annelie Tjernlund
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden
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Berard A, Lajoie J, Herrera C. Editorial: Inflammation in the female genital tract. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1161839. [PMID: 36970711 PMCID: PMC10034320 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1161839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Berard
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Correspondence: Alicia Berard Julie Lajoie Carolina Herrera
| | - Julie Lajoie
- Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Department, University of Manito, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Correspondence: Alicia Berard Julie Lajoie Carolina Herrera
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Correspondence: Alicia Berard Julie Lajoie Carolina Herrera
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5
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Yaseen MM, Abuharfeil NM, Darmani H. The role of IL-1β during human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. Rev Med Virol 2023; 33:e2400. [PMID: 36209388 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2400] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-1β is a key innate cytokine that is essential for immune activation and promoting the inflammatory process. However, abnormal elevation in IL-1β levels has been associated with unwanted clinical outcomes. IL-1β is the most extensively studied cytokine among the IL-1 family of cytokines and its role in pathology is well established. During the course of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, the level of this proinflammatory cytokine is increased in different anatomical compartments, particularly in lymphatic tissues, and this elevation is associated with disease progression. The aim of this review is to address the pathological roles play by IL-1β in the light of enhancing HIV-1 replication, driving immune cell depletion, and chronic immune activation. The role of IL-1β in HIV-1 transmission (sexually or vertically 'from mother-to-child') will also be discussed. Additionally, the impact of the available antiretroviral therapy regimens on the levels of IL-1β in HIV-1 treated patients is also discussed. Finally, we will provide a glance on how IL-1β could be targeted as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud M Yaseen
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science and Arts, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Nizar M Abuharfeil
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science and Arts, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Homa Darmani
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science and Arts, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Schimpf U, Caldas-Silveira E, Katchan L, Vigier-Carriere C, Lantier I, Nachmann G, Gidlöf S, Jonasson AF, Björndahl L, Trombotto S, Druart X, Crouzier T. Topical reinforcement of the cervical mucus barrier to sperm. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabm2417. [PMID: 36449601 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abm2417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Close to half of the world's pregnancies are still unplanned, reflecting a clear unmet need in contraception. Ideally, a contraceptive would provide the high efficacy of hormonal treatments, without systemic side effects. Here, we studied topical reinforcement of the cervical mucus by chitosan mucoadhesive polymers as a form of female contraceptive. Chitosans larger than 7 kDa effectively cross-linked human ovulatory cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration in vitro. We then demonstrated in vivo using the ewe as a model that vaginal gels containing chitosan could stop ram sperm at the entrance of the cervical canal and prevent them from reaching the uterus, whereas the same gels without chitosan did not substantially limit sperm migration. Chitosan did not affect sperm motility in vitro or in vivo, suggesting reinforcement of the mucus physical barrier as the primary mechanism of action. The chitosan formulations did not damage or irritate the ewe vaginal epithelium, in contrast to nonoxynol-9 spermicide. The demonstration that cervical mucus can be reinforced topically to create an effective barrier to sperm may therefore form the technological basis for muco-cervical barrier contraceptives with the potential to become an alternative to hormonal contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Schimpf
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Science in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (CBH), AlbaNova University Center, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Material and Environmental Chemistry (MMK), Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erika Caldas-Silveira
- PIXANIM, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Ljudmila Katchan
- Cirqle Biomedical Contraception ApS, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Isabelle Lantier
- French National Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE), UMR ISP, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Gilai Nachmann
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Science in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (CBH), AlbaNova University Center, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Gidlöf
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels alle 8, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Aino Fianu Jonasson
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels alle 8, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lars Björndahl
- ANOVA-Andrology, Sexual Medicine, Transmedicine, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Norra Stationsgatan 69, 113 64 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stéphane Trombotto
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, IMP, UMR 5223, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Xavier Druart
- PIXANIM, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Thomas Crouzier
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Science in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (CBH), AlbaNova University Center, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.,Cirqle Biomedical Contraception ApS, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.,AIMES-Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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7
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Else L, Penchala SD, Pillay AD, Seiphetlo TB, Lebina L, Callebaut C, Minhas S, Morley R, Rashid T, Martinson N, Fox J, Khoo S, Herrera C. Pre-Clinical Evaluation of Tenofovir and Tenofovir Alafenamide for HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Foreskin Tissue. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061285. [PMID: 35745857 PMCID: PMC9227286 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has focused predominantly on protective efficacy in receptive sex, with limited research on the dosing requirements for insertive sex. We pre-clinically assessed the ex vivo pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) profile of tenofovir (TFV) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in foreskin tissue. Methods: Inner and outer foreskin explants were exposed to serial dilutions of TFV or TAF prior to addition of HIV-1BaL at a high (HVT) or a low viral titer (LVT). Infection was assessed by measurement of p24 in foreskin culture supernatants. TFV, TAF and TFV–diphosphate (TFV–DP) concentrations were measured in tissues, culture supernatants and dosing and washing solutions. Results: Dose–response curves were obtained for both drugs, with greater potency observed against LVT. Inhibitory equivalency mimicking oral dosing was defined between 1 mg/mL of TFV and 15 µg/mL of TAF against HVT challenge. Concentrations of TFV–DP in foreskin explants were approximately six-fold higher after ex vivo dosing with TAF than with TFV. Statistically significant negative linear correlations were observed between explant levels of TFV or TFV–DP and p24 concentrations following HVT. Conclusions: Pre-clinical evaluation of TAF in foreskin explants revealed greater potency than TFV against penile HIV transmission. Clinical evaluation is underway to support this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Else
- Bioanalytical Facility, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, UK; (L.E.); (S.D.P.); (S.K.)
| | - Sujan D. Penchala
- Bioanalytical Facility, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, UK; (L.E.); (S.D.P.); (S.K.)
| | - Azure-Dee Pillay
- Division of Immunology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7935, South Africa; (A.-D.P.); (T.B.S.)
| | - Thabiso B. Seiphetlo
- Division of Immunology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7935, South Africa; (A.-D.P.); (T.B.S.)
| | - Limakatso Lebina
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (L.L.); (N.M.)
| | | | - Suks Minhas
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London W6 8RF, UK; (S.M.); (R.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Roland Morley
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London W6 8RF, UK; (S.M.); (R.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Tina Rashid
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London W6 8RF, UK; (S.M.); (R.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Neil Martinson
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (L.L.); (N.M.)
| | - Julie Fox
- Guys and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK;
| | - Saye Khoo
- Bioanalytical Facility, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, UK; (L.E.); (S.D.P.); (S.K.)
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London W2 1PG, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-207-594-2545
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8
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Kaul R, Liu CM, Park DE, Galiwango RM, Tobian AAR, Prodger JL. The Penis, the Vagina and HIV Risk: Key Differences (Aside from the Obvious). Viruses 2022; 14:v14061164. [PMID: 35746636 PMCID: PMC9227947 DOI: 10.3390/v14061164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, most Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV) transmission occurs through vaginal–penile sex (heterosexual transmission). The local immune environment at the site of HIV exposure is an important determinant of whether exposure during sex will lead to productive infection, and the vaginal and penile immune milieus are each critically shaped by the local microbiome. However, there are key differences in the microbial drivers of inflammation and immune quiescence at these tissue sites. In both, a high abundance of anaerobic taxa (e.g., Prevotella) is associated with an increased local density of HIV target cells and an increased risk of acquiring HIV through sex. However, the taxa that have been associated to date with increased risk in the vagina and penis are not identical. Just as importantly, the microbiota associated with comparatively less inflammation and HIV risk—i.e., the optimal microbiota—are very different at the two sites. In the vagina, Lactobacillus spp. are immunoregulatory and may protect against HIV acquisition, whereas on the penis, “skin type” flora such as Corynebacterium are associated with reduced inflammation. Compared to its vaginal counterpart, much less is known about the dynamics of the penile microbiome, the ability of clinical interventions to alter the penile microbiome, or the impact of natural/induced microbiome alterations on penile immunology and HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupert Kaul
- Departments of Medicine and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Cindy M. Liu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (C.M.L.); (D.E.P.)
| | - Daniel E. Park
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (C.M.L.); (D.E.P.)
