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Kovarova M, Wessel SE, Johnson CE, Anderson SV, Cottrell ML, Sykes C, Cohen MS, Garcia JV. EFdA efficiently suppresses HIV replication in the male genital tract and prevents penile HIV acquisition. mBio 2023; 14:e0222422. [PMID: 37306625 PMCID: PMC10470584 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02224-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted HIV infections in heterosexual men are acquired through the penis. Low adherence to condom usage and the fact that 40% of circumcised men are not protected indicate the need for additional prevention strategies. Here, we describe a new approach to evaluate the prevention of penile HIV transmission. We demonstrated that the entire male genital tract (MGT) of bone marrow/liver/thymus (BLT) humanized mice is repopulated with human T and myeloid cells. The majority of the human T cells in the MGT express CD4 and CCR5. Direct penile exposure to HIV leads to systemic infection including all tissues of the MGT. HIV replication throughout the MGT was reduced 100-1,000-fold by treatment with 4'-ethynyl-2-fluoro-2'-deoxyadenosine (EFdA), resulting in the restoration of CD4+ T cell levels. Importantly, systemic preexposure prophylaxis with EFdA effectively protects from penile HIV acquisition. IMPORTANCE Over 84.2 million people have been infected by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) during the past 40 years, most through sexual transmission. Men comprise approximately half of the HIV-infected population worldwide. Sexually transmitted HIV infections in exclusively heterosexual men are acquired through the penis. However, direct evaluation of HIV infection throughout the human male genital tract (MGT) is not possible. Here, we developed a new in vivo model that permits, for the first time, the detail analysis of HIV infection. Using BLT humanized mice, we showed that productive HIV infection occurs throughout the entire MGT and induces a dramatic reduction in human CD4 T cells compromising immune responses in this organ. Antiretroviral treatment with novel drug EFdA suppresses HIV replication in all tissues of the MGT, restores normal levels of CD4 T cells and is highly efficient at preventing penile transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Kovarova
- International Center for the Advancement of Translational Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah E. Wessel
- International Center for the Advancement of Translational Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Claire E. Johnson
- International Center for the Advancement of Translational Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shelby V. Anderson
- International Center for the Advancement of Translational Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Craig Sykes
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Myron S. Cohen
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - J. Victor Garcia
- International Center for the Advancement of Translational Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Akhigbe RE, Dutta S, Hamed MA, Ajayi AF, Sengupta P, Ahmad G. Viral Infections and Male Infertility: A Comprehensive Review of the Role of Oxidative Stress. Front Reprod Health 2022; 4:782915. [PMID: 36303638 PMCID: PMC9580820 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.782915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections have been a part of human existence to date, though viruses have posed a huge threat with various outbreaks lately. These threats are associated with reproductive health challenges, especially male infertility. The prime focus of this review is to highlight the mechanisms associated with viral infection-induced male infertility/subfertility and identify new treatment strategies with the aim to preserve male fertility. The reviewed data showed that viral infections stimulate inflammatory responses, resulting in the release of proinflammatory cytokines, which induces oxidative stress. This oxido-inflammatory cycle could continue in a vicious cycle and threaten male fertility. Existing data from human and experimental studies show that viral infection-induced oxido-inflammatory response results in testicular damage, atrophy of the seminiferous tubules and Sertoli cells, and reduced Leydig cell mass. This is accompanied by reduced circulatory testosterone, impaired spermatogenesis, reduced sperm motility, lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis of the sperm cells. Based on the available pieces of evidence, antioxidant therapy, in vivo and in vitro, may be beneficial and protects against the potential risk of male infertility from viral infection. It is, however recommended that more clinical studies be conducted to demonstrate the possible protective roles of antioxidants used as adjuvant therapy in viral infections, and in the in vitro treatment of semen samples for those utilizing semen washing and artificial reproductive techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland E. Akhigbe
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratories, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Sulagna Dutta
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia
| | - Moses A. Hamed
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratories, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
- Brainwill Laboratories, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Ayodeji F. Ajayi
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Biosciences and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Pallav Sengupta
| | - Gulfam Ahmad
- Redox Biology Group, Discipline of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Gulfam Ahmad
