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Asia LK, Van Vuren EJ, Kruger IM, Williams ME. A Pilot Investigation of the Association Between Vpr Amino Acid Substitutions and Peripheral Immune Marker Levels in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Implications for Neurocognitive Impairment. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae111. [PMID: 38524224 PMCID: PMC10960601 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Subtype-specific amino acid variations in viral proteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) influence disease progression. Furthermore, Vpr sequence variation correlates with chronic inflammation, a central mechanism in HIV-1 (neuro)pathogenesis. Nevertheless, no clinical study has investigated the link between Vpr sequence variation and peripheral inflammation in people with HIV (PWH). The aim of this pilot study was to ascertain whether specific Vpr amino acid variants were associated with immune markers in PWH. Methods We included a unique cohort of 48 treatment-naive South African PWH to determine the association between blood-derived Vpr sequence variation and peripheral immune marker levels using Sanger sequencing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis, respectively. Results Our findings indicate that among the many neuropathogenic Vpr amino acid variants and immune markers examined, after applying Bonferroni corrections (P = .05/3) and adjusting for sex and locality, soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) was nearing significance for higher levels in participants with the G41 amino acid variant compared to those with the S41 variant (P = .035). Furthermore, amino acid variations at position 41 (between G41 and S41) exhibited a significant association with suPAR (adjusted R2 = 0.089, β = .386 [95% confidence interval, .125-3.251]; P = .035). Conclusions These findings suggest that Vpr amino acid sequence variations might contribute to dysregulated inflammation, which could explain the observed association between specific Vpr variants and HIV-1 (neuro)pathogenesis found in prior research. These Vpr variants merit further investigation to fully understand their roles in HIV-1 pathogenesis and neuropathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levanco K Asia
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Esmé Jansen Van Vuren
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Iolanthé M Kruger
- Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Monray E Williams
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Asia LK, Van Vuren EJ, Lindeque Z, Williams ME. A pilot investigation of the association between HIV-1 Vpr amino acid sequence diversity and the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway as a potential mechanism for neurocognitive impairment. Virol J 2024; 21:47. [PMID: 38395987 PMCID: PMC10893664 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
HIV infection compromises both the peripheral and central immune systems due to its pathogenic and neuropathogenic features. The mechanisms driving HIV-1 pathogenesis and neuropathogenesis involve a series of events, including metabolic dysregulation. Furthermore, HIV-subtype-specific variations, particularly alterations in the amino acid sequences of key viral proteins, are known to influence the severity of clinical outcomes in people living with HIV. However, the impact of amino acid sequence variations in specific viral proteins, such as Viral protein R (Vpr), on metabolites within the Tryptophan (Trp)-kynurenine (Kyn) pathway in people living with HIV remains unclear. Our research aimed to explore the relationship between variations in the Vpr amino acid sequence (specifically at positions 22, 41, 45, and 55, as these have been previously linked to neurocognitive function) and peripheral Trp-Kyn metabolites. Additionally, we sought to clarify the systems biology of Vpr sequence variation by examining the link between Trp-Kyn metabolism and peripheral inflammation, as a neuropathogenic mechanism. In this preliminary study, we analyzed a unique cohort of thirty-two (n = 32) South African cART naïve people living with HIV. We employed Sanger sequencing to ascertain blood-derived Vpr amino acid sequence variations and a targeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics platform to assess Trp-Kyn metabolites, such as Trp, Kyn, kynurenic acid (KA), and quinolinic acid (QUIN). Particle-enhanced turbidimetric assay and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure immune markers, hsCRP, IL-6, suPAR, NGAL and sCD163. After applying Bonferroni corrections (p =.05/3) and adjusting for covariates (age and sex), only the Vpr G41 and A55 groups was nearing significance for higher levels of QUIN compared to the Vpr S41 and T55 groups, respectively (all p =.023). Multiple regression results revealed that Vpr amino acid variations at position 41 (adj R2 = 0.049, β = 0.505; p =.023), and 55 (adj R2 = 0.126, β = 0.444; p =.023) displayed significant associations with QUIN after adjusting for age and sex. Lastly, the higher QUIN levels observed in the Vpr G41 group were found to be correlated with suPAR (r =.588, p =.005). These results collectively underscore the importance of specific Vpr amino acid substitutions in influencing QUIN and inflammation (specifically suPAR levels), potentially contributing to our understanding of their roles in the pathogenesis and neuropathogenesis of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Esmé Jansen Van Vuren
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Zander Lindeque
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Guduguntla BA, Vasbinder A, Anderson E, Azam TU, Blakely P, Webster NJ, Gonzalez R, Atonucci T, Heidebrink JL, Giordani B, Zahodne L, Hampstead BM, Ajrouch KJ, Hayek SS. Biomarkers of chronic inflammation and cognitive decline: A prospective observational study. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 16:e12568. [PMID: 38532827 PMCID: PMC10964918 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
We sought to determine whether the biomarkers of chronic inflammation predict cognitive decline in a prospective observational study. We measured baseline serum soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in 282 participants of the University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project. Cognitive function was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale for up to five time points. SuPAR and hs-CRP levels were not significantly higher in participants with mild cognitive impairment (n = 97) or dementia (n = 59), compared to those with normal cognitive function (n = 126). Overall, 14% of participants experienced significant cognitive decline over the study period. The change in MoCA or CDR scores over time did not differ significantly according to baseline suPAR or hs-CRP levels. Chronic systemic inflammation, as measured by serum suPAR or hs-CRP levels, is unlikely to contribute significantly to cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexi Vasbinder
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Elizabeth Anderson
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Tariq U. Azam
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Pennelope Blakely
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Noah J. Webster
- Institute for Social ResearchUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Richard Gonzalez
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Toni Atonucci