| | | | - Aaron A. R. Tobian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Jessica L. Prodger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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9
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Happel AU, Sivro A, Liebenberg L, Passmore JA, Mitchell CM. Considerations for Choosing Soluble Immune Markers to Determine Safety of Novel Vaginal Products. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:899277. [PMID: 36303630 PMCID: PMC9580790 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.899277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Several soluble cytokines have been associated with microbicide-induced cervicovaginal inflammation, non-optimal vaginal microbiota, and risk of HIV acquisition. Many of these biomarkers are used in preclinical assays to estimate the safety of vaginally applied products. However, there are currently no validated biomarkers to evaluate the safety of novel vaginal products in clinical trials. This hinders the rapid and rational selection of novel products being tested in first-in-human trials. We reviewed available literature to assess how best to select and measure soluble immune markers to determine product safety in first in human clinical trials of novel vaginal products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Ursula Happel
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Aida Sivro
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenine Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jo Ann Passmore
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Caroline M. Mitchell
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Caroline M. Mitchell
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Vincent KL, Miller AL, Maxwell C, Richardson-Harman N, O'Neill C, Dawson LN, Madsen T, Walker C, Swartz G, Pyles RB. Development of Gram Stain Scoring System Based on Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in the Sheep Model for Testing Toxicity of Vaginal Products. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:714798. [PMID: 36304006 PMCID: PMC9580737 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.714798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Development of safe, effective products to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV remains a priority. Prior to clinical testing, the products must undergo strict safety evaluations to avoid mucosal drug toxicity, inflammation, and vaginal microbiome (VMB) shifts. Based on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance, we designed a study to measure the inflammatory markers and VMB changes after intravaginal treatment with products that have been associated with toxicity, with the objective to develop a Gram stain slide scoring system, similar to Nugent scoring, correlated with the proinflammatory cytokines in sheep. Methods: Non-pregnant Dorset ewes (n = 34) were randomized to receive 5 ml intravaginal 4% nonoxynol-9 (N9) contraceptive gel, positive control (0.2% benzalkonium chloride), placebo control [hydroxethyl cellulose (HEC)], or no application daily for 10 days, with 11-day post-treatment follow-up. The vaginal swabs were collected for the cytokines, VMB, and Gram-stained slides. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis of cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, CXCL10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was used to determine inflammatory state of the sample. Vaginal microbiome community types (CT) were utilized to create five equivalent slide subsets for iterative development of a Gram-stained slide scoring system with comparisons with inflammatory state based on the cytokine levels. Results: Digital images of the Gram-stained slides were scored based on Gram staining and morphology of bacteria, presence of sheep epithelial cells, and immune cells. The scoring system was modified in an iterative fashion with weighting based on cytokine categorization of inflamed samples, with three of four cytokine values above the mean indicating that the sample was inflamed. The parameters in the final version of the scoring system included mature epithelial cells, Gram-negative rods, and Gram-positive diplococci indicating normal and immune cells indicating inflammation. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC AUC) was 0.725 (ROC AUCs range between 0.5 and 1.0) with a greater area indicating higher diagnostic ability of a test with a binary outcome: inflamed or normal. Conclusion: The scoring system, derived from the advanced VMB and cytokine analyses, provides a validated, practical method for quantification of Gram-stained slides that can be performed in most laboratories, increasing the potential for standardization. The training plan can assist laboratories to determine the safety of intravaginal products in their sheep studies or the methodological approach can be applied to other animal models where such data are also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen L. Vincent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Kathleen L. Vincent
| | - Aaron L. Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Carrie Maxwell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | | | - Cynthia O'Neill
- Advanced Bioscience Laboratories, Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Lauren N. Dawson
- Office of Clinical Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | | | - Cattlena Walker
- Advanced Bioscience Laboratories, Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Glenn Swartz
- Advanced Bioscience Laboratories, Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Richard B. Pyles
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
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11
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Mondal P, Maity R, Mallick C. In vitro spermicidal effect of Thevetia Peruviana leaves on human spermatozoa. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14323. [PMID: 34845741 DOI: 10.1111/and.14323] [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: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
An in vitro spermicidal effect of aqua-methanolic (2:3) extract of Thevetia peruviana leaves on human spermatozoa was evaluated in a dose-dependent manner (20, 40, 80 and 160 mg/ml) at a 1:1 ratio. Sperm motility, viability, hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) and acrosomal status and function tests were performed immediately (20 s), and after 5 and 10 min of exposure of the spermatozoa to the extract of Thevetia peruviana leaves at different dose concentrations. Nuclear chromatin decondensation (NCD) test, DNA fragmentation test and sperm revival test were also evaluated. The sperm motility was affected immediately at a dose of 20 mg/ml and reduced gradually at doses of 40 and 80 mg/ml of Thevetia peruviana extract. Complete immobilisation of spermatozoa was observed at 160 mg /ml dose of this extract treatment within 5 min. 50% immobilisation of spermatozoa (EC50) was observed at 28 mg/ml dose of Thevetia peruviana extract within 20 s. The sperm viability decreased significantly at a higher concentration of extract, and all spermatozoa were found to be non-viable after 10 min when treated with 160 mg/ml dose of Thevetia peruviana extract. HOS and NCD of spermatozoa also reduced gradually at a higher concentration of extract administration. The percentage of DNA damage in spermatozoa was four times greater than in the control group. The findings indicate that the hydro-methanolic extract of Thevetia peruviana leaves possesses appreciably potent spermicidal activity through an in vitro model, which may explore an effective vaginal contraceptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabir Mondal
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science and Management, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, India
| | - Ratnabali Maity
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science and Management, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, India
| | - Chhanda Mallick
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science and Management, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, India
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12
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North BB, Weitzel MB, Waller DP, Birch WX, Feathergill KA, Birch LA, De Jonge CJ, Prins GS. Evaluation of the novel vaginal contraceptive agent PPCM in preclinical studies using sperm hyaluronan binding and acrosome status assays. Andrology 2021; 10:367-376. [PMID: 34542939 PMCID: PMC8760152 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Polyphenylene carboxymethylene (PPCM) sodium salt is a promising multipurpose technology for prevention of both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. In preclinical studies, PPCM has demonstrated significant (1) antimicrobial activity against several important viral and bacterial pathogens and (2) contraceptive activity associated with premature acrosome loss. Objective To further evaluate a vaginal antimicrobial compound as a contraceptive agent in preclinical studies utilizing a repurposed hyaluronan binding assay (HBA). Materials and methods Semen samples containing either neat semen or washed spermatozoa were treated with increasing concentrations of PPCM or calcium ionophore A23187 (positive control). Sperm inactivation was measured by two methods: (1) double acrosome staining (AS), and (2) a hyaluronan binding assay (HBA®). Percentage of inactivated sperm was compared between untreated control sperm and those treated with PPCM or A23187. Results PPCM had a significant (p < 0.05) and dose‐dependent effect on sperm inactivation in both assays, with HBA detecting a higher proportion of inactivated sperm than AS. PPCM did not affect sperm motility and exhibited equivalent responses in the neat and washed samples. Discussion Both HBA and AS confirmed that spermatozoa were rapidly inactivated at PPCM concentrations likely present in the vagina under actual use conditions and in a time‐frame comparable to in vivo migration of spermatozoa out of seminal plasma into cervical mucus. Conclusion PPCM vaginal gel may provide contraceptive protection as well as help with STI prevention. HBA may be a sensitive and much needed biomarker for sperm activity in future contraceptive development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Donald P Waller
- Yaso Therapeutics Inc., Frisco, Texas, USA.,College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - William X Birch
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Lynn A Birch
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher J De Jonge
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gail S Prins
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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13
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The Potential Role of FREM1 and Its Isoform TILRR in HIV-1 Acquisition through Mediating Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157825. [PMID: 34360591 PMCID: PMC8346017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
FREM1 (Fras-related extracellular matrix 1) and its splice variant TILRR (Toll-like interleukin-1 receptor regulator) have been identified as integral components of innate immune systems. The potential involvement of FREM1 in HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus 1) acquisition was suggested by a genome-wide SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) analysis of HIV-1 resistant and susceptible sex workers enrolled in the Pumwani sex worker cohort (PSWC) in Nairobi, Kenya. The studies showed that the minor allele of a FREM1 SNP rs1552896 is highly enriched in the HIV-1 resistant female sex workers. Subsequent studies showed that FREM1 mRNA is highly expressed in tissues relevant to mucosal HIV-1 infection, including cervical epithelial tissues, and TILRR is a major modulator of many genes in the NF-κB signal transduction pathway. In this article, we review the role of FREM1 and TILRR in modulating inflammatory responses and inflammation, and how their influence on inflammatory responses of cervicovaginal tissue could enhance the risk of vaginal HIV-1 acquisition.
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14
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Politch JA, Cu-Uvin S, Moench TR, Tashima KT, Marathe JG, Guthrie KM, Cabral H, Nyhuis T, Brennan M, Zeitlin L, Spiegel HML, Mayer KH, Whaley KJ, Anderson DJ. Safety, acceptability, and pharmacokinetics of a monoclonal antibody-based vaginal multipurpose prevention film (MB66): A Phase I randomized trial. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003495. [PMID: 33534791 PMCID: PMC7857576 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MB66 film is a multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) product with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against HIV-1 (VRC01-N) and HSV-1 and 2 (HSV8-N). The mAbs were produced by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana (N). We conducted a Phase I clinical trial to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and ex vivo efficacy of single and repeated doses of MB66 when used intravaginally. METHODS AND FINDINGS The clinical trial enrolled healthy reproductive-aged, sexually abstinent women. In Segment A, 9 women received a single MB66 film which was inserted into the vaginal posterior fornix by a clinician. In Segment B, 29 women were randomly assigned to MB66 (Active) or Placebo film groups and were instructed to insert 1 film vaginally for 7 consecutive days. Visits and clinical sampling occurred predose and at various time points after single and repeated film doses. The primary endpoint was number of adverse events (AEs) Grade 2 or higher related to product use. Secondary endpoints included film dissolution rate, Nugent score (a Gram stain scoring system to diagnose bacterial vaginosis), vaginal pH, post-use survey results, cytokine concentrations in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) specimens (assessed by Luminex assay), mAb concentrations in vaginal fluid collected from 4 sites (assessed by ELISA), and HIV and HSV neutralization activity of CVL samples ex vivo (assessed by TZM-bl and plaque reduction assay, respectively). The product was generally safe and well tolerated, with no serious AEs recorded in either segment. The AEs in this study were primarily genitourinary in nature with the most commonly reported AE being asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. There were no differences in vaginal pH or Nugent scores or significant increases in levels of proinflammatory cytokines for up to 7 days after film insertion in either segment or between Active and Placebo groups. Acceptability and willingness to use the product were judged to be high by post-use surveys. Concentrations of VRC01-N and HSV8-N in vaginal secretions were assessed over time to generate pharmacokinetic curves. Antibody levels peaked 1 hour postdosing with Active film (median: 35 μg/mL) and remained significantly elevated at 24 hours post first and seventh film (median: 1.8 μg/mL). Correcting for sample dilution (1:20), VRC01-N concentrations ranged from 36 to 700 μg/mL at the 24-hour time point, greater than 100-fold the IC50 for VRC01 (0.32 μg/mL); HSV8-N concentrations ranged from 80 to 601 μg/mL, well above the IC50 of 0.1 μg/m. CVL samples collected 24 hours after MB66 insertion significantly neutralized both HIV-1 and HSV-2 ex vivo. Study limitations include the small size of the study cohort, and the fact that no samples were collected between 24 hours and 7 days for pharmacokinetic evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Single and repeated intravaginal applications of MB66 film were safe, well tolerated, and acceptable. Concentrations and ex vivo bioactivity of both mAbs in vaginal secretions were significantly elevated and thus could provide protection for at least 24 hours postdose. However, further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of MB66 film in women at risk for HIV and HSV infection. Additional antibodies could be added to this platform to provide protection against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02579083.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A. Politch
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Susan Cu-Uvin
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Thomas R. Moench
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Karen T. Tashima
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Jai G. Marathe
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kate M. Guthrie
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Howard Cabral
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tara Nyhuis
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Miles Brennan
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Larry Zeitlin
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Hans M. L. Spiegel
- Kelly Government Solutions, Contractor to National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kevin J. Whaley
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Deborah J. Anderson
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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15
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Abstract
While contraceptive drugs have enabled many people to decide when they want to have a baby, more than 100 million unintended pregnancies each year in the world may indicate the contraceptive requirement of many people has not been well addressed yet. The vagina is a well-established and practical route for the delivery of various pharmacological molecules, including contraceptives. This review aims to present an overview of different contraceptive methods focusing on the vaginal route of delivery for contraceptives, including current developments, discussing the potentials and limitations of the modern methods, designs, and how well each method performs for delivering the contraceptives and preventing pregnancy.