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Kalichman SC, Eaton LA, Kalichman MO. Undetected anogenital sexually transmitted infections among young adults living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy: Implications for HIV treatment as prevention. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 33:73-80. [PMID: 34628983 DOI: 10.1177/09564624211046516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Undetected sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose health threats to people living with HIV and when combined with uncontrolled HIV can amplify HIV transmission. The current study screened 174 self-identified men under age 36 living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for urethral and rectal incident chlamydia and gonorrhea infections. Participants were also screened for biomarkers indicating alcohol and other drug use, subclinical genital inflammation, and HIV viral load. ART adherence and sexual behaviors were also assessed prospectively over 1 month. Results detected an undiagnosed STI in 32 (18%) individuals. Participants with a previously undetected STI had significantly greater HIV viremia than those who did not have an STI after controlling for several confounding variables. Participants with an undetected STI also engaged in greater condomless anal intercourse with HIV negative and unknown status partners, including partners to whom they had not disclosed their HIV status. These findings show that undetected STI are associated with incomplete ART adherence and unsuppressed HIV, all of which are important for preventing HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth C Kalichman
- Institute for Collaboration on Health Intervention and Policy (InCHIP), 7712University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Institute for Collaboration on Health Intervention and Policy (InCHIP), 7712University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Moira O Kalichman
- Institute for Collaboration on Health Intervention and Policy (InCHIP), 7712University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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4
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Chen JS, Matoga M, Massa C, Tegha G, Ndalama B, Bonongwe N, Mathiya E, Jere E, Banda G, Loftis AJ, Lancaster KE, Miller WC, Hoffman IF, Cohen MS. Effects of Urethritis on HIV in Semen: Implications for HIV Prevention and Cure. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 73:e2000-e2004. [PMID: 33033831 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior to the widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART), Men living with HIV with urethritis had increased concentration of HIV in semen. This study aims to better evaluate HIV shedding in men with urethritis receiving ART, and implications for the cure of HIV. METHODS Men living with HIV with urethritis taking ART ≥12 weeks were enrolled at a sexually transmitted infections clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi. Study follow-up included visits 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks post urethritis diagnosis and treatment. Matched blood and semen samples were collected at all visits, and all additional episodes of urethritis were followed with extra visits 1, 2, and 4 weeks after treatment. RESULTS 111 men enrolled in the study between January 2017 - March 2019, and 77 (69%) were suppressed in the blood (<400 copies/mL). Among the 77 men, 87 episodes of urethritis were evaluated during follow-up. Of the 87 episodes, 15 episodes (17%) had instances of seminal viral shedding ≥400 copies/mL despite viral suppression in the blood. At follow-up of non-urethritis episodes, ≤6% of men at each visit had a viral load ≥400 copies/mL in the semen while maintaining viral suppression in the blood. CONCLUSIONS An HIV cure requires the elimination of HIV from every body compartment, but available ART does not currently accomplish this. Our study highlights the male genital tract as a local source of HIV that can be reversibly activated. A better understanding of this phenomenon is important to advance the HIV cure field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane S Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amy J Loftis
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - William C Miller
- The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Irving F Hoffman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Myron S Cohen
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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5
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Council OD, Zhou S, McCann CD, Hoffman I, Tegha G, Kamwendo D, Matoga M, Kosakovsky Pond SL, Cohen MS, Swanstrom R. Deep Sequencing Reveals Compartmentalized HIV-1 in the Semen of Men with and without Sexually Transmitted Infection-Associated Urethritis. J Virol 2020; 94:e00151-20. [PMID: 32269129 DOI: 10.1128/JVI.00151-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Concurrent sexually transmitted infections (STI) can increase the probability of HIV-1 transmission primarily by increasing the viral load present in semen. In this study, we explored the relationship of HIV-1 in blood and seminal plasma in the presence and absence of urethritis and after treatment of the concurrent STI. Primer ID deep sequencing of the V1/V3 region of the HIV-1 env gene was done for paired blood and semen samples from antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive men living in Malawi with (n = 19) and without (n = 5) STI-associated urethritis; for a subset of samples, full-length env genes were generated for sequence analysis and to test entry phenotype. Cytokine concentrations in the blood and semen were also measured, and a reduction in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines was observed following STI treatment. We observed no difference in the prevalence of diverse compartmentalized semen-derived lineages in men with or without STI-associated urethritis, and these viral populations were largely stable during STI treatment. Clonal amplification of one or a few viral sequences accounted for nearly 50% of the viral population, indicating a recent bottleneck followed by limited viral replication. We conclude that the male genital tract is a site where virus can be brought in from the blood, where localized sustained replication can occur, and where specific genotypes can be amplified, perhaps initially by cellular proliferation but further by limited viral replication.IMPORTANCE HIV-1 infection is a sexually transmitted infection that coexists with other STI. Here, we examined the impact of a concurrent STI resulting in urethritis on the HIV-1 population within the male genital tract. We found that viral populations remain largely stable even with treatment of the STI. These results show that viral populations within the male genital tract are defined by factors beyond transient inflammation associated with a concurrent STI.