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | | | - Bruno Giordani
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Laura Zahodne
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Benjamin M. Hampstead
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Mental Health Service Line, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Kristine J. Ajrouch
- Institute for Social ResearchUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilantiMichiganUSA
| | - Salim S. Hayek
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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Cetinsoy O, Anyanwu I, Krishnanand H, Natarajan G, Ramachandran N, Thomas A, Brookes KJ. Gene Association Study of the Urokinase Plasminogen Activator and Its Receptor Gene in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:241-250. [PMID: 38669542 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background The role of the innate immune system has long been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is now accumulating evidence that the soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor pathway, and its genes, PLAU and PLAUR may be important in AD, and yet there have been few genetic association studies to explore this. Objective This study utilizes the DNA bank of the Brains for Dementia Research cohort to investigate the genetic association of common polymorphisms across the PLAU and PLAUR genes with AD. Methods TaqMan genotyping assays were used with standard procedures followed by association analysis in PLINK. Results No association was observed between the PLAU gene and AD; however, two SNPs located in the PLAUR gene were indicative of a trend towards association but did not surpass multiple testing significance thresholds. Conclusions Further genotyping studies and exploration of the consequences of these SNPs on gene expression and alternative splicing are warranted to fully uncover the role this system may have in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozde Cetinsoy
- Biosciences, Clifton Campus, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ijeoma Anyanwu
- Biosciences, Clifton Campus, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | | | - Alan Thomas
- Brains for Dementia Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Keeley J Brookes
- Biosciences, Clifton Campus, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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de Almeida SM, Beltrame MP, Tang B, Rotta I, Abramson I, Vaida F, Schrier R, Ellis RJ. Cerebrospinal fluid CD14 ++CD16 + monocytes in HIV-1 subtype C compared with subtype B. J Neurovirol 2023; 29:308-324. [PMID: 37219809 PMCID: PMC10769008 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-023-01137-z] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
CD14++CD16+ monocytes are susceptible to HIV-1 infection, and cross the blood-brain barrier. HIV-1 subtype C (HIV-1C) shows reduced Tat protein chemoattractant activity compared to HIV-1B, which might influence monocyte trafficking into the CNS. We hypothesized that the proportion of monocytes in CSF in HIV-1C is lower than HIV-1B group. We sought to assess differences in monocyte proportions in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood (PB) between people with HIV (PWH) and without HIV (PWoH), and by HIV-1B and -C subtypes. Immunophenotyping was performed by flow cytometry, monocytes were analyzed within CD45 + and CD64 + gated regions and classified in classical (CD14++CD16-), intermediate (CD14++CD16+), and non-classical (CD14lowCD16+). Among PWH, the median [IQR] CD4 nadir was 219 [32-531] cell/mm3; plasma HIV RNA (log10) was 1.60 [1.60-3.21], and 68% were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Participants with HIV-1C and -B were comparable in terms of age, duration of infection, CD4 nadir, plasma HIV RNA, and ART. The proportion of CSF CD14++CD16+ monocytes was higher in participants with HIV-1C than those with HIV-1B [2.00(0.00-2.80) vs. 0.00(0.00-0.60) respectively, p = 0.03 after BH correction p = 0.10]. Despite viral suppression, the proportion of total monocytes in PB increased in PWH, due to the increase in CD14++CD16+ and CD14lowCD16+ monocytes. The HIV-1C Tat substitution (C30S31) did not interfere with the migration of CD14++CD16+ monocytes to the CNS. This is the first study to evaluate these monocytes in the CSF and PB and compare their proportions according to HIV subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio M de Almeida
- Complexo Hospital de Clínicas-UFPR, Seção de Virologia, Setor Análises Clínicas, Rua Padre Camargo, 280, Curitiba, PR, 80060-240, Brazil.
| | | | - Bin Tang
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center (HNRC), UCSD, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Indianara Rotta
- Complexo Hospital de Clínicas-UFPR, Seção de Virologia, Setor Análises Clínicas, Rua Padre Camargo, 280, Curitiba, PR, 80060-240, Brazil
| | - Ian Abramson
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center (HNRC), UCSD, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Florin Vaida
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center (HNRC), UCSD, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Rachel Schrier
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center (HNRC), UCSD, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ronald J Ellis
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center (HNRC), UCSD, San Diego, CA, USA
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de Almeida SM, Tang B, Vaida F, Letendre S, Ellis RJ. Soluble CD14 is subtype-dependent in serum but not in cerebrospinal fluid in people with HIV. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 366:577845. [PMID: 35313166 PMCID: PMC10373575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577845] [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: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Monocytes and macrophages activation are crucial in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) central nervous system (CNS) infection and HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) pathogenesis. The soluble form of CD14 (sCD14) is a marker of monocyte activation. We hypothesized that sCD14 levels would be lower in people with HIV-1 subtype C (HIV-1C) than in HIV-1B owing to a variant Tat cysteine dimotif (C30S31) with reduced chemotactic activity. A total of 68 paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples from people with HIV (PWH); 27 samples of the HIV-1B subtype and 40 of the non-B HIV-1 subtypes (including 26,HIV-1C), and 18 HIV-negative controls were included. sCD14 levels were quantified using a high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. sCD14 increase in serum, but not in CSF, was higher in samples from HIV-1B than HIV-1C (p = 0.002; Cohen's d, 0.7). CSF or serum sCD14 values were not correlated with global deficit score or specific cognitive domains. The impact of HIV-1 on monocyte stimulation biomarkers evaluated by sCD14 in serum was subtype-dependent, higher in HIV-1B than HIV-1C, consistent with reduced chemotactic activity as hypothesized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bin Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Florin Vaida
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Scott Letendre
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ronald J Ellis
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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