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16
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Inflammation, HIV, and Immune Quiescence: Leveraging on Immunomodulatory Products to Reduce HIV Susceptibility. AIDS Res Treat 2020; 2020:8672850. [PMID: 33178456 PMCID: PMC7609152 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8672850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between inflammation and HIV has been a focus of research over the last decade. In HIV-infected individuals, increased HIV-associated immune activation significantly correlated to disease progression. While genital inflammation (GI) has been shown to significantly increase the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission, immune correlates for reduced risk remain limited. In certain HIV-exposed seronegative individuals, an immune quiescent phenotype characterized reduced risk. Immune quiescence is defined by specific, targeted, highly regulated immune responses that hinder overt inflammation or immune activation. Targeted management of inflammation, therefore, is a plausible strategy to mitigate HIV risk and slow disease progression. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as hydroxychloroquine and aspirin have shown encouraging preliminary results in low-risk women by reducing systemic and genital immune activation. A topical NSAID, containing ibuprofen, is effective in treating vulvovaginal inflammation. Additionally, the glucocorticoids (GCs), prednisolone, and dexamethasone are used to treat HIV-associated immune activation. Collectively, these data inform on immune-modulating drugs to reduce HIV risk. However, the prolonged use of these pharmaceutical drugs is associated with adverse effects, both systemically and to a lesser extent topically. Natural products with their reduced side effects coupled with anti-inflammatory properties render them viable options. Lactic acid (LA) has immunomodulatory properties. LA regulates the genital microbiome by facilitating the growth of Lactobacillus species, while simultaneously limiting bacterial species that cause microbial dysbiosis and GI. Glycerol monolaurate, besides being anti-inflammatory, also inhibited SIV infections in rhesus macaques. The proposed pharmaceutical and natural products could be used in combination with either antiretrovirals for treatment or preexposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention. This review provides a summary on the associations between inflammation, HIV risk, and disease progression. Furthermore, we use the knowledge from immune quiescence to exploit the use of pharmaceutical and natural products as strategic interventions to manage inflammation, toward mitigating HIV infections.
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17
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Kashem MA, Ren X, Li H, Liang B, Li L, Lin F, Plummer FA, Luo M. TILRR Promotes Migration of Immune Cells Through Induction of Soluble Inflammatory Mediators. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:563. [PMID: 32719797 PMCID: PMC7348050 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
TILRR has been identified as an important modulator of inflammatory responses. It is associated with NF-κB activation, and inflammation. Our previous study showed that TILRR significantly increased the expression of many innate immune responsive genes and increased the production of several pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines by cervical epithelial cells. In this study, we evaluated the effect of TILRR-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines on the migration of immune cells. The effect of culture supernatants of TILRR-overexpressed cervical epithelial cells on the migration of THP-1 monocytes and MOLT-4 T-lymphocytes was evaluated using Transwell assay and a novel microfluidic device. We showed that the culture supernatants of TILRR-overexpressed HeLa cells attracted significantly more THP-1 cells (11–40%, p = 0.0004–0.0373) and MOLT-4 cells (14–17%, p = 0.0010–0.0225) than that of controls. The microfluidic device-recorded image analysis showed that significantly higher amount with longer mean cell migration distance of THP-1 (p < 0.0001–0.0180) and MOLT-4 (p < 0.0001–0.0025) cells was observed toward the supernatants of TILRR-overexpressed cervical epithelial cells compared to that of the controls. Thus, the cytokines/chemokines secreted by the TILRR-overexpressed cervical epithelial cells attracted immune cells, such as monocytes and T cells, and may potentially influence immune cell infiltration in tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Abul Kashem
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Veterinary Public Health, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh.,National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Xiaoou Ren
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Hongzhao Li
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Binhua Liang
- JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Lin Li
- JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Francis Lin
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Francis A Plummer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ma Luo
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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18
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Barton BE, Rock JK, Willie AM, Harris EA, Finnerty RM, Herrera GG, Anamthathmakula P, Winuthayanon W. Serine protease inhibitor disrupts sperm motility leading to reduced fertility in female mice†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:400-410. [PMID: 32303757 PMCID: PMC7401027 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the sperm transport process in the female reproductive tract could lead to infertility. We previously showed that a pan-serine protease inhibitor, 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride (AEBSF), blocked semen liquefaction in vivo and resulted in a drastic decrease in the number of sperm in the oviduct of female mice. In this study, we used a mouse model to test the efficacy of AEBSF as a reversible contraceptive, a sperm motility inhibitor, and a spermicide. Additionally, this study evaluated the toxicity of AEBSF on mouse vaginal tissues in vivo and human endocervical cells in vitro. We found that female mice treated with AEBSF had significantly less pups born per litter as well as fertilization rates in vivo compared to the vehicle control. We then showed that AEBSF reduced sperm motility and fertilization capability in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, AEBSF also exhibited spermicidal effects. Lastly, AEBSF treatment in female mice for 10 min or 3 consecutive days did not alter vaginal cell viability in vivo, similar to that of the vehicle and non-treated controls. However, AEBSF decreased cell viability of human ectocervical (ECT) cell line in vitro, suggesting that cells in the lower reproductive tract in mice and humans responded differently to AEBSF. In summary, our study showed that AEBSF can be used as a prototype compound for the further development of novel non-hormonal contraceptives for women by targeting sperm transport in the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke E Barton
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Jenna K Rock
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Anna M Willie
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Emily A Harris
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Ryan M Finnerty
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Gerardo G Herrera
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Prashanth Anamthathmakula
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Wipawee Winuthayanon
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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19
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Optimization and Application of In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models for Vaginal Semisolids Safety Evaluation. J Pharm Sci 2019; 108:3289-3301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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20
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Thurman A, Cunningham T, Fichorova R, Herold BC, Hillier SL, Chandra N, Doncel GF. A phase I randomized safety study of a single-size silicone rubber diaphragm used with or without a lactic-acid-containing diaphragm gel. Contraception 2019; 100:430-437. [PMID: 31442441 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate a lactic-acid-containing diaphragm gel (Contragel®) approved outside the United States for use with a silicone rubber diaphragm (Caya®). The study gel is being evaluated as a safer alternative to nonoxynol-9 (N-9) gel, which has been associated with risk of increasing susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). STUDY DESIGN This was a Phase I randomized, parallel study evaluating the safety of the novel diaphragm gel versus hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) universal placebo gel delivered by the study diaphragm for two 7-day test cycles of daily use, without and with intercourse. The primary clinical safety endpoint was treatment emergent adverse events. Mucosal safety endpoints included colposcopic findings, anti-Escherichia coli activity of endocervical and vaginal fluid, immune mediators, Nugent score and ectocervical immune cell density. Endpoints were assessed prior to each test cycle and at day 7 of each test cycle. We compared the two independent groups and also evaluated paired changes from baseline in each gel cohort. RESULTS Twenty-three participants used the study diaphragm with the novel gel (n=11) or with HEC (n=12). Use of either gel resulted in few genital AEs and no colposcopic findings. There were no differences in ectocervical histology and lymphocyte density or phenotype between the two cohorts at baseline or after each test cycle. We found no clinically important differences in the anti-microbial (anti Escherichia coli) activity of endocervical or vaginal fluid or concentrations of genital immune mediators (e.g. anti-inflammatory secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) or pro-inflammatory mediator RANTES) between the two gel cohorts at any visit. There were no important paired changes from baseline among participants using either gel in Nugent score, ectocervical histology or anti-microbial activity of genital secretions. CONCLUSIONS We found no clinically significant differences in clinical and mucosal safety endpoints between the two cohorts. The mucosal safety profiles of the study gel and HEC placebo gel were similar. IMPLICATIONS Our data demonstrate no clinically important differences between the safety profiles of the lactic-acid-containing diaphragm gel versus HEC placebo gel when used with the study diaphragm. N-9 can no longer be used with contraceptive diaphragms in high HIV prevalence regions. Although larger studies are needed, the novel gel appears safe for use with the study diaphragm, which is the first over-the-counter, non-hormonal, diaphragm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Thurman
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 601 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA, USA 23507.