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6
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Cohen MS, Council OD, Chen JS. Sexually transmitted infections and HIV in the era of antiretroviral treatment and prevention: the biologic basis for epidemiologic synergy. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22 Suppl 6:e25355. [PMID: 31468737 PMCID: PMC6715951 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV is a unique sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is greatly affected by other concomitant "classical" bacterial and viral STIs that cause genital ulcers and/or mucosal inflammation. STIs also serve as a marker for risky sexual behaviours. STIs increase infectiousness of people living with HIV by increasing the viral concentration in the genital tract, and by increasing the potential for HIV acquisition in people at risk for HIV. In addition, some STIs can increase blood HIV concentration and promote progression of disease. This review is designed to investigate the complex relationship between HIV and classical STIs. DISCUSSION Treatment of STIs with appropriate antibiotics reduces HIV in blood, semen and female genital secretions. However, community-based trials could not reliably reduce the spread of HIV by mass treatment of STIs. Introduction of antiretroviral agents for the treatment and prevention of HIV has led to renewed interest in the complex relationship between STIs and HIV. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) reduces the infectiousness of HIV and virtually eliminates the transmission of HIV in spite of concomitant or acquired STIs. However, while ART interrupts HIV transmission, it does not stop intermittent shedding of HIV in genital secretions. Such shedding of HIV is increased by STIs, although the viral copies are not likely replication competent or infectious. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV with the combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) prevents HIV acquisition in spite of concomitant STIs. CONCLUSIONS STIs remain pandemic, and the availability of ART may have led to an increase in STIs, as fear of HIV has diminished. Classical STIs present a huge worldwide health burden that cannot be separated from HIV, and they deserve far more attention than they currently receive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myron S Cohen
- UNC School of MedicineInstitute for Global Health & Infectious DiseasesChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | - Jane S Chen
- Department of EpidemiologyGillings School of Global Public HealthUNCChapel HillNCUSA
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7
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Midzi N, Mduluza T, Mudenge B, Foldager L, Leutscher PDC. Decrease in Seminal HIV-1 RNA Load After Praziquantel Treatment of Urogenital Schistosomiasis Coinfection in HIV-Positive Men-An Observational Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2017; 4:ofx199. [PMID: 29181419 PMCID: PMC5695621 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofx199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Urogenital schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma hematobium infection is hypothesized to cause increased HIV-1 RNA shedding in semen in HIV co-infected men as result of chronic egg-induced inflammation in the prostate and the seminal vesicles. The effect of treatment with the antihelminthic agent praziquantel on seminal HIV-1 RNA load was assessed in this study. Methods HIV-1 RNA load was determined in blood plasma and semen at baseline and at 10-week follow-up. Praziquantel was administered at baseline and two weeks later. Results Eighteen HIV-positive men with S. haematobium co-infection were enrolled into the study. Status of antiretroviral therapy (ART): 6 ART-naïve and 12 ART-experienced. All participants became egg-negative in urine at follow-up. Among the ART-naïve men, the mean HIV-1 RNA load decreased by 0.32 log10 copies per mL (4.41 vs 4.09) in blood plasma from baseline to follow-up, and in semen by 1.06 log10 copies per mL (4.06 vs 3.00). Conclusions This study demonstrated a decline in seminal HIV-1 RNA load following praziquantel treatment of urogenital schistosomiasis infection in HIV-positive men. The finding needs further exploration in a larger randomized study targeting praziquantel as a supplementary preventive measure of sexual transmission of HIV-1 in S. haematobium endemic areas in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Midzi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Takafira Mduluza
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.,School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Leslie Foldager
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Peter D C Leutscher
- Centre of Clinical Research, Regional Hospital North Denmark, Denmark.,Clinical Institute, Aalborg University, Denmark
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8
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Fischer WA, Brown J, Wohl DA, Loftis AJ, Tozay S, Reeves E, Pewu K, Gorvego G, Quellie S, Cunningham CK, Merenbloom C, Napravnik S, Dube K, Adjasoo D, Jones E, Bonarwolo K, Hoover D. Ebola Virus Ribonucleic Acid Detection in Semen More Than Two Years After Resolution of Acute Ebola Virus Infection. Open Forum Infect Dis 2017; 4:ofx155. [PMID: 29670927 PMCID: PMC5897835 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofx155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Among 149 men who survived Ebola virus disease (EVD) and donated semen 260–1016 days after EVD onset, Ebola virus (EBOV) ribonucleic acid (RNA) was detected in 13 (9%). Of 137 men who donated semen 2 years after EVD onset, 11 (8%) had an EBOV RNA-positive specimen. The mechanism underlying the persistence of EBOV RNA in semen is unclear, and it is unclear whether the detection of viral RNA represents the presence of infectious virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jerry Brown
- Eternal Love Winning Africa Hospital, Monrovia, Liberia
| | | | | | - Sam Tozay
- Eternal Love Winning Africa Hospital, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Edwina Reeves
- Eternal Love Winning Africa Hospital, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Korto Pewu
- Eternal Love Winning Africa Hospital, Monrovia, Liberia
| | | | - Saturday Quellie
- Phebe Hospital & School of Nursing, Suakoko, Bong County, Liberia
| | - Coleen K Cunningham
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | - Karine Dube
- Public Health Leadership Program, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - David Adjasoo
- Clinical Research Management, Inc. (ClinicalRM), Hinckley, Ohio; and
| | - Erin Jones
- Clinical Research Management, Inc. (ClinicalRM), Hinckley, Ohio; and
| | | | - David Hoover
- Clinical Research Management, Inc. (ClinicalRM), Hinckley, Ohio; and
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Chaillon A, Smith DM, Vanpouille C, Lisco A, Jordan P, Caballero G, Vargas M, Gianella S, Mehta SR. HIV Trafficking Between Blood and Semen During Early Untreated HIV Infection. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 74:95-102. [PMID: 27548440 DOI: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000001156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the dynamics of HIV across anatomic compartments is important to design effective eradication strategies. In this study, we evaluated viral trafficking between blood and semen during primary HIV infection in 6 antiretroviral-naive men who have sex with men. METHODS Deep sequencing data of HIV env were generated from longitudinal blood plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and seminal plasma samples. The presence or absence of viral compartmentalization was assessed using tree-based Slatkin-Maddison and distance-based Fst methods. Phylogeographic analyses were performed using a discrete Bayesian asymmetric approach of diffusion with Markov jump count estimation to evaluate the gene flow between blood and semen during primary HIV infection. Levels of DNA from human herpesviruses and selected inflammatory cytokines were also measured on genital secretions collected at baseline to evaluate potential correlates of increased viral migration between anatomic compartments. RESULTS We detected varying degrees of compartmentalization in all 6 individuals evaluated. None of them maintained viral compartmentalization between blood and seminal plasma throughout the analyzed time points. Phylogeographic analyses revealed that the HIV population circulating in blood plasma populated the seminal compartment during the earliest stages of infection. In our limited data set, we found no association between local inflammation or herpesvirus shedding at baseline and viral trafficking between semen and blood. CONCLUSIONS The early spread of virus from blood plasma to genital tract and the complex viral interplay between these compartments suggest that viral eradication efforts will require monitoring viral subpopulations in anatomic sites and viral trafficking during the course of infection.
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Huang Y, Zhang C, Wu J, Lou J. Modelling the HIV persistence through the network of lymphocyte recirculation in vivo. Infect Dis Model 2017; 2:90-99. [PMID: 29928731 PMCID: PMC5963313 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is able to persist in cellular and/or anatomical viral reservoirs, despite the effective inhibition of virus replication by the antiretroviral therapy (ART). Here we develop a mathematical model to gain some insights of HIV persistence relevant to the lymphocyte recirculation network of immune system and the central nervous system (CNS). Our simulations and analyses illustrate the role of the CNS as a virus reservoir to prevent antiretroviral drugs from penetrating the blood-brain (or blood-testis) barrier, and we examine the long-term impact of this reservoir on the transmissibility of an infected individual. We observe numerically that level of HIV in peripheral blood may not accurately reflect the true mechanisms occurring within other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Huang
- Department of Mathematics, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Chen Zhang
- 2525 West End Ave. Suite725, Nashville, TN, 37215, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health at Vanderbilt Medical Center, USA
| | - Jianhong Wu
- MITACS Centre for Disease Modeling, York University, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Jie Lou
- Department of Mathematics, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, PR China
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11
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Terrasse R, Memmi M, Palle S, Heyndrickx L, Vanham G, Pozzetto B, Bourlet T. Visualization of X4- and R5-Tropic HIV-1 Viruses Expressing Fluorescent Proteins in Human Endometrial Cells: Application to Tropism Study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169453. [PMID: 28060897 PMCID: PMC5218496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide most HIV infections occur through heterosexual transmission, involving complex interactions of cell-free and cell-associated particles with cells of the female genital tract mucosa. The ability of HIV-1 to “infect” epithelial cells remains poorly understood. To address this question, replicative-competent chimeric constructs expressing fluorescent proteins and harboring the envelope of X4- or R5-tropic HIV-1 strains were used to “infect” endometrial HEC1-A cells. The virus-cell interactions were visualized using confocal microscopy (CM) at various times post infection. Combined with quantification of viral RNA and total HIV DNA in infected cells, the CM pictures suggest that epithelial cells do not support a complete viral replication cycle: X4-tropic viruses are imported into the nucleus in a non-productive way, whereas R5-tropic viruses transit through the cytoplasm without replication and are preferentially transmitted to susceptible activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Within the limit of experiments conducted in vitro on a continued cell line, these results indicate that the epithelial mucosa may participate to the selection of HIV-1 strains at the mucosal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Terrasse
- Groupe Immunité des Muqueuses et Agents Pathogènes EA3064, University of Lyon, Faculté de Médecine Jacques Lisfranc de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne cedex 02, France
| | - Meriam Memmi
- Groupe Immunité des Muqueuses et Agents Pathogènes EA3064, University of Lyon, Faculté de Médecine Jacques Lisfranc de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne cedex 02, France
| | - Sabine Palle
- Centre de Microscopie Confocale Multiphotonique, Université Jean Monnet, Pôle Optique et Vision, Saint-Etienne cedex 2, France
| | - Leo Heyndrickx
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guido Vanham
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Biomedical, Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bruno Pozzetto
- Groupe Immunité des Muqueuses et Agents Pathogènes EA3064, University of Lyon, Faculté de Médecine Jacques Lisfranc de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne cedex 02, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Thomas Bourlet
- Groupe Immunité des Muqueuses et Agents Pathogènes EA3064, University of Lyon, Faculté de Médecine Jacques Lisfranc de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne cedex 02, France
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12
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Bednar MM, Hauser BM, Zhou S, Jacobson JM, Eron JJ, Frank I, Swanstrom R. Diversity and Tropism of HIV-1 Rebound Virus Populations in Plasma Level After Treatment Discontinuation. J Infect Dis 2016; 214:403-7. [PMID: 27132284 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus-infected people discontinuing therapy experience a rebound in the virus level (hereafter, "rebound virus") from a persistent reservoir. We examined 10 samples from patients in AIDS Clinical Trials Group study A5068 with rebound virus, using single-genome amplification and Primer ID deep sequencing, to assess env genetic diversity of the virus population. Most rebound-virus populations showed significant diversity. All env examined required high levels of CD4 for entry, consistent with selection of replication in CD4(+) T cells. These results indicate that most people discontinuing therapy release a diverse population of virus and that this released virus has entry features of virus selected for replication in CD4(+) T cells, rather than in myeloid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeffrey M Jacobson
- Departments of Medicine and Neuroscience Center of Translational AIDS Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
| | | | - Ian Frank
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Ronald Swanstrom
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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13
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Abstract
Of eight human herpesviruses (HHVs), often, only herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) find mention in medical literature as both of these viruses are commonly associated with genital lesions and oral ulcers, commonly known as cold sores. However, role of human herpesviruses as copathogens and in aggravation and in the transmission of other human diseases, especially the Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has only very recently been recognized. Therefore, screening and treating subclinical HHV infections may offer slowing of HIV infection, disease progression, and its transmission. Beside HSV-1 and HSV-2, HHV-3 a causative agent of herpes zoster remained one of the first manifestations of HIV disease before the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HHV-5 also known as human Cytomegalovirus infection remains a significant risk factor for HIV-associated mortality and morbidity even in HAART era. It is proposed that Cytomegalovirus viremia could be a better predictor of HIV disease progression than CD4+ T-lymphocyte count. The role of HHV-4 or Epstein-Burr virus and HHV-6, HHV-7, and HHV-8 is still being investigated in HIV disease progression. This review provides insight into the current understanding about these 8 HHVs, their co-pathogenesis, and role in HIV/AIDS disease progression. The review also covers recent literature in favor and against administering anti-HHV treatment along with HAART for slower AIDS progression and interrupted sexual transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshi Munawwar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sarman Singh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
- Address for correspondence: Prof. Sarman Singh, E-mail:
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Bednar MM, Hauser BM, Ping LH, Dukhovlinova E, Zhou S, Arrildt KT, Hoffman IF, Eron JJ, Cohen MS, Swanstrom R. R5 Macrophage-Tropic HIV-1 in the Male Genital Tract. J Virol 2015; 89:10688-92. [PMID: 26223642 DOI: 10.1128/JVI.01842-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The entry tropism of HIV-1 Env proteins from virus isolated from the blood and genital tract of five men with compartmentalized lineages was determined. The Env proteins isolated from the genital tract of subject C018 were macrophage-tropic proteins, while the remaining cloned env genes encoded R5 T cell-tropic proteins. The detection of a macrophage-tropic lineage of HIV-1 within the male genital tract strongly suggests that evolution of macrophage-tropic viruses can occur in anatomically isolated sites outside the central nervous system.
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15
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Abstract
Although semen is the principal vector of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) dissemination worldwide, the origin of the infected leukocytes and free viral particles in this body fluid remain elusive. Here we review the accumulated evidence of the genital origin of HIV in semen from therapy naive individuals and men receiving suppressive highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), summarize the data on the detection and localization of HIV/SIV within the male genital tract, discuss the potential involvement of each genital tissue as a source of infected cells and virions in semen in the absence and presence of HAART, and suggest further studies. Deciphering the exact sources of HIV in semen will be crucial to improving HIV transmission prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Houzet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1085-Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail, Université de Rennes 1, Structure Fédérative Recherche Biosit, Rennes, France
| | - Giulia Matusali
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1085-Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail, Université de Rennes 1, Structure Fédérative Recherche Biosit, Rennes, France
| | - Nathalie Dejucq-Rainsford
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1085-Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail, Université de Rennes 1, Structure Fédérative Recherche Biosit, Rennes, France
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Gumbe A, McLellan-Lemal E, Gust DA, Pals SL, Gray KM, Ndivo R, Chen RT, Mills LA, Thomas TK. Correlates of prevalent HIV infection among adults and adolescents in the Kisumu incidence cohort study, Kisumu, Kenya. Int J STD AIDS 2014; 26:929-40. [PMID: 25505039 DOI: 10.1177/0956462414563625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We estimated HIV prevalence and identified correlates of HIV infection among 1106 men and women aged 16-34 years residing in Kisumu, Kenya. Demographic, sexual, and other behavioural data were collected using audio computer-assisted self-interview in conjunction with a medical examination, real-time parallel rapid HIV testing, and laboratory testing for pregnancy, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, and herpes simplex virus type 2. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with prevalent HIV infection by gender. Overall HIV prevalence was 12.1%. HIV prevalence among women (17.1%) was approximately two-and-one-half times the prevalence among men (6.6%). Odds of HIV infection in men increased with age (aOR associated with one-year increase in age = 1.21, CI = 1.07-1.35) and were greater among those who were uncircumcised (aOR = 4.42, CI = 1.41-13.89) and those who had an herpes simplex virus type 2-positive (aOR = 3.13, CI = 1.12-8.73) test result. Odds of prevalent HIV infection among women also increased with age (aOR associated with one-year increase in age = 1.16, CI = 1.04-1.29). Women who tested herpes simplex virus type 2 positive had more than three times the odds (aOR = 3.85, CI = 1.38-10.46) of prevalent HIV infection compared with those who tested herpes simplex virus type 2 negative. Tailored sexual health interventions and programs may help mitigate HIV age and gender disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gumbe
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Eleanor McLellan-Lemal
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Deborah A Gust
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sherri L Pals
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristen Mahle Gray
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Robert T Chen
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lisa A Mills
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV-Research Branch, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Timothy K Thomas
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV-Research Branch, Kisumu, Kenya
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Kafka JK, Osborne BJW, Sheth PM, Nazli A, Dizzell S, Huibner S, Kovacs C, Verschoor CP, Bowdish DM, Kaul R, Kaushic C. Latent TGF-β1 is compartmentalized between blood and seminal plasma of HIV-positive men and its activation in semen is negatively correlated with viral load and immune activation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 73:151-61. [PMID: 25052241 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Semen is the primary medium for sexual transmission of HIV-1 and contains high concentrations of TGF-β1, but its role in regulating HIV-mediated immune activation is unclear. METHOD OF STUDY TGF-β1 and sCD14 were compared in blood plasma (BP) and seminal plasma (SP) from HIV-uninfected and infected, antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive and ART-treated men and in THP-1 cells following exposure to HIV-1. The relationship between TGF-β1 and sCD14 was determined by Spearman correlation. RESULTS Active and latent forms of TGF-β1 were compartmentalized between BP and SP. Highest active TGF-β1 levels were present in SP of ART-naïve chronic-infected men and decreased following ART treatment. Latent TGF-β1 was upregulated in BP following HIV infection, and highest levels were observed in BP of acute-infected men. Similar expression trends were observed between latent TGF-β1 and sCD14 in BP. A significant negative correlation was observed between active TGF-β1, sCD14, and semen viral load in ART-naive men. CONCLUSION TGF-β1 is compartmentalized between blood and semen, possibly co-expressed with sCD14 by activated monocytes/macrophages in BP as a result of HIV infection. Conversion of latent TGF-β1 into its active form could contribute to regulation of viral load and immune activation in the male genital tract, but depends on the stage of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Kafka
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Nguyen PV, Kafka JK, Ferreira VH, Roth K, Kaushic C. Innate and adaptive immune responses in male and female reproductive tracts in homeostasis and following HIV infection. Cell Mol Immunol 2014; 11:410-27. [PMID: 24976268 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2014.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The male and female reproductive tracts are complex microenvironments that have diverse functional demands. The immune system in the reproductive tract has the demanding task of providing a protective environment for a fetal allograft while simultaneously conferring protection against potential pathogens. As such, it has evolved a unique set of adaptations, primarily under the influence of sex hormones, which make it distinct from other mucosal sites. Here, we discuss the various components of the immune system that are present in both the male and female reproductive tracts, including innate soluble factors and cells and humoral and cell-mediated adaptive immunity under homeostatic conditions. We review the evidence showing unique phenotypic and functional characteristics of immune cells and responses in the male and female reproductive tracts that exhibit compartmentalization from systemic immunity and discuss how these features are influenced by sex hormones. We also examine the interactions among the reproductive tract, sex hormones and immune responses following HIV-1 infection. An improved understanding of the unique characteristics of the male and female reproductive tracts will provide insights into improving clinical treatments of the immunological causes of infertility and the design of prophylactic interventions for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
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Kalichman SC, Washington C, Grebler T, Kalichman MO, Cherry C, Eaton L. Elevated urinary leukocyte esterase as a potential surrogate marker for HIV sexual transmission risks in men receiving antiretroviral therapy. Int J STD AIDS 2014; 26:313-21. [PMