Recombinant simian immunodeficiency virus expressing green fluorescent protein identifies infected cells in rhesus monkeys

Gene Therapy Applications of Non-Human Lentiviral Vectors

Recent commercialization of lentiviral vector (LV)-based cell therapies and successful reports of clinical studies have demonstrated the untapped potential of LVs to treat diseases and benefit patients. LVs hold notable and inherent advantages over other gene transfer agents based on their ability to transduce non-dividing cells, permanently transform target cell genome, and allow stable, long-term transgene expression. LV systems based on non-human lentiviruses are attractive alternatives to conventional HIV-1-based LVs due to their lack of pathogenicity in humans. This article reviews non-human lentiviruses and highlights their unique characteristics regarding virology and molecular biology. The LV systems developed based on these lentiviruses, as well as their successes and shortcomings, are also discussed. As the field of gene therapy is advancing rapidly, the use of LVs uncovers further challenges and possibilities. Advances in virology and an improved understanding of lentiviral biology will aid in the creation of recombinant viral vector variants suitable for translational applications from a variety of lentiviruses.

Attenuation of Simian Varicella Virus Infection by Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein in Rhesus Macaques

Simian varicella virus (SVV), the primate counterpart of varicella-zoster virus, causes varicella (chickenpox), establishes latency in ganglia, and reactivates to produce zoster. We previously demonstrated that a recombinant SVV expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (rSVV.eGFP) is slightly attenuated both in culture and in infected monkeys. Here, we generated two additional recombinant SVVs to visualize infected cells in vitro and in vivo One harbors eGFP fused to the N terminus of open reading frame 9 (ORF9) (rSVV.eGFP-2a-ORF9), and another harbors eGFP fused to the C terminus of ORF66 (rSVV.eGFP-ORF66). Both recombinant viruses efficiently expressed eGFP in cultured cells. Both recombinant SVV infections in culture were comparable to that of wild-type SVV (SVV.wt). Unlike SVV.wt, eGFP-tagged SVV did not replicate in rhesus cells in culture. Intratracheal (i.t.) or i.t. plus intravenous (i.v.) inoculation of rhesus macaques with these new eGFP-tagged viruses resulted in low viremia without varicella rash, although SVV DNA was abundant in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid at 10 days postinoculation (dpi). SVV DNA was also found in trigeminal ganglia of one monkey inoculated with rSVV.eGFP-ORF66. Intriguingly, a humoral response to both SVV and eGFP was observed. In addition, monkeys inoculated with the eGFP-expressing viruses were protected from superinfection with SVV.wt, suggesting that the monkeys had mounted an efficient immune response. Together, our results show that eGFP expression could be responsible for their reduced pathogenesis.IMPORTANCE SVV infection in nonhuman primates has served as an extremely useful animal model to study varicella-zoster virus (VZV) pathogenesis. eGFP-tagged viruses are a great tool to investigate their pathogenesis. We constructed and tested two new recombinant SVVs with eGFP inserted into two different locations in the SVV genome. Both recombinant SVVs showed robust replication in culture but reduced viremia compared to that with SVV.wt during primary infection in rhesus macaques. Our results indicate that conclusions on eGFP-tagged viruses based on in vitro results should be handled with care, since eGFP expression could result in attenuation of the virus.

Visualization and quantification of simian immunodeficiency virus-infected cells using non-invasive molecular imaging

In vivo imaging can provide real-time information and three-dimensional (3D) non-invasive images of deep tissues and organs, including the brain, whilst allowing longitudinal observation of the same animals, thus eliminating potential variation between subjects. Current in vivo imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) and bioluminescence imaging (BLI), can be used to pinpoint the spatial location of target cells, which is urgently needed for revealing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) dissemination in real-time and HIV-1 reservoirs during suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). To demonstrate that in vivo imaging can be used to visualize and quantify simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-transduced cells, we genetically engineered SIV to carry different imaging reporters. Based on the expression of the reporter genes, we could visualize and quantify the SIV-transduced cells via vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein pseudotyping in a mouse model using BLI, PET-CT or MRI. We also engineered a chimeric EcoSIV for in vivo infection study. Our results demonstrated that BLI is sensitive enough to detect as few as five single cells transduced with virus, whilst PET-CT can provide 3D images of the spatial location of as few as 10 000 SIV-infected cells. We also demonstrated that MRI can provide images with high spatial resolution in a 3D anatomical context to distinguish a small population of SIV-transduced cells. The in vivo imaging platform described here can potentially serve as a powerful tool to visualize lentiviral infection, including when and where viraemia rebounds, and how reservoirs are formed and maintained during latency or suppressive ART.

Contribution of glutamine residues in the helix 4-5 loop to capsid-capsid interactions in simian immunodeficiency virus of macaques

Following retrovirus entry, the viral capsid (CA) disassembles into its component capsid proteins. The rate of this uncoating process, which is regulated by CA-CA interactions and by the association of the capsid with host cell factors like cyclophilin A (CypA), can influence the efficiency of reverse transcription. Inspection of the CA sequences of lentiviruses reveals that several species of simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) have lost the glycine-proline motif in the helix 4-5 loop important for CypA binding; instead, the helix 4-5 loop in these SIVs exhibits an increase in the number of glutamine residues. In this study, we investigated the role of these glutamine residues in SIVmac239 replication. Changes in these residues, particularly glutamine 89 and glutamine 92, resulted in a decreased efficiency of core condensation, decreased stability of the capsids in infected cells, and blocks to reverse transcription. In some cases, coexpression of two different CA mutants produced chimeric virions that exhibited higher infectivity than either parental mutant virus. For this complementation of infectivity, glutamine 89 was apparently required on one of the complementing pair of mutants and glutamine 92 on the other. Modeling suggests that glutamines 89 and 92 are located on the distal face of hexameric capsid spokes and thus are well positioned to contribute to interhexamer interactions. Requirements to evade host restriction factors like TRIMCyp may drive some SIV lineages to evolve means other than CypA binding to stabilize the capsid. One solution used by several SIV strains consists of glutamine-based bonding.