| | - Tina Cunningham
- Healthcare Delivery Science Program, Healthcare Analytics Program, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 651 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA, USA 23507
| | - Raina Fichorova
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, 221 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Betsy C Herold
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Sharon L Hillier
- Magee-Womens Research Institute and the University of Pittsburgh, 204 Craft Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Neelima Chandra
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 601 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA, USA 23507
| | - Gustavo F Doncel
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 601 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA, USA 23507; CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 1911 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, Virginia, USA 22209
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21
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Pandit H, Kale K, Yamamoto H, Thakur G, Rokade S, Chakraborty P, Vasudevan M, Kishore U, Madan T, Fichorova RN. Surfactant Protein D Reverses the Gene Signature of Transepithelial HIV-1 Passage and Restricts the Viral Transfer Across the Vaginal Barrier. Front Immunol 2019; 10:264. [PMID: 30984160 PMCID: PMC6447669 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective prophylactic strategy against the current epidemic of sexually transmitted HIV-1 infection requires understanding of the innate gatekeeping mechanisms at the genital mucosa. Surfactant protein D (SP-D), a member of the collectin family of proteins naturally present in the vaginal tract, is a potential HIV-1 entry inhibitor at the cellular level. Human EpiVaginal tissues compartmentalized in culture inserts were apically exposed to HIV-1 and/or a recombinant fragment of human SP-D (rfhSP-D) and viral passage was assessed in the basal chamber containing mononuclear leukocytes. To map the gene signature facilitating or resisting the transepithelial viral transfer, microarray analysis of the HIV-1 challenged EpiVaginal tissues was performed in the absence or presence of rfhSP-D. Mucosal biocompatibility of rfhSP-D was assessed ex vivo and in the standard rabbit vaginal irritation model. The passage of virus through the EpiVaginal tissues toward the underlying target cells was associated with a global epithelial gene signature including differential regulation of genes primarily involved in inflammation, tight junctions and cytoskeletal framework. RfhSP-D significantly inhibited HIV-1 transfer across the vaginal tissues and was associated with a significant reversal of virus induced epithelial gene signature. Pro-inflammatory NF-κB and mTOR transcripts were significantly downregulated, while expression of the tight junctions and cytoskeletal genes was upheld. In the absence of virus, rfhSP-D directly interacted with the EpiVaginal tissues and upregulated expression of genes related to structural stability of the cell and epithelial integrity. There was no increment in the viral acquisition by the PBMCs present in basal chambers wherein, the EpiVaginal tissues in apical chambers were treated with rfhSP-D. The effective concentrations of rfhSP-D had no effect on lactobacilli, epithelial barrier integrity and were safe on repeated applications onto the rabbit vaginal mucosa. This pre-clinical safety data, coupled with its efficacy of restricting viral passage via reversal of virus-induced gene expression of the vaginal barrier, make a strong argument for clinical trials of rfhSP-D as a topical anti-HIV microbicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hrishikesh Pandit
- Department of Innate Immunity, ICMR National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India.,Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kavita Kale
- Department of Innate Immunity, ICMR National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Hidemi Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gargi Thakur
- Department of Innate Immunity, ICMR National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Sushama Rokade
- Department of Innate Immunity, ICMR National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Payal Chakraborty
- Genome Informatics Research Group, Bionivid Technology Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, India
| | - Madavan Vasudevan
- Genome Informatics Research Group, Bionivid Technology Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, India
| | - Uday Kishore
- Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Taruna Madan
- Department of Innate Immunity, ICMR National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Raina Nakova Fichorova
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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22
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Evaluation of hypotesticular activities of different solvent fractions of hydro-methanolic extract of the fruit of Terminalia chebula in Wistar strain adult albino rat: Genomic and flow cytometric approaches. J Appl Biomed 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jab.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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23
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Singh AK, Fechtner S, Chourasia M, Sicalo J, Ahmed S. Critical role of IL-1α in IL-1β-induced inflammatory responses: cooperation with NF-κBp65 in transcriptional regulation. FASEB J 2018; 33:2526-2536. [PMID: 30272996 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801513r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The IL-1 cytokines are considered among the first family of cytokines that orchestrate acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Both IL-1β and IL-1α are members of the IL-1 family; however, their distinct roles in the inflammatory processes remain poorly understood. We explored the role of IL-1α in IL-1β-activated signaling pathways causing synovial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using synovial fibroblasts isolated from RA joints, we found that IL-1β significantly stimulated IL-1α expression, which was selectively inhibited by blocking the NF-κB pathway. Knockdown of IL-1α using small interfering RNA abolished IL-1β-induced pro-IL-1α and pro-IL-1β expression and suppressed inflammation. Native and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies showed that IL-1α cooperates in NF-κBp65 binding to the distal region of IL-1α promoter and to the proximal region of IL-1β promoter upstream of the transcription start site to stabilize their gene transcription. Molecular dynamics simulation of IL-1α or IL-1β binding to IL-1 receptor showed distinct interaction sites that corroborate with the ability of IL-1α to differentially activate phosphorylation of signaling proteins compared with IL-1β. Our study highlights the importance of IL-1α in mediating IL-1β-induced inflammation in addition to maintaining its expression and providing a rationale for targeting IL-1α to minimize the role of IL-1β in inflammatory diseases like RA.-Singh, A. K., Fechtner, S., Chourasia, M., Sicalo, J., Ahmed, S. Critical role of IL-1α in IL-1β-induced inflammatory responses: cooperation with NF-κBp65 in transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil K Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University College of Pharmacy, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Sabrina Fechtner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University College of Pharmacy, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Mukesh Chourasia
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Jerry Sicalo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University College of Pharmacy, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Salahuddin Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University College of Pharmacy, Spokane, Washington, USA.,Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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24
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Yavuz B, Morgan JL, Showalter L, Horng KR, Dandekar S, Herrera C, LiWang P, Kaplan DL. Pharmaceutical Approaches to HIV Treatment and Prevention. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2018; 1:1800054. [PMID: 32775613 PMCID: PMC7413291 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201800054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to pose a major infectious disease threat worldwide. It is characterized by the depletion of CD4+ T cells, persistent immune activation, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections. Advances in the development of antiretroviral drugs and combination antiretroviral therapy have resulted in a remarkable reduction in HIV-associated morbidity and mortality. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) leads to effective suppression of HIV replication with partial recovery of host immune system and has successfully transformed HIV infection from a fatal disease to a chronic condition. Additionally, antiretroviral drugs have shown promise for prevention in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and treatment as prevention. However, ART is unable to cure HIV. Other limitations include drug-drug interactions, drug resistance, cytotoxic side effects, cost, and adherence. Alternative treatment options are being investigated to overcome these challenges including discovery of new molecules with increased anti-viral activity and development of easily administrable drug formulations. In light of the difficulties associated with current HIV treatment measures, and in the continuing absence of a cure, the prevention of new infections has also arisen as a prominent goal among efforts to curtail the worldwide HIV pandemic. In this review, the authors summarize currently available anti-HIV drugs and their combinations for treatment, new molecules under clinical development and prevention methods, and discuss drug delivery formats as well as associated challenges and alternative approaches for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcin Yavuz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Tufts University 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Jessica L Morgan
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology University of California-Merced5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Laura Showalter
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology University of California-Merced5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Katti R Horng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology University of California-Davis 5605 GBSF, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Satya Dandekar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology University of California-Davis 5605 GBSF, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Department of Medicine St. Mary's Campus Imperial College Room 460 Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Patricia LiWang
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology University of California-Merced5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Tufts University 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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25
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Pampalakis G, Zingkou E, Sotiropoulou G. KLK5, a novel potential suppressor of vaginal carcinogenesis. Biol Chem 2018; 399:1107-1111. [PMID: 29561728 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2017-0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal cancer is rare and largely unexplored. We found here that kallikrein-related peptidase 5 (KLK5) is coordinately expressed along with other KLKs in all stratified epithelia, including vagina, pointing to potential role(s) in differentiation. Further, we propose that KLK5 could be implicated in vaginal cancer development based on the fact that Klk5-/- mice are prone to develop vaginal tumors when exposed to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. Nf-κb activation is markedly enhanced in Klk5-/-, leading to increased resistance to apoptosis of mutated vaginal cells. This explains the higher tumor numbers observed in Klk5-/- compared to wildtype. Thus, KLK5 may represent a putative suppressor of vaginal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Pampalakis
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, GR-265 04 Rion-Patras, Greece
| | - Eleni Zingkou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, GR-265 04 Rion-Patras, Greece
| | - Georgia Sotiropoulou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, GR-265 04 Rion-Patras, Greece
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26
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Answal M, Prabha V. Escherichia coli recombinant sperm immobilizing factor RecX as a potential vaginal contraceptive. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:88. [PMID: 30213271 PMCID: PMC6137916 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0407-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To control the overpopulation and unintended pregnancies, vaginal contraceptives have gained recent surge of interest because of its topical application with possible avoidance of systemic effects. However non-specific cytotoxicity associated with detergent-based synthetic vaginal contraceptive agents limits their use and generates considerable interest in the development of vaginal contraceptives of biological origin for controlling reproduction and ultimately growing population. In this study, we have cloned, over-expressed an Escherichia coli gene encoding a sperm immobilizing factor (SIF) that inhibits sperm motility for the development of vaginal contraceptive from a biological source i.e. E. coli. The contraceptive efficacy of the Escherichia coli recombinant sperm immobilizing factor (r-SIF) was also determined. METHODS Genomic DNA library of an E. coli strain isolated from semen sample of an infertile male was constructed for the identification and cloning of E. coli SIF coding gene. This gene was sub-cloned in pBADmycHisB for over-expression and the r-SIF was purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. Effect of r-SIF on mouse sperm motility, viability and on morphology was evaluated. Binding of r-SIF to mouse sperm was demonstrated by fluorescent labeling. Contraceptive efficacy of r-SIF was checked in murine model. RESULTS Genomic library resulted in five hundred transformants; five clones were found positive for sperm immobilizing activity. The protein product of the insert DNA sequence in one of the transformants showed maximum sperm immobilizing activity. Sequence analysis of ORFs in the insert revealed homology to recX on both nucleotide and protein level. 40 μg of the purified r-SIF showed immediate spermicidal activity in vitro for mouse sperm. Scanning electron micrograph of the r-SIF treated sperm showed intense morphological damage to sperm. FITC labeled r-SIF showed highest fluorescence at the head region of the sperm. 5 μg of purified r-SIF exhibited a complete contraceptive effect in mouse model. CONCLUSION r-SIF could be seen as potential target to be developed as potent and safe vaginal contraceptive in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Answal
- 0000 0001 2174 5640grid.261674.0Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014 India
| | - Vijay Prabha
- 0000 0001 2174 5640grid.261674.0Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014 India
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27
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Thurman AR, Schwartz JL, Brache V, Clark MR, McCormick T, Chandra N, Marzinke MA, Stanczyk FZ, Dezzutti CS, Hillier SL, Herold BC, Fichorova R, Asin SN, Rollenhagen C, Weiner D, Kiser P, Doncel GF. Randomized, placebo controlled phase I trial of safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and acceptability of tenofovir and tenofovir plus levonorgestrel vaginal rings in women. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199778. [PMID: 29953547 PMCID: PMC6023238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
To prevent the global health burdens of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] and unintended/mistimed pregnancies, we developed an intravaginal ring [IVR] that delivers tenofovir [TFV] at ~10mg/day alone or with levonorgestrel [LNG] at ~20μg/day for 90 days. We present safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, acceptability and drug release data in healthy women. CONRAD A13-128 was a randomized, placebo controlled phase I study. We screened 86 women; 51 were randomized to TFV, TFV/LNG or placebo IVR [2:2:1] and 50 completed all visits, using the IVR for approximately 15 days. We assessed safety by adverse events, colposcopy, vaginal microbiota, epithelial integrity, mucosal histology and immune cell numbers and phenotype, cervicovaginal [CV] cytokines and antimicrobial proteins and changes in systemic laboratory measurements, and LNG and TFV pharmacokinetics in multiple compartments. TFV pharmacodynamic activity was measured by evaluating CV fluid [CVF] and tissue for antiviral activity using in vitro models. LNG pharmacodynamic assessments were timed based on peak urinary luteinizing hormone levels. All IVRs were safe with no significant colposcopic, mucosal, immune and microbiota changes and were acceptable. Among TFV containing IVR users, median and mean CV aspirate TFV concentrations remained above 100,000 ng/mL 4 hours post IVR insertion and mean TFV-diphosphate [DP] concentrations in vaginal tissue remained above 1,000 fmol/mg even 3 days post IVR removal. CVF of women using TFV-containing IVRs completely inhibited [94-100%] HIV infection in vitro. TFV/LNG IVR users had mean serum LNG concentrations exceeding 300 pg/mL within 1 hour, remaining high throughout IVR use. All LNG IVR users had a cervical mucus Insler score <10 and the majority [95%] were anovulatory or had abnormal cervical mucus sperm penetration. Estimated in vivo TFV and LNG release rates were within expected ranges. All IVRs were safe with the active ones delivering sustained high concentrations of TFV locally. LNG caused changes in cervical mucus, sperm penetration, and ovulation compatible with contraceptive efficacy. The TFV and TFV/LNG rings are ready for expanded 90 day clinical testing. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02235662.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ries Thurman
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jill L. Schwartz
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | | | - Meredith R. Clark
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Timothy McCormick
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Neelima Chandra
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Mark A. Marzinke
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Frank Z. Stanczyk
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Charlene S. Dezzutti
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sharon L. Hillier
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Betsy C. Herold
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Raina Fichorova
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Susana N. Asin
- V.A. Medical Center, White River Junction, VT and Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, New Hampshire
| | - Christiane Rollenhagen
- V.A. Medical Center, White River Junction, VT and Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, New Hampshire
| | - Debra Weiner
- FHI360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Patrick Kiser
- Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Gustavo F. Doncel
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
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28
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Implants attenuating vaginal T lymphocyte activation and inflammation. J Control Release 2018; 277:183. [PMID: 29678269 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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29
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Fan Y, Chen N, Wang M, Rao M, Su P. In vitro study evaluating the instantaneous treatment of ozonised olive oil on human sperm. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2018; 23:147-153. [PMID: 29671339 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2018.1455086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of ozonised olive oil (OOO) on human sperm in vitro. METHODS Human sperm was incubated with OOO for 20 s in vitro. The lowest concentration that completely immobilised all the sperm in 20 s without subsequent recovery of motility was recorded as the minimum effective concentration (MEC). The effects of OOO at MEC on human sperm viability, mitochondrial and acrosomal status, DNA integrity and transmission electron microscopy were observed. RESULTS Our findings demonstrate that OOO dose-dependently inhibits sperm motility. The MEC of OOO for 100% sperm immobilisation in 20 s was 6 μg/ml. Further experiments showed that sperm ultrastructure, function and DNA integrity were significantly affected after treatment with 6 μg/ml OOO in vitro. CONCLUSIONS OOO has spermicidal potential and may be explored as a promising vaginal contraceptive agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Fan
- a Family Planning Research Institute , Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , P. R. China
| | - Na Chen
- a Family Planning Research Institute , Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , P. R. China
| | - Mei Wang
- a Family Planning Research Institute , Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , P. R. China
| | - Meng Rao
- a Family Planning Research Institute , Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , P. R. China
| | - Ping Su
- a Family Planning Research Institute , Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , P. R. China.,b Reproductive Medicine Center , Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , P. R. China
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30
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Chen Y, Traore YL, Yang S, Lajoie J, Fowke KR, Rickey DW, Ho EA. Implant delivering hydroxychloroquine attenuates vaginal T lymphocyte activation and inflammation. J Control Release 2018; 277:102-113. [PMID: 29545105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that women who are naturally resistant to HIV infection exhibit low baseline immune activation at the female genital tract (FGT). This "immune quiescent" state is associated with lower expression of T-cell activation markers, reduced levels of gene transcription and pro-inflammatory cytokine or chemokine production involved in HIV infection while maintaining an intact immune response against pathogens. Therefore, if this unique immune quiescent state can be pharmacologically induced locally, it will provide an excellent women-oriented strategy against HIV infection To our knowledge, this is the first research article evaluating in vivo, an innovative trackable implant that can provide controlled delivery of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to successfully attenuate vaginal T lymphocyte activation and inflammation in a rabbit model as a potential strategy to induce an "immune quiescent" state within the FGT for the prevention of HIV infection. This biocompatible implant can deliver HCQ above therapeutic concentrations in a controlled manner, reduce submucosal immune cell recruitment, improve mucosal epithelium integrity, decrease protein and gene expression of T-cell activation markers, and attenuate the induction of key pro-inflammatory mediators. Our results suggest that microbicides designed to maintain a low level of immune activation at the FGT may offer a promising new strategy for reducing HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Chen
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Canada; College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yannick L Traore
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Canada
| | - Sidi Yang
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Canada
| | - Julie Lajoie
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Keith R Fowke
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel W Rickey
- Department of Radiology, University of Manitoba, Canada; Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Canada
| | - Emmanuel A Ho
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Canada.
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31
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Haimovici F, Anderson JL, Bates GW, Racowsky C, Ginsburg ES, Simovici D, Fichorova RN. Stress, anxiety, and depression of both partners in infertile couples are associated with cytokine levels and adverse IVF outcome. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29528174 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Psychiatric disorders and stress in women have been associated with poor IVF outcome. We hypothesized that both partners in the infertile couples are emotionally affected, and cytokines in both may link psychological to reproductive outcome. METHOD OF STUDY Forty-five IVF couples completed questionnaires and visual analog scales for stress and psychiatric disorders and had cytokines measured in serum, semen, cervicovaginal, and follicular fluids. Multivariable analyses, t tests, maximum likelihood estimates, Spearman correlation, and data mining were applied. RESULTS Psychopathology was found in 72% of the couples. Female and male stress were associated with stress, anxiety, and depression in the respective partner, and with a lower likelihood of clinical pregnancy and live birth. Lower serum TGF-β and higher cervicovaginal IL-6 and IL-1β were associated with stress. In data decision trees, cytokines in relation to stress and depression in both partners were found indicative of IVF failure. CONCLUSION Infertile couples may benefit from psychiatric evaluation and treatment of both partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florina Haimovici
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Janis L Anderson
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gordon W Bates
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine Racowsky
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Ginsburg
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dan Simovici
- Department of Computer Science, UMass, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raina N Fichorova
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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32
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Polymeric gels for intravaginal drug delivery. J Control Release 2018; 270:145-157. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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33
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Bashir T, Reddy K. HbAHP-25 attenuates HIV-1 gp120 mediated inflammation and barrier dysfunction. HIV Med 2017; 19:206-215. [PMID: 29210152 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Development of HbAHP-25, a peptide that prevents HIV-1 entry into cells by blocking gp120-CD4 interaction, as a topical anti-HIV drug, necessitates that it is first tested for toxic or abrasive effects on genital epithelial cells and also on the vaginal microbiome. The present study was, therefore, undertaken to investigate whether: (1) HbAHP-25 has any adverse effect on growth and membrane integrity of various cell lines, and (2) HbAHP-25 neutralizes gp120 mediated insults on genital epithelial cells. METHODS MTT and trans-epithelial resistance (TER) assays were performed to assess the viability and integrity of epithelial cells. Real-time PCR and Immunofluorescence/Western blotting were used to decipher the expression of tight junction proteins, at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. A multiplex cytokine assay was performed to quantify the cytokines. RESULTS HbAHP-25 had no adverse effect on the viability of VK2/E6E7, End1/E6E7, Ect1/E6E7 and HEC-1A cells, and also on growth of lactobacilli. The barrier integrity of HbAHP-25-treated cells remained unaltered. Expression of tight junction proteins, Claudin-1 and ZO-1, at transcript and protein levels, remained unaltered in HbAHP-25-treated HEC-1A cells. Interestingly, HbAHP-25 treatment prevented the breach of barrier integrity caused by gp120. Further, HbAHP-25 did not elicit the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Instead, the in vitro induction of inflammatory cytokines by gp120 was also abrogated in the presence of HbAHP-25. CONCLUSION HbAHP-25 is exceedingly safe to genital epithelial cells and attenuates HIV-1 gp120-mediated barrier dysfunction by limiting excessive inflammation. This study provides significant evidences in the favor of HbAHP-25's potential as a topical anti-HIV agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Bashir
- Division of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology (MIM), National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Indian Council of Medical Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Kvr Reddy
- Division of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology (MIM), National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Indian Council of Medical Research, Mumbai, India
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Milligan GN, Vargas G, Vincent KL, Zhu Y, Bourne N, Motamedi M. Evaluation of immunological markers of ovine vaginal irritation: Implications for preclinical assessment of non-vaccine HIV preventive agents. J Reprod Immunol 2017; 124:38-43. [PMID: 29054075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2017.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The presence of genital inflammatory responses and a compromised vaginal epithelial barrier have been linked to an increased risk of HIV acquisition. It is important to assure that application of candidate microbicides designed to limit HIV transmission will not cause these adverse events. We previously developed high resolution in vivo imaging methodologies in sheep to assess epithelial integrity following vaginal application of a model microbicide, however characterization of genital inflammation in sheep has not been previously possible. In this study, we significantly advanced the sheep model by developing approaches to detect and quantify inflammatory responses resulting from application of a nonoxynol-9-containing gel known to elicit vaginal irritation. Vaginal application of this model microbicide resulted in foci of disrupted epithelium detectable by confocal endomicroscopy. Leukocytes also infiltrated the treated mucosa and the number and composition of leukocytes obtained by cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) were determined by differential staining and flow cytometry. By 18h post-treatment, a population comprised predominantly of granulocytes and monocytes infiltrated the vagina and persisted through 44h post-treatment. The concentration of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in CVL was determined by quantitative ELISA. Concentrations of IL-8 and IL-1β were consistently significantly increased after microbicide application suggesting these cytokines are useful biomarkers for epithelial injury in the sheep model. Together, the results of these immunological assessments mirror those obtained in previous animal models and human trials with the same compound and greatly extend the utility of the sheep vaginal model in assessing the vaginal barrier and immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregg N Milligan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Gracie Vargas
- Department of Neuroscience & Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kathleen L Vincent
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yong Zhu
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Nigel Bourne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Massoud Motamedi
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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35
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Lajoie J, Mwangi L, Fowke KR. Preventing HIV infection without targeting the virus: how reducing HIV target cells at the genital tract is a new approach to HIV prevention. AIDS Res Ther 2017; 14:46. [PMID: 28893304 PMCID: PMC5594430 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-017-0166-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
For over three decades, HIV infection has had a tremendous impact on the lives of individuals and public health. Microbicides and vaccines studies have shown that immune activation at the genital tract is a risk factor for HIV infection. Furthermore, lower level of immune activation, or what we call immune quiescence, has been associated with a lower risk of HIV acquisition. This unique phenotype is observed in highly-exposed seronegative individuals from different populations including female sex workers from the Pumwani cohort in Nairobi, Kenya. Here, we review the link between immune activation and susceptibility to HIV infection. We also describe a new concept in prevention where, instead of targeting the virus, we modulate the host immune system to resist HIV infection. Mimicking the immune quiescence phenotype might become a new strategy in the toolbox of biomedical methods to prevent HIV infection. Clinical trial registration on clinicaltrial.gov: #NCT02079077.
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36
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Tyo KM, Vuong HR, Malik DA, Sims LB, Alatassi H, Duan J, Watson WH, Steinbach-Rankins JM. Multipurpose tenofovir disoproxil fumarate electrospun fibers for the prevention of HIV-1 and HSV-2 infections in vitro. Int J Pharm 2017; 531:118-133. [PMID: 28797967 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.08.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1 and -2) and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) remain incurable, urging the development of new prevention strategies. While current prophylactic technologies are dependent on strict user adherence to achieve efficacy, there is a dearth of delivery vehicles that provide discreet and convenient administration, combined with prolonged-delivery of active agents. To address these needs, we created electrospun fibers (EFs) comprised of FDA-approved polymers, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(DL-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL), to provide sustained-release and in vitro protection against HIV-1 and HSV-2. PLGA and PLCL EFs, incorporating the antiretroviral, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), exhibited sustained-release for up to 4 weeks, and provided complete in vitro protection against HSV-2 and HIV-1 for 24h and 1 wk, respectively, based on the doses tested. In vitro cell culture and EpiVaginal tissue tests confirmed the safety of fibers in vaginal and cervical cells, highlighting the potential of PLGA and PLCL EFs as multipurpose next-generation drug delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Tyo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States; Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Hung R Vuong
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Danial A Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Lee B Sims
- Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Houda Alatassi
- Department of Pathology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jinghua Duan
- Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Walter H Watson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jill M Steinbach-Rankins
- Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States; Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States.
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Zhang L, Herrera C, Coburn J, Olejniczak N, Ziprin P, Kaplan DL, LiWang PJ. Stabilization and Sustained Release of HIV Inhibitors by Encapsulation in Silk Fibroin Disks. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 3:1654-1665. [PMID: 33225060 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Topical microbicides have the potential to provide effective protection against sexual transmission of HIV. Challenges in developing microbicides include their application in resource-poor settings with high temperatures and a lack of refrigeration, and low user adherence to a rigorous daily regimen. Several protein-based HIV inhibitors show great promise as microbicides, being highly specific and not expected to lead to resistance that would affect the efficacy of current antiretroviral treatments. We show that four potent protein HIV inhibitors, 5P12-RANTES, 5P12-RANTES-L-C37, Grft, and Grft-L-C37 can be formulated into silk fibroin (SF) disks and remain functional for 14 months at 25, 37, and 50 °C. These HIV inhibitor-encapsulated SF disks show excellent inhibition properties in PBMC and in human colorectal and cervical tissue explants, and do not induce inflammatory cytokine secretion. Further, the SF provides a mechanically robust matrix with versatile material formats for this type of application. Finally, a formulation was developed to allow sustained release of functional Grft for 4 weeks at levels sufficient to inhibit HIV transmission. This work establishes the suitability of HIV inhibitor-encapsulated SF disks as topical HIV microbicides that can be further developed to allow easy insertion for extended protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Molecular Cell Biology, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California 95343, United States
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Department of Medicine, St. Mary's Campus Imperial College, Room 460 Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Jeannine Coburn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Natalia Olejniczak
- Department of Medicine, St. Mary's Campus Imperial College, Room 460 Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Ziprin
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, St. Mary's Hospital, Imperial College London, London W2 1PZ, United Kingdom
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Patricia J LiWang
- Molecular Cell Biology, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California 95343, United States
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Efficacy of carbosilane dendrimers with an antiretroviral combination against HIV-1 in the presence of semen-derived enhancer of viral infection. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 811:155-163. [PMID: 28577966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils, which are present in semen, were considered to be a cause of topical vaginal gel ineffectiveness in vivo after microbicides failed as HIV-1 prophylaxis. Therefore, it was necessary to determine whether a dendrimer was suitable for further evaluation in an in vitro model of semen-enhanced viral infection (SEVI). We demonstrated that SEVI in TZM.bl cell cultures increased the infectivity of R5-HIV-1NL(AD8), pTHRO.c and pCH058.c isolates, causing higher IC50 values for two polyanionic carbosilane dendrimers, G2-STE16 and G3-S16. However, both dendrimers maintained protection rates of 90% at non-toxic concentrations. When dendrimers were combined with Tenofovir/Maraviroc (TDF/MVC), the anti-HIV-1 effect remained at a minimum IC50 increase between 1- and 7-fold in the presence of amyloid fibrils. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), IC50 values were slightly influenced by the presence of semen. In brief, dendrimers combined with antiretrovirals showed a synergistic effect. This result plays a crucial role in new microbicide formulations, as it overcomes the negative effects of amyloid fibrils.
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39
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D'Cruz OJ, Waurzyniak B, Uckun FM. Mucosal Toxicity Studies of a Gel Formulation of Native Pokeweed Antiviral Protein. Toxicol Pathol 2016; 32:212-21. [PMID: 15200159 DOI: 10.1080/01926230490274362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP), a 29-kDa plant-derived protein isolated from Phytolacca americana, is a promising nonspermicidal broad-spectrum antiviral microbicide. This study evaluated the mucosal toxicity potential of native PAP in the in vivo rabbit vaginal irritation model as well as the in vitro reconstituted human vaginal epithelial tissue model. Twenty-two New Zealand white rabbits in 4 subgroups were exposed intravaginally to a gel with and without 0.01, 0.1, or 1.0% native PAP for 10 consecutive days. The dose of PAP used represented nearly 200- to 20,000 times its in vitro anti-HIV IC50 value. Animals were euthanized on day 11 and vaginal tissues were evaluated for histologic and immunohistochemical evidence of mucosal toxicity, cellular inflammation, and hyperplasia. Blood was analyzed for changes in hematology and clinical chemistry profiles. Reconstituted human vaginal epithelial tissue grown on membrane filters was exposed to 0.1, 0.1, or 1.0% native PAP in medium or topically via a gel for 24 hours and tissue damage was evaluated by histological assessment. In the in vivo rabbit vaginal irritation model, half of all PAP-treated rabbits (8/16) exhibited an acceptable range of vaginal mucosal irritation (total score <8 out of a possible 16), whereas nearly a third of PAP-treated rabbits (5/16) developed moderate to marked vaginal mucosal irritation (total score >11). However, no treatment-related adverse effects were seen in hematological or clinical chemistry measurements. Furthermore, in vitro exposure of a 3-dimensional human vaginal tissue grown on polycarbonate membrane filters to identical concentrations of PAP either added to culture medium or applied topically via gel formulation did not result in direct toxicity as determined by histologic evaluation. These findings indicate careful monitoring of vaginal irritation will be required in the clinical development of PAP as a nonspermicidal microbicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmond J D'Cruz
- Drug Discovery Program, Department of Reproductive Biology, Parker-Hughes Institute, 2657 Patton Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 55113, USA.
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40
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Women who have genital inflammation are at increased risk of sexual HIV infection. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the mechanisms for this relationship, causes of genital inflammation, and strategies to manage this condition. RECENT FINDINGS We have recently shown in a cohort of South African women that HIV seroconversion was associated with persistently raised genital inflammatory cytokines (including MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and IP-10). Elevated inflammatory cytokine concentrations may facilitate HIV infection by recruiting and activating HIV target cells and disrupting the mucosal epithelial barrier. Bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are predominantly asymptomatic in women, cause lower genital tract inflammation and increased HIV acquisition risk. In Africa, where syndromic management of STIs and bacterial vaginosis is standard-of-care, the substantial burden of asymptomatic infections has likely contributed to high-HIV incidence rates. SUMMARY A genital inflammatory profile contributes to the high risk of HIV acquisition in African women. STIs and bacterial vaginosis are poorly managed in Africa and other developing nations and as such remain major drivers of persistent genital inflammation and HIV acquisition among these women.
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Perisé-Barrios AJ, Fuentes-Paniagua E, Sánchez-Nieves J, Serramía MJ, Alonso E, Reguera RM, Gómez R, de la Mata FJ, Muñoz-Fernández MÁ. Improved Efficiency of Ibuprofen by Cationic Carbosilane Dendritic Conjugates. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:3427-3438. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.6b00420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Judith Perisé-Barrios
- Laboratorio
Inmuno-Biología Molecular, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Spanish HIV HGM BioBank and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Elena Fuentes-Paniagua
- Departamento
de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica,
Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Sánchez-Nieves
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
- Departamento
de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica,
Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Jesús Serramía
- Laboratorio
Inmuno-Biología Molecular, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Spanish HIV HGM BioBank and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Alonso
- Laboratorio
Inmuno-Biología Molecular, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Spanish HIV HGM BioBank and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa M. Reguera
- Departamento
de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de León, Campus
de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rafael Gómez
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
- Departamento
de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica,
Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - F. Javier de la Mata
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
- Departamento
de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica,
Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Ángeles Muñoz-Fernández
- Laboratorio
Inmuno-Biología Molecular, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Spanish HIV HGM BioBank and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
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Ceña-Diez R, García-Broncano P, de la Mata FJ, Gómez R, Muñoz-Fernández MÁ. Efficacy of HIV antiviral polyanionic carbosilane dendrimer G2-S16 in the presence of semen. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:2443-50. [PMID: 27313457 PMCID: PMC4892848 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s104292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of a safe and effective microbicide to prevent the sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 is urgently needed. Unfortunately, the majority of microbicides, such as poly(L-lysine)-dendrimers, anionic polymers, or antiretrovirals, have proved inactive or even increased the risk of HIV infection in clinical trials, most probably due to the fact that these compounds failed to prevent semen-exposed HIV infection. We showed that G2-S16 dendrimer exerts anti-HIV-1 activity at an early stage of viral replication, blocking the gp120/CD4/CCR5 interaction and providing a barrier to infection for long periods, confirming its multifactorial and nonspecific ability. Previously, we demonstrated that topical administration of G2-S16 prevents HIV transmission in humanized BLT mice without irritation or vaginal lesions. Here, we demonstrated that G2-S16 is active against mock- and semen-exposed HIV-1 and could be a promising microbicide against HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Ceña-Diez
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, Majadahonda, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañon, Majadahonda, Spain; Spanish HIV HGM Biobank, Majadahonda, Spain; Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Pilar García-Broncano
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, Majadahonda, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañon, Majadahonda, Spain; Spanish HIV HGM Biobank, Majadahonda, Spain; Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Majadahonda, Spain; Laboratory of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center of Microbiology, Health Institute of Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier de la Mata
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Majadahonda, Spain; Department of Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Gómez
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Majadahonda, Spain; Department of Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Ángeles Muñoz-Fernández
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, Majadahonda, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañon, Majadahonda, Spain; Spanish HIV HGM Biobank, Majadahonda, Spain; Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Majadahonda, Spain
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LoRicco JG, Xu CS, Neidleman J, Bergkvist M, Greene WC, Roan NR, Makhatadze GI. Gallic Acid Is an Antagonist of Semen Amyloid Fibrils That Enhance HIV-1 Infection. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:14045-14055. [PMID: 27226574 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.718684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent in vitro studies have demonstrated that amyloid fibrils found in semen from healthy and HIV-infected men, as well as semen itself, can markedly enhance HIV infection rates. Semen fibrils are made up of multiple naturally occurring peptide fragments derived from semen. The best characterized of these fibrils are SEVI (semen-derived enhancer of viral infection), made up of residues 248-286 of prostatic acidic phosphatase, and the SEM1 fibrils, made up of residues 86-107 of semenogelin 1. A small molecule screen for antagonists of semen fibrils identified four compounds that lowered semen-mediated enhancement of HIV-1 infectivity. One of the four, gallic acid, was previously reported to antagonize other amyloids and to exert anti-inflammatory effects. To better understand the mechanism by which gallic acid modifies the properties of semen amyloids, we performed biophysical measurements (atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, thioflavin T and Congo Red fluorescence assays, zeta potential measurements) and quantitative assays on the effects of gallic acid on semen-mediated enhancement of HIV infection and inflammation. Our results demonstrate that gallic acid binds to both SEVI and SEM1 fibrils and modifies their surface electrostatics to render them less cationic. In addition, gallic acid decreased semen-mediated enhancement of HIV infection but did not decrease the inflammatory response induced by semen. Together, these observations identify gallic acid as a non-polyanionic compound that inhibits semen-mediated enhancement of HIV infection and suggest the potential utility of incorporating gallic acid into a multicomponent microbicide targeting both the HIV virus and host components that promote viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine G LoRicco
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies and Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180
| | - Changmingzi Sherry Xu
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies and Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180
| | - Jason Neidleman
- Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Magnus Bergkvist
- Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Albany, New York 12203
| | - Warner C Greene
- Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Nadia R Roan
- Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, San Francisco, California 94158,; Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158.
| | - George I Makhatadze
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies and Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180,.
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Mauck C, Chen PL, Morrison CS, Fichorova RN, Kwok C, Chipato T, Salata RA, Doncel GF. Biomarkers of Cervical Inflammation and Immunity Associated with Cervical Shedding of HIV-1. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2016; 32:443-51. [PMID: 26650885 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2015.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervicovaginal HIV shedding is associated with increased female-to-male and mother-to-child transmission. Genital inflammation may increase shedding through cytokines/chemokines which recruit and activate HIV target cells. We evaluated whether cervical immune mediators present before seroconversion affected HIV shedding and whether mediators differed between shedders and nonshedders. METHODS We used cervical samples from 187 African women with documented HIV seroconversion in the Hormonal Contraception and HIV study. Samples were from the two visits before seroconversion (T-2 and/or T-1), and/or at seroconversion (T0), and/or the two visits (T + 1 and/or T + 2) after seroconversion. We measured interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1RA), IL-6, IL-8, RANTES (Regulated on Activation, Normal T-Cell Expressed and Secreted), MIP-3α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1), secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), and BD-2 and used the Wilcoxon test and generalized linear models to evaluate the association between mediators and shedding. RESULTS The only immune mediator that differed at T-1 was RANTES, which was higher among shedders (p ≤ .05). HIV seroconversion was followed by significant decreases in many mediators, but a significant increase in RANTES. The magnitude of the change was significantly different for shedders versus nonshedders with regard to RANTES (increased in both groups, significantly more so in shedders), SLPI (decreased in both groups, significantly more so in shedders), and MIP-3α (decreased in shedders and increased in nonshedders). At T0, shedders had lower levels of SLPI and MIP-3α than nonshedders. CONCLUSIONS In this study, a specific immune mediator profile was associated with risk of cervical HIV shedding. Higher and increasing levels of RANTES and lower and decreasing levels of SLPI and MIP-3α were associated with increased risk of HIV shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Mauck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, CONRAD, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Pai-Lien Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Raina N. Fichorova
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Cynthia Kwok
- Department of Biostatistics, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Tsungai Chipato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Robert A. Salata
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Gustavo F. Doncel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, CONRAD, Arlington, Virginia
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Verstraelen H, Vervaet C, Remon JP. Rationale and Safety Assessment of a Novel Intravaginal Drug-Delivery System with Sustained DL-Lactic Acid Release, Intended for Long-Term Protection of the Vaginal Microbiome. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153441. [PMID: 27093291 PMCID: PMC4836750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis is a prevalent state of dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota with wide-ranging impact on human reproductive health. Based on recent insights in community ecology of the vaginal microbiome, we hypothesize that sustained vaginal DL-lactic acid enrichment will enhance the recruitment of lactobacilli, while counteracting bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria. We therefore aimed to develop an intravaginal device that would be easy to insert and remove, while providing sustained DL-lactic acid release into the vaginal lumen. The final prototype selected is a vaginal ring matrix system consisting of a mixture of ethylene vinyl acetate and methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer loaded with 150 mg DL-lactic acid with an L/D-lactic acid ratio of 1:1. Preclinical safety assessment was performed by use of the Slug Mucosal Irritation test, a non-vertebrate assay to evaluate vaginal mucosal irritation, which revealed no irritation. Clinical safety was evaluated in a phase I trial with six healthy nulliparous premenopausal volunteering women, with the investigational drug left in place for 7 days. Colposcopic monitoring according to the WHO/CONRAD guidelines for the evaluation of vaginal products, revealed no visible cervicovaginal mucosal changes. No adverse events related to the investigational product occurred. Total release from the intravaginal ring over 7 days was estimated through high performance liquid chromatography at 37.1 (standard deviation 0.9) mg DL-lactic acid. Semisolid lactic acid formulations have been studied to a limited extent in the past and typically consist of a large volume of excipients and very high doses of lactic acid, which is of major concern to mucosal safety. We have documented the feasability of enriching the vaginal environment with pure DL-lactic acid with a prototype intravaginal ring. Though the efficacy of this platform remains to be established possibly requiring further development, this approach may offer a novel avenue to modulate and protect the vaginal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Verstraelen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chris Vervaet
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jean-Paul Remon
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Tanphaichitr N, Srakaew N, Alonzi R, Kiattiburut W, Kongmanas K, Zhi R, Li W, Baker M, Wang G, Hickling D. Potential Use of Antimicrobial Peptides as Vaginal Spermicides/Microbicides. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:E13. [PMID: 26978373 PMCID: PMC4812377 DOI: 10.3390/ph9010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The concurrent increases in global population and sexually transmitted infection (STI) demand a search for agents with dual spermicidal and microbicidal properties for topical vaginal application. Previous attempts to develop the surfactant spermicide, nonoxynol-9 (N-9), into a vaginal microbicide were unsuccessful largely due to its inefficiency to kill microbes. Furthermore, N-9 causes damage to the vaginal epithelium, thus accelerating microbes to enter the women's body. For this reason, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), naturally secreted by all forms of life as part of innate immunity, deserve evaluation for their potential spermicidal effects. To date, twelve spermicidal AMPs have been described including LL-37, magainin 2 and nisin A. Human cathelicidin LL-37 is the most promising spermicidal AMP to be further developed for vaginal use for the following reasons. First, it is a human AMP naturally produced in the vagina after intercourse. Second, LL-37 exerts microbicidal effects to numerous microbes including those that cause STI. Third, its cytotoxicity is selective to sperm and not to the female reproductive tract. Furthermore, the spermicidal effects of LL-37 have been demonstrated in vivo in mice. Therefore, the availability of LL-37 as a vaginal spermicide/microbicide will empower women for self-protection against unwanted pregnancies and STI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nongnuj Tanphaichitr
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, ON, Canada.
| | - Nopparat Srakaew
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
| | - Rhea Alonzi
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, ON, Canada.
| | - Wongsakorn Kiattiburut
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
| | - Kessiri Kongmanas
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Research Unit, Office of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | - Ruina Zhi
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, and School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Weihua Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, and School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Mark Baker
- Reproductive Proteomics, Department of Science and Information technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Drive, Newcastle, NSW 2308 Australia.
| | - Guanshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA.
| | - Duane Hickling
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, ON, Canada.
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Francis SC, Hou Y, Baisley K, van de Wijgert J, Watson-Jones D, Ao TT, Herrera C, Maganja K, Andreasen A, Kapiga S, Coulton GR, Hayes RJ, Shattock RJ. Immune Activation in the Female Genital Tract: Expression Profiles of Soluble Proteins in Women at High Risk for HIV Infection. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0143109. [PMID: 26814891 PMCID: PMC4729472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Soluble cervicovaginal biomarkers of inflammation, immune activation and risk of HIV acquisition are needed to reliably assess the safety of new biomedical prevention strategies including vaccines and microbicides. However, a fuller understanding of expression profiles in women at high risk for HIV infection is crucial to the effective use of these potential biomarkers in Phase 3 trial settings. We have measured 45 soluble proteins and peptides in cervicovaginal lavage samples from 100 HIV negative women at high risk for HIV infection. Women were followed over one menstrual cycle to investigate modulation by hormonal contraception, menstrual cycle phase, recent sexual exposure and intravaginal practices. Women using injectable DMPA had increased concentration of several soluble proteins of the innate and adaptive immune system, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, MIP-1β, IP-10, IL-8, TGF-β, HBD4, IgA, IgG1, and IgG2. Women using combined oral contraceptives had a similar signature. There were differences in concentrations among samples from post-ovulation compared to pre-ovulation, notably increased immunoglobulins. Increased prostate-specific antigen, indicative of recent sexual exposure, was correlated with increased IL-6, MCP-1, and SLPI, and decreased GM-CSF and HBD3. The identified signature profiles may prove critical in evaluating the potential safety and impact on risk of HIV acquisition of different biomedical intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanna C. Francis
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania, United Republic of Tanzania
- * E-mail:
| | - Yanwen Hou
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, St. George's Medical School, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kathy Baisley
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janneke van de Wijgert
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Watson-Jones
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania, United Republic of Tanzania
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Trong T. Ao
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Mucosal Infection and Immunity Group, Imperial College, Department of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kaballa Maganja
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Aura Andreasen
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania, United Republic of Tanzania
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Saidi Kapiga
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Gary R. Coulton
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, St. George's Medical School, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Hayes
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin J. Shattock
- Mucosal Infection and Immunity Group, Imperial College, Department of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Friend DR. An update on multipurpose prevention technologies for the prevention of HIV transmission and pregnancy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2016; 13:533-45. [PMID: 26742698 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2016.1134485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs) are designed to address two or more indications from a single product. The overall goal is to prevent unintended pregnancy and transmission of one or more STIs including HIV-1. AREAS COVERED The topics covered herein are advances in over the past three years. Advances include development of novel intravaginal rings capable of releasing microbicides to prevent transmission of HIV-1 and unintended pregnancy. These rings include the potential to prevent transmission of more than one STI and unintended pregnancy. There are also gels that can potentially accomplish the same thing. Finally, combination of a drug and barrier device are also covered. EXPERT OPINION There has been considerable advance in this field over the past three years. There is one ring currently in a Phase I clinical trial and others are soon to follow. Some of these drug delivery systems are by necessity rather complicated and hence could be prohibitively expensive in the developing world. Conducting multiple clinical trials to support regulatory approval of two or more indications represents a significant barrier. It remains unclear that women will be more motivated to use MPT products than has been observed in recent microbicide-only clinical trials. Despite these challenges, the need for MPTs remain acute hopefully ensuring they will continue to be developed over the coming years.
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Arnold KB, Burgener A, Birse K, Romas L, Dunphy LJ, Shahabi K, Abou M, Westmacott GR, McCorrister S, Kwatampora J, Nyanga B, Kimani J, Masson L, Liebenberg LJ, Abdool Karim SS, Passmore JAS, Lauffenburger DA, Kaul R, McKinnon LR. Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in the female reproductive tract are associated with altered expression of proteases, mucosal barrier proteins, and an influx of HIV-susceptible target cells. Mucosal Immunol 2016; 9:194-205. [PMID: 26104913 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2015.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Elevated inflammatory cytokines (EMCs) at mucosal surfaces have been associated with HIV susceptibility, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We characterized the soluble mucosal proteome associated with elevated cytokine expression in the female reproductive tract. A scoring system was devised based on the elevation (upper quartile) of at least three of seven inflammatory cytokines in cervicovaginal lavage. Using this score, HIV-uninfected Kenyan women were classified as either having EMC (n=28) or not (n=68). Of 455 proteins quantified in proteomic analyses, 53 were associated with EMC (5% false discovery rate threshold). EMCs were associated with proteases, cell motility, and actin cytoskeletal pathways, whereas protease inhibitor, epidermal cell differentiation, and cornified envelope pathways were decreased. Multivariate analysis identified an optimal signature of 16 proteins that distinguished the EMC group with 88% accuracy. Three proteins in this signature were neutrophil-associated proteases that correlated with many cytokines, especially GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor), IL-1β (interleukin-1β), MIP-3α (macrophage inflammatory protein-3α), IL-17, and IL-8. Gene set enrichment analyses implicated activated immune cells; we verified experimentally that EMC women had an increased frequency of endocervical CD4(+) T cells. These data reveal strong linkages between mucosal cytokines, barrier function, proteases, and immune cell movement, and propose these as potential mechanisms that increase risk of HIV acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly B Arnold
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Adam Burgener
- National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratory, JC Wilt Infectious Disease Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kenzie Birse
- National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratory, JC Wilt Infectious Disease Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Laura Romas
- National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratory, JC Wilt Infectious Disease Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Laura J Dunphy
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Max Abou
- National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratory, JC Wilt Infectious Disease Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Garrett R Westmacott
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Stuart McCorrister
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jessie Kwatampora
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Billy Nyanga
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lindi Masson
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenine J Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa
| | - Douglas A Lauffenburger
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.,University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lyle R McKinnon
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.,Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
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50
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Inácio ÂS, Domingues NS, Nunes A, Martins PT, Moreno MJ, Estronca LM, Fernandes R, Moreno AJM, Borrego MJ, Gomes JP, Vaz WLC, Vieira OV. Quaternary ammonium surfactant structure determines selective toxicity towards bacteria: mechanisms of action and clinical implications in antibacterial prophylaxis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2015; 71:641-54. [PMID: 26679255 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkv405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of quaternary ammonium surfactants (QAS) makes them attractive and cheap topical prophylactic options for sexually transmitted infections and perinatal vertically transmitted urogenital infections. Although attributed to their high affinity for biological membranes, the mechanisms behind QAS microbicidal activity are not fully understood. We evaluated how QAS structure affects antimicrobial activity and whether this can be exploited for use in prophylaxis of bacterial infections. METHODS Acute toxicity of QAS to in vitro models of human epithelial cells and bacteria were compared to identify selective and potent bactericidal agents. Bacterial cell viability, membrane integrity, cell cycle and metabolism were evaluated to establish the mechanisms involved in selective toxicity of QAS. RESULTS QAS toxicity normalized relative to surfactant critical micelle concentration showed n-dodecylpyridinium bromide (C12PB) to be the most effective, with a therapeutic index of ∼10 for an MDR strain of Escherichia coli and >20 for Neisseria gonorrhoeae after 1 h of exposure. Three modes of QAS antibacterial action were identified: impairment of bacterial energetics and cell division at low concentrations; membrane permeabilization and electron transport inhibition at intermediate doses; and disruption of bacterial membranes and cell lysis at concentrations close to the critical micelle concentration. In contrast, toxicity to mammalian cells occurs at higher concentrations and, as we previously reported, results primarily from mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptotic cell death. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that short chain (C12) n-alkyl pyridinium bromides have a sufficiently large therapeutic window to be good microbicide candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângela S Inácio
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Neuza S Domingues
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Nunes
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrícia T Martins
- Centro de Química de Coimbra and Departamento de Química, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria J Moreno
- Centro de Química de Coimbra and Departamento de Química, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís M Estronca
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Fernandes
- IBMC/HEMS - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular/Histology and Electron Microscopy Service, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Maria J Borrego
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João P Gomes
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Winchil L C Vaz
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Otília V Vieira
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
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