IMPORTANCE

The retroviral capsid is an assembly of individual capsid proteins that surrounds the viral RNA. After a retrovirus enters a cell, the capsid must disassemble, or uncoat, at a proper rate. The interactions among capsid proteins contribute to this rate of uncoating. We found that some simian immunodeficiency viruses use arrays of glutamine residues, which can form hydrogen bonds efficiently, to keep their capsids stable. This strategy may allow these viruses to forego the use of capsid-stabilizing factors from the host cell, some of which have antiviral activity.

Enhanced autointegration in hyperstable simian immunodeficiency virus capsid mutants blocked after reverse transcription

After entering a host cell, retroviruses such as simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) uncoat, disassembling the viral capsid. Rates of uncoating that are too high and too low can be detrimental to the efficiency of infection. Rapid uncoating typically leads to blocks in reverse transcription, but the basis for replication defects associated with slow uncoating is less clear. Here we characterize the phenotypes of two SIVmac239 mutants with changes, A87E and A87D, in the helix 4/5 loop of the capsid protein. These mutant viruses exhibited normal capsid morphology but were significantly attenuated for infectivity. The infectivity of wild-type and mutant SIVmac239 was not decreased by aphidicolin-induced growth arrest of the target cells. In the cytosol of infected cells, the A87E and A87D capsids remained in particulate form longer than the wild-type SIVmac239 capsid, suggesting that the mutants uncoat more slowly than the wild-type capsid. Both mutants exhibited much higher levels of autointegrated DNA forms than wild-type SIVmac239. Thus, some changes in the helix 4/5 loop of the SIVmac239 capsid protein result in capsid hyperstability and an increase in autointegration.

Construction and characterization of an infectious molecular clone of maedi-visna virus that expresses green fluorescent protein

The construction of a molecular clone of maedi-visna virus (MVV) expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) is described. The egfp gene was inserted into the gene for dUTPase since it has been shown that dUTPase is dispensable for MVV replication both in vitro and in vivo. MVV-egfp is infectious and EGFP expression is stable over at least six passages. This fluorescent virus will be a useful tool for monitoring MVV infections.

The requirement for cellular transportin 3 (TNPO3 or TRN-SR2) during infection maps to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 capsid and not integrase

Recent genome-wide screens have highlighted an important role for transportin 3 in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and preintegration complex (PIC) nuclear import. Moreover, HIV-1 integrase interacted with recombinant transportin 3 protein under conditions whereby Moloney murine leukemia virus (MLV) integrase failed to do so, suggesting that integrase-transportin 3 interactions might underscore active retroviral PIC nuclear import. Here we correlate infectivity defects in transportin 3 knockdown cells with in vitro protein binding affinities for an expanded set of retroviruses that include simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV), equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) to critically address the role of integrase-transportin 3 interactions in viral infection. Lentiviruses, with the exception of FIV, display a requirement for transportin 3 in comparison to MLV and RSV, yielding an infection-based dependency ranking of SIV > HIV-1 > BIV and EIAV > MLV, RSV, and FIV. In vitro pulldown and surface plasmon resonance assays, in contrast, define a notably different integrase-transportin 3 binding hierarchy: FIV, HIV-1, and BIV > SIV and MLV > EIAV. Our results therefore fail to support a critical role for integrase binding in dictating transportin 3 dependency during retrovirus infection. In addition to integrase, capsid has been highlighted as a retroviral nuclear import determinant. Accordingly, MLV/HIV-1 chimera viruses pinpoint the genetic determinant of sensitization to transportin 3 knockdown to the HIV-1 capsid protein. We therefore conclude that capsid, not integrase, is the dominant viral factor that dictates transportin 3 dependency during HIV-1 infection.

Immunization with single-cycle SIV significantly reduces viral loads after an intravenous challenge with SIV(mac)239

Strains of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) that are limited to a single cycle of infection were evaluated for the ability to elicit protective immunity against wild-type SIV_mac239 infection of rhesus macaques by two different vaccine regimens. Six animals were inoculated at 8-week intervals with 6 identical doses consisting of a mixture of three different envelope variants of single-cycle SIV (scSIV). Six additional animals were primed with a mixture of cytoplasmic domain-truncated envelope variants of scSIV and boosted with two doses of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV G) trans-complemented scSIV. While both regimens elicited detectable virus-specific T cell responses, SIV-specific T cell frequencies were more than 10-fold higher after boosting with VSV G trans-complemented scSIV (VSV G scSIV). Broad T cell recognition of multiple viral antigens and Gag-specific CD4⁺ T cell responses were also observed after boosting with VSV G scSIV. With the exception of a single animal in the repeated immunization group, all of the animals became infected following an intravenous challenge with SIV_mac239. However, significantly lower viral loads and higher memory CD4⁺ T cell counts were observed in both immunized groups relative to an unvaccinated control group. Indeed, both scSIV immunization regimens resulted in containment of SIV_mac239 replication after challenge that was as good as, if not better than, what has been achieved by other non-persisting vaccine vectors that have been evaluated in this challenge model. Nevertheless, the extent of protection afforded by scSIV was not as good as typically conferred by persistent infection with live, attenuated SIV. These observations have potentially important implications to the design of an effective AIDS vaccine, since they suggest that ongoing stimulation of virus-specific immune responses may be essential to achieving the degree of protection afforded by live, attenuated SIV.

AIDS vaccine candidates based on recombinant DNA and/or viral vectors stimulate potent cellular immune responses. However, the extent of protection achieved by these vaccines has so far been disappointing. While live, attenuated strains of SIV afford more reliable protection in animal models, there are justifiable safety concerns with the use of live, attenuated HIV-1 in humans. As an experimental vaccine approach designed to uncouple immune activation from ongoing virus replication, we developed a genetic system for producing strains of SIV that are limited to a single cycle of infection. We compared repeated versus prime-boost vaccine regimens with single-cycle SIV for the ability to elicit protective immunity in rhesus macaques against a strain of SIV that is notoriously difficult to control by vaccination. Both vaccine regimens afforded significant containment of virus replication after challenge. Nevertheless, the extent of protection achieved by immunization with single-cycle SIV was not as good as the protection typically provided by persistent infection of animals with live, attenuated SIV. These observations have important implications for the design of an effective AIDS vaccine, since they suggest that ongoing stimulation of virus-specific immune responses may ultimately be necessary for achieving the robust protection afforded by live, attenuated SIV.

In vitro and in vivo characterization of recombinant Ebola viruses expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein

To facilitate an understanding of the molecular aspects of the pathogenesis of Zaire ebolavirus (ZEBOV) infection, we generated 2 different recombinant viruses expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) from additional transcription units inserted at different positions in the virus genome. These viruses showed in vitro phenotypes similar to that of wild-type ZEBOV (wt-ZEBOV) and were stable over multiple passages. Infection with one of the viruses expressing eGFP produced only mild disease in rhesus macaques, demonstrating a marked attenuation in this animal model. However, in mice lacking signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, both viruses expressing eGFP caused lethal cases of disease that were moderately attenuated, compared with that caused by wt-ZEBOV. In mice, viral replication could be easily tracked by the detection of eGFP-positive cells in tissues, by use of flow cytometry. These findings demonstrate that the incorporation of a foreign gene will attenuate ZEBOV in vivo but that these viruses still have potential for in vitro and in vivo research applications.

Ethanol stimulation of HIV infection of oral epithelial cells

Oral mucosal cells can be infected by exogenous HIV during receptive oral sex or breast-feeding. The risk of oral mucosal infection depends on the infection efficiency of the HIV strains present in the oral cavity, the viral titers, and the defense mechanisms in the oral cavity environment. It is expected that alcohol can weaken the host defense mechanism against HIV infection in the oral cavity. We modified an HIV strain, NL4-3, by inserting the enhanced green fluorescent protein gene and used this virus to infect oral epithelial cells obtained from patients. Various concentrations of ethanol (0%-4%) were added to the infected cells. HIV-infected cells were detected by fluorescent microscopy or fluorescence-activated cell sorting. We found that ethanol significantly increases HIV infection of primary oral epithelial cells (POEs). POEs pretreated with 4% ethanol for less than 10 minutes demonstrated 3- to 6-fold higher susceptibility to infection by the CXCR-4 HIV strain NL4-3. Our studies also demonstrated that HIV infects POEs through a gp120-independent mechanism. We tested an HIV CCR5 strain, JRCSF, and also found its infection efficiency to be stimulated by alcohol. Our results indicate that in cell culture conditions, the ranges of concentrations of alcohol that are commercially available are able to stimulate the infection efficiency of HIV in POEs.

Recombinant vesicular stomatitis viruses encoding simian immunodeficiency virus receptors target infected cells and control infection

We have constructed VSV recombinants lacking the viral glycoprotein gene and instead expressing rhesus macaque SIV receptors CD4 and CCR5 with or without the receptor DC-SIGN. The recombinant expressing CD4 and CCR5 specifically infected SIV envelope protein-expressing cells. Incorporation of DC-SIGN into the particles required deletion of the cytoplasmic domain. Inclusion of DC-SIGN in the particles definitely enhanced infection, indicating that the enhancement by coexpression of DC-SIGN with CD4 and CCR5 does not require internalization of the virus into cells. The recombinants also specifically infected, killed, and propagated in CEMx174 cells that were first infected with an SIV expressing EGFP. If cells were superinfected with either of the recombinants after the primary SIV infection, the numbers of SIV-infected cells and titers of infectious SIV in the cultures were significantly reduced. Such antivirals can now be tested in the SIV/non-human primate model for AIDS to determine their therapeutic value in vivo.

PRA1 co-localizes with envelope but does not influence primate lentivirus production, infectivity or envelope incorporation

The results of yeast and mammalian two-hybrid assays previously indicated complex formation between prenylated Rab acceptor 1 (PRA1) and the cytoplasmic domain of gp41 (gp41CD) for both the human and simian immunodeficiency viruses [Evans, D. T., Tilman, K. C. & Desrosiers, R. C. (2002). J Virol 76, 327-337]. The assembly and release of infectious virus particles was studied under conditions of PRA1 overexpression in a transient transfection assay or suppression by RNA interference. Although a clear pattern of co-localization of PRA1 and gp41 was observed, no changes in virion release, infectivity or envelope content were observed as a result of either PRA1 suppression or overexpression. These data show that PRA1 co-localizes with gp41 inside cells and they are consistent with a direct or indirect interaction between these proteins. However, variation in the levels of PRA1 expression did not influence virion production, infectivity or envelope incorporation under the conditions of these assays.

Immunization of macaques with single-cycle simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) stimulates diverse virus-specific immune responses and reduces viral loads after challenge with SIVmac239

Genetically engineered simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIV) that is limited to a single cycle of infection was evaluated as a nonreplicating AIDS vaccine approach for rhesus macaques. Four Mamu-A*01(+) macaques were inoculated intravenously with three concentrated doses of single-cycle SIV (scSIV). Each dose consisted of a mixture of approximately equivalent amounts of scSIV strains expressing the SIV(mac)239 and SIV(mac)316 envelope glycoproteins with mutations in nef that prevent major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I downregulation. Viral loads in plasma peaked between 10(4) and 10(5) RNA copies/ml on day 4 after the first inoculation and then steadily declined to undetectable levels over the next 4 weeks. SIV Gag-specific T-cell responses were detected in peripheral blood by MHC class I tetramer staining (peak, 0.07 to 0.2% CD8(+) T cells at week 2) and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays (peak, 50 to 250 spot forming cells/10(6) peripheral blood mononuclear cell at week 3). Following the second and third inoculations at weeks 8 and 33, respectively, viral loads in plasma peaked between 10(2) and 10(4) RNA copies/ml on day 2 and were cleared over a 1-week period. T-cell-proliferative responses and antibodies to SIV were also observed after the second inoculation. Six weeks after the third dose, each animal was challenged intravenously with SIV(mac)239. All four animals became infected. However, three of the four scSIV-immunized animals exhibited 1 to 3 log reductions in acute-phase plasma viral loads relative to two Mamu-A*01(+) control animals. Additionally, two of these animals were able to contain their viral loads below 2,000 RNA copies/ml as late as 35 weeks into the chronic phase of infection. Given the extraordinary difficulty in protecting against SIV(mac)239, these results are encouraging and support further evaluation of lentiviruses that are limited to a single cycle of infection as a preclinical AIDS vaccine approach.

Expression of CD154 by a simian immunodeficiency virus vector induces only transitory changes in rhesus macaques

Human immunodeficiency virus infection is characterized by dysregulation of antigen-presenting cell function and defects in cell-mediated immunity. Recent evidence suggests that impaired ability of CD4+ T cells to upregulate the costimulatory molecule CD154 is at the core of this dysregulation. To test the hypothesis that increased expression of CD154 on infected CD4+ T cells could modulate immune function, we constructed a replication-competent simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) vector that expressed CD154. We found that this recombinant vector directed the expression of CD154 on the surface of infected CD4+ T cells and that expression of CD154 resulted in activation of B cells present in the same cultures. Experimental infection of rhesus macaques resulted in very low viral loads for the CD154-expressing virus and the control virus, indicating that expression of CD154 did not result in increased viral replication. Analyses of the anti-SIV immune responses and the phenotype of lymphocytes in blood and lymphoid tissues showed changes that occurred during the acute phase of infection only in animals infected with the CD154-expressing SIV, but that became indistinguishable from those seen in animals infected with the control virus at later time points. We conclude that the level of expression of CD154 in itself is not responsible for affecting the immune response to an attenuated virus. Considering that the CD154-expressing SIV vector and the virus control did not carry an active nef gene, our results suggest that, in CD4+ T cells infected with wild-type virus, Nef is the viral factor that interferes with the immune mechanisms that regulate expression of CD154.

A novel and efficient approach to discriminate between pre- and post-transcription HIV inhibitors

Established anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatments are not always effective or well tolerated, highlighting the need for further refinement of antiviral drug design and development. Given the multitude of molecular targets with which the anti-HIV agents can interact, studies on the mechanism of action of newly discovered HIV inhibitors are quite elaborate. In this article, we describe the use of an efficient reporter system allowing rapid discrimination between a pre- or post-transcriptional mode of action of anti-HIV compounds based on infection by a replication competent HIV-1 molecular clone expressing the green fluorescent protein as part of the nef multiply spliced RNA. Using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, this system enabled us to differentiate between compounds acting at a pre- or post-transciptional level of the virus life cycle. Antiviral activities were determined for four reference compounds as well as one putative novel HIV inhibitor. The results obtained were in agreement with the known characteristics of the reference compounds and revealed that the novel compound interfered with a target before or overlapping with HIV transcription. We showed that during a single replication cycle, compounds inhibiting a molecular target occurring before or coinciding with HIV transcription suppressed GFP expression, whereas compounds interfering at a later stage (such as protease inhibitors, which act after transcription) did not inhibit GFP expression. This GFP-based reporter system is adaptable for high-throughput screening.

Use of a replication-defective vector to track cells initially infected by SIV in vivo: infected mononuclear cells rapidly appear in the draining lymph node after intradermal inoculation of rhesus monkeys

A better understanding of the mechanisms of HIV dissemination, a key step in pathogenesis, would be possible if the cellular pathways of viral dissemination could be followed in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)- inoculated monkeys or HIV-infected people. In an initial attempt to follow this process using a traceable virus infection, we inoculated rhesus monkeys intradermally (ID) or directly into lymph nodes with a replication-defective SIV-based vector expressing the enhanced jellyfish green fluorescent protein (EGFP), V1EGFP. EGFP expression was detected in mononuclear cells isolated from the sites of inoculation (skin and lymph node) at 5 and 16 hr after inoculation and then cultured in vitro for 6 days to allow maximum EGFP expression. Similarly, EGFP-expressing, SIV-infected cells could be detected at 16 hr postinfection in the lymph nodes that drained the sites of ID inoculation. Since V1EGFP is a replication-defective vector, the EGFP-expressing cells are the initial target cells infected by the virions in the original inoculum. The results of flow cytometric analysis were confirmed by a nested PCR assay to detect SIV DNA and hence infection of cells and reverse transcription. These experiments indicate that 16 hr after ID inoculation newly infected cells either remain in the skin at the site of inoculation or have migrated to the draining lymph node. The results in this SIV vector model probably reflect the short time (less than 16 hr) required for HIV to move from a site of epithelial penetration to the lymphoid tissues via lymphatic vessels.

A novel approach for producing lentiviruses that are limited to a single cycle of infection

We have devised a novel approach for producing simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) strains and, potentially, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains that are limited to a single cycle of infection. Unlike previous lentiviral vectors, our single-cycle SIV is capable of expressing eight of the nine viral gene products and infected cells release immature virus particles that are unable to complete subsequent rounds of infection. Single-cycle SIV (scSIV) was produced by using a two-plasmid system specifically designed to minimize the possibility of generating replication-competent virus by recombination or nucleotide reversion. One plasmid carried a full-length SIV genome with three nucleotide substitutions in the gag-pol frameshift site to inactivate Pol expression. To ensure inactivation of Pol and to prevent the recovery of wild-type virus by nucleotide reversion, deletions were also introduced into the viral pol gene. In order to provide Gag-Pol in trans, a Gag-Pol-complementing plasmid that included a single nucleotide insertion to permanently place gag and pol in the same reading frame was constructed. We also mutated the frameshift site of this Gag-Pol expression construct so that any recombinants between the two plasmids would remain defective for replication. Cotransfection of both plasmids into 293T cells resulted in the release of Gag-Pol-complemented virus that was capable of one round of infection and one round of viral gene expression but was unable to propagate a spreading infection. The infectivity of scSIV was limited by the amount of Gag-Pol provided in trans and was dependent on the incorporation of a functional integrase. Single-cycle SIV produced by this approach will be useful for addressing questions relating to viral dynamics and viral pathogenesis and for evaluation as an experimental AIDS vaccine in rhesus macaques.

Modulation of Env content in virions of simian immunodeficiency virus: correlation with cell surface expression and virion infectivity

Specific mutations were created in the cytoplasmic domain of the gp41 transmembrane protein of simian immunodeficiency virus strain 239 (SIV239). The resultant strains included a mutant in which Env residue 767 was changed to a stop codon, a double mutant in which positions 738 and 739 were changed to stop codons, another mutant in which a prominent endocytosis motif was changed from YRPV to GRPV by the substitution of tyrosine 721, and a final combination mutant bearing Q738stop, Q739stop, and Y721G mutations. The effects of these mutations on cell surface expression, on Env incorporation into virions, and on viral infectivity were examined. The molar ratio of Gag to gp120 of 54:1 that we report here for SIV239 virions agrees very well with the ratio of 60:1 reported previously by Chertova et al. (E. Chertova, J. W. Bess, Jr., B. J. Crise, R. C. Sowder II, T. M. Schaden, J. M. Hilburn, J. A. Hoxie, R. E. Benveniste, J. D. Lifson, L. E. Henderson, and L. O. Arthur, J. Virol. 76:5315-5325, 2002), although they were determined by very different methodologies. Assuming 1,200 to 2,500 Gag molecules per virion, this corresponds to 7 to 16 Env trimers per SIV239 virion particle. Although all of the mutations increased Env levels in virions, E767stop had the most dramatic effect, increasing the Env content per virion 25- to 50-fold. Increased levels of Env content in virions correlated strictly with higher levels of Env expression on the cell surface. The increased Env content with the E767stop mutation also correlated with an increased infectivity, but the degree of change was not proportional: the 25- to 50-fold increase in Env content only increased infectivity 2- to 3-fold. All of the mutants replicated efficiently in the CEMx174 and Rh221-89 cell lines. Although some of these findings have been reported previously, our findings show that the effects of the cytoplasmic domain of gp41 on the Env content in virions can be dramatic, that the Env content in virions correlates strictly with the levels of cell surface expression, and that the Env content in virions can determine infectivity; furthermore, our results define a particular change with the most dramatic effects.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vif supports efficient primate lentivirus replication in rhesus monkey cells

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Vif share limited homology and display species-specific activity, leading to speculation that Vif sequences could determine the block in HIV-1 replication in rhesus monkeys. To address this issue, we engineered a novel SIV recombinant in which HIV-1 vif replaced SIV vif in a SIVmac239 background. Insertion of HIV-1 vif into the SIV vif locus did not produce a replication-competent virus. Therefore, we inserted HIV-1 vif sequences into the SIV nef locus, which produced a recombinant that, in the absence of SIV vif sequences, replicated similarly to wild-type SIVmac239 in rhesus monkey PBMC. From these studies we conclude that the HIV-1 replication block in rhesus monkeys is almost certainly not Vif determined. These studies also suggest that SHIV/NVif or derivative sequences could be utilized for structure/function studies of HIV-1 Vif in experimentally infected rhesus monkeys.

The effects of HHV-8 vMIP-II on SIVmac251 infection and replication competent and incompetent SIVmac239Delta3 vectors

Human herpesvirus type 8 vMIP-II has one of the broadest ranges of chemokine receptor binding and therefore a multiplicity of biologic effects, both immunologic and antiviral. These properties make vMIP-II an attractive effector gene to be expressed from gene therapy vectors. The present studies were concerned with both therapeutic approaches: (1) an anti-simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) biologic, and (2) an effector gene in SIV-based vectors. Regarding its antiviral properties, vMIP-II expressed from bacteria and SIV-based vectors bound the surface of CEMx174 cells and specifically suppressed SIVmac251 infection. A CCR3 monoclonal antibody partially inhibited vMIP-II binding, suggesting that both SIVmac251 and vMIP-II utilize a similar CCR3-like receptor for CEMx174 cell binding. Replication competent SIV-based vectors containing forward and reverse vMIP-II produced neither identifiable vMIP-II nor virions for the first 21 days. Virus replication occurred after this period. Significant sequence alterations in the forward vMIP-II containing replication competent vector transcripts were responsible for the failure of vMIP-II expression. The genetic basis for the initial failure to replicate virus and its later restoration was not determined but appeared in the II-PIMv containing vectors to coincide with deletions and compensatory rearrangements in nef 3' of the polypurine tract. Cells transfected with SIVmac239Delta3DeltaLTR-vMIP-II vectors expressed biologically active vMIP-II that bound CEMx174 cells and suppressed SIVmac251 infection. These data suggest that replication defective SIV vectors expressing immunobiolgic genes such as vMIP-II may prove useful in gene therapies, particularly in augmenting immune responses in chronically infected individuals.

Identification and simian immunodeficiency virus infection of CD1d-restricted macaque natural killer T cells

Natural killer T (NKT) cells express a highly conserved T-cell receptor (TCR) and recognize glycolipids in the context of CD1d molecules. We recently demonstrated that CD4+ NKT cells are highly susceptible to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and are selectively depleted in HIV-infected individuals. Here, we identified macaque NKT cells using CD1d tetramers and human Valpha24 antibodies. Similar to human NKT cells, alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer)-pulsed dendritic cells activate and expand macaque NKT cells. Upon restimulation with alpha-GalCer-pulsed CD1d(+) cells, macaque NKT cells secreted high levels of cytokines, a characteristic of these T cells. Remarkably, the majority of resting and activated macaque NKT cells expressed CD8, and a smaller portion expressed CD4. Macaque NKT cells also expressed the HIV-1/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) coreceptor CCR5, and the CD4+ subset was susceptible to SIV infection. Identification of macaque NKT cells has major implications for delineating the role of these cells in nonhuman primate disease models of HIV as well as other pathological conditions, such as allograft rejection and autoimmunity.

Determinants of increased replicative capacity of serially passaged simian immunodeficiency virus with nef deleted in rhesus monkeys

Most rhesus macaques infected with simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac239 with nef deleted (either Delta nef or Delta nef Delta vpr Delta US [Delta 3]) control viral replication and do not progress to AIDS. Some monkeys, however, develop moderate viral load set points and progress to AIDS. When simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) recovered from two such animals (one Delta nef and the other Delta 3) were serially passaged in rhesus monkeys, the SIVs derived from both lineages were found to consistently induce moderate viral loads and disease progression. Analysis of viral sequences in the serially passaged derivatives revealed interesting changes in three regions: (i) an unusually high number of predicted amino acid changes (12 to 14) in the cytoplasmic domain of gp41, most of which were in regions that are usually conserved; these changes were observed in both lineages; (ii) an extreme shortening of nef sequences in the region of overlap with U3; these changes were observed in both lineages; and (iii) duplication of the NF-kappa B binding site in one lineage only. Neither the polymorphic gp41 changes alone nor the U3 deletion alone appeared to be responsible for increased replicative capacity because recombinant SIVmac239 Delta nef, engineered to contain either of these changes, induced moderate viral loads in only one of six monkeys. However, five of six monkeys infected with recombinant SIVmac239 Delta nef containing both TM and U3 changes did develop persisting moderate viral loads. These genetic changes did not increase lymphoid cell-activating properties in the monkey interleukin-2-dependent T-cell line 221, but the gp41 changes did increase the fusogenic activity of the SIV envelope two- to threefold. These results delineate sequence changes in SIV that can compensate for the loss of the nef gene to partially restore replicative and pathogenic potential in rhesus monkeys.

A preliminary evaluation of recombinant adeno-associated virus biodistribution in rhesus monkeys after intrahepatic inoculation in utero

The ability to deliver genes to fetuses in utero may prove crucial for those genetic diseases that are associated with severe fetal morbidity and for which there is no effective postnatal therapy. In utero therapy may be especially useful in diseases that affect the central nervous system because the immature blood-brain barrier may facilitate gene delivery to neural target cells. We investigated whether in utero inoculation of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) into rhesus monkey fetuses would be a useful method of gene delivery, especially to the central nervous system. When the monkeys were sacrificed after birth, we found vector genomes distributed in many tissues, including the brain and peripheral blood. Pericapillary astrocytes expressing transgene products were detected by immunohistochemistry. In addition, we occasionally found vector genomes in the maternal blood. No adverse clinical or pathologic effects were observed in the inoculated monkeys. We concluded that (1) in utero intrahepatic inoculation of rAAV is a potentially safe and useful method of delivering genes to many fetal tissues; (2) astrocytes may be the cell type most easily targeted in the central nervous system (CNS) after systemic administration; and (3) the potential of inadvertent gene transfer to the mother must be considered.

Pathogenic and nef-interrupted simian-human immunodeficiency viruses traffic to the macaque CNS and cause astrocytosis early after inoculation

Several studies have shown that deletion of the nef gene of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) results in attenuated viruses. However, studies have not critically examined trafficking of attenuated viruses to the central nervous system (CNS) at early stages after inoculation. In this study, we investigated the colocalization of pathogenic and vpu-negative, nef-interrupted SHIVs at early stages following inoculation. The first virus, designated SHIV(50OLNV), was isolated from the lymph node of a pig-tailed macaque which developed severe CD4+ T cell loss and neurological disease. The second virus was a molecularly cloned virus in which the vpu gene was deleted and the gene for the enhanced green fluorescent protein from the jellyfish Aequoria victora had been inserted in-frame within the nef gene of the pathogenic SHIV(KU-1bMC33) (designated SHIV(KU-1bEGFP)). Three pig-tailed macaques were inoculated intravenously with equivalent amounts of two viruses, two macaques were inoculated with SHIV(KU-1bEGFP), and two macaques were inoculated with SHIV(50OLNV). The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from bleeds obtained 3, 7, 10, and 14 days postinoculation and monitored for syncytia-inducing virus and for fluorescent cells. Virus was detected in the PBMCs as early as 3 days postinoculation and was present throughout the course of this short-term study. At 14 days postinoculation, the macaques were sacrificed and examined for virus in lymphoid tissues and different regions of the CNS following necropsy. Our results revealed the presence of both viruses in lymphoid and CNS tissues, although SHIV(50OLNV) was present to a much greater extent. Histological examination revealed that one macaque displayed signs of meningitis and all three macaques developed massive cortical astrocyte activation as demonstrated by immunostaining for glial fibrillary acidic protein, but only limited microglial activation. In the two macaques inoculated with SHIV(50OLNV), astrocyte activation similar to that in the macaques inoculated with both viruses was observed while no astrocyte activation was observed in macaques inoculated with SHIV(KU-1bEGFP). Thus, this study demonstrates that SHIVs with an intact nef(SHIV(50OLNV)) as well as those lacking a vpu gene and with a nonfunctional nef gene (SHIV(KU-1bEGFP)) are capable of invading the CNS and that pathogenic SHIVs are capable of causing reactive astrocytosis early after inoculation.

A simian human immunodeficiency virus with a nonfunctional Vpu (deltavpuSHIV(KU-1bMC33)) isolated from a macaque with neuroAIDS has selected for mutations in env and nef that contributed to its pathogenic phenotype

Previous studies have shown that passage of nonpathogenic SHIV-4 through a series of macaques results in the selection of variants of the virus that are capable of causing rapid subtotal loss of CD4(+) T cells and AIDS within 6-8 months following inoculation into pig-tailed macaques. Using a pathogenic variant of SHIV-4 known as SHIV(KU-1bMC33), we reported that a mutant of this virus with the majority of the vpu deleted was still capable of causing profound CD4(+) T cell loss and neuroAIDS in pig-tailed macaques (McCormick-Davis et al., 2000, Virology 272, 112-116). In this study, we have analyzed the tissue-specific changes in the env and nef in one macaque that developed neuroAIDS (macaque 50 O) and in three macaques that developed only a moderate or no significant loss of CD4(+) T cells and no neurological disease (macaques 50 Y, 20220, 20228) following inoculation with DeltavpuSHIV(KU-1bMC33). Sequence analysis of the gp120 region of env isolated from lymphoid tissues (lymph node and spleen) of macaques 50 Y, 20220, and 20228 revealed no consensus amino acid substitutions. In contrast, analysis of the gp120 sequences isolated from lymphoid and CNS tissues (parietal cortex, basal ganglia, and pons) of macaque 50 O revealed numerous amino acid substitutions. The significance of the amino acid substitutions in gp120 was supported by neutralization assays which showed that the virus isolated from the lymph node of macaque 50 O was neutralization resistant compared to the parental SHIV(KU-1bMC33). Analysis of changes in the nef gene from macaque 50 O revealed in-frame deletions in Nef that ranged from 4 to 13 amino acids in length, whereas the nef genes isolated from the other three macaques revealed no deletions or consensus amino acid substitutions. Inoculation of the virus isolated from the lymph node of the macaque which developed neuroAIDS, SHIV(50OLNV), into four pig-tailed macaques resulted in a severe loss of the circulating CD4(+) T cells within 2 weeks postinoculation, which was maintained for up to 20 weeks postinoculation, confirming that this virus had indeed become more pathogenic in pig-tailed macaques. Taken together, these observations suggest that DeltavpuSHIV(KU-1bMC33) has a low pathogenic phenotype in macaques but that individual pig-tailed macaques can select for additional mutations within the Env and Nef which can compensate for the lack of an intact Vpu and ultimately increase its pathogenicity.

Mechanisms for adaptation of simian immunodeficiency virus to replication in alveolar macrophages

In contrast to the simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac239, which replicates poorly in rhesus monkey alveolar macrophages, a variant with nine amino acid changes in envelope (SIVmac239/316E) replicates efficiently and to high titer in these same cells. We examined levels of viral DNA, RNA, antigen, and infectious virus to identify the nature of the block to SIVmac239 replication in these cells. Low levels of viral antigen (0.1 to 1.0 ng of p27 per ml) and infectious virus (100 to 1,000 infectious units per ml) were produced in the supernatant 1 to 4 days after SIVmac239 infection, but these levels did not increase subsequently. SIVmac239 DNA was synthesized in these macrophage cultures during the initial 24 h after infection, but the levels did not increase subsequently. Quantitation of the numbers of infectious cells in cultures over time and the results of experiments in which cells were reexposed to SIVmac239 after the initial exposure indicated that only a small proportion of cells were susceptible to SIVmac239 infection in these alveolar macrophage cultures and that the vast majority (>95%) of cells were refractory to SIVmac239 infection. In contrast to the results with SIVmac239, the levels of viral antigen, infectious virus, and viral DNA increased exponentially 2 to 7 days after infection by SIVmac239/316E, reaching levels greater than 100 ng of p27 per ml and 100,000 infectious units per ml. Since SIVmac239/316E has previously been described as a virus capable of infecting cells in a relatively CD4-independent fashion, we examined the levels of CD4 expression on the surface of fresh and cultured alveolar macrophages from rhesus monkeys. The levels of CD4 expression were extremely low, below the limit of detection by flow cytometry, on greater than 99% of the macrophages. CCR5(+) cells were profoundly depleted only from alveolar macrophage cultures infected with SIVmac239/316E. High concentrations of an antibody to CD4 delayed but did not block replication of SIVmac239/316E. The results suggest that the adaptation of SIVmac316 to efficient replication in alveolar macrophages results from its ability to infect these cells in a CD4-independent fashion or in a CD4-dependent fashion even at extremely low levels of surface CD4 expression. Since resident macrophages in brains and lungs of humans also express little or no CD4, our findings predict the presence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 that is relatively CD4 independent in the lung and brain compartments of infected people.

Productive infection of double-negative T cells with HIV in vivo

HIV induces CD4 down-regulation from the surface of infected cells by several independent mechanisms, suggesting an important biological role for this phenomenon. In vitro CD4 down-regulation generates T cells with a double-negative (DN) CD4(-)CD8(-) T cell receptor-alphabeta(+) phenotype. However, evidence that this down-regulation occurs in vivo in HIV-infected subjects is lacking, and viral load or viral production assays invariably focus on CD4(+) T cells. We show here that HIV infection can often be detected in sorted DN cells from peripheral blood and lymph nodes, even when plasma viral load is undetectable. DN T cells infected with HIV represented up to 20% of the cellular viral load in T cells, as determined by DNA PCR. In patients on successful highly active antiretroviral therapy, the viral load decreased in the plasma in CD4(+) and in DN T cells, suggesting that infected DN cells, like CD4(+) cells, contribute to viral production and are sensitive to highly active antiretroviral therapy. Indeed, HIV unspliced and multispliced RNAs were often detectable in DN T cells in spite of the small size of this subset. Infectious virus from DN T cells was transmitted efficiently in coculture experiments with uninfected T cell lymphoblasts, even when viral DNA in the DN cells was barely detectable. We conclude that a discrete population of infected DN T cells exists in HIV-positive subjects, even when the plasma viral load is undetectable. These cells may represent an important source of infectious virus.

Induction of AIDS in rhesus monkeys by a recombinant simian immunodeficiency virus expressing nef of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

A nef gene is present in all primate lentiviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus of macaque monkeys (SIVmac). However, the nef genes of HIV-1 and SIVmac exhibit minimal sequence identity, and not all properties are shared by the two. Nef sequences of SIVmac239 were replaced by four independent nef alleles of HIV-1 in a context that was optimal for expression. The sources of the HIV-1 nef sequences included NL 4-3, a variant NL 4-3 gene derived from a recombinant-infected rhesus monkey, a patient nef allele, and a nef consensus sequence. Of 16 rhesus monkeys infected with these SHIVnef chimeras, 9 maintained high viral loads for prolonged periods, as observed with the parental SIVmac239, and 6 have died with AIDS 52 to 110 weeks postinfection. Persistent high loads were observed at similar frequencies with the four different SIV recombinants that expressed these independent HIV-1 nef alleles. Infection with other recombinant SHIVnef constructions resulted in sequence changes in infected monkeys that either created an open nef reading frame or optimized the HIV-1 nef translational context. The HIV-1 nef gene was uniformly retained in all SHIVnef-infected monkeys. These results demonstrate that HIV-1 nef can substitute for SIVmac nef in vivo to produce a pathogenic infection. However, the model suffers from an inability to consistently obtain persisting high viral loads in 100% of the infected animals, as is observed with the parental SIVmac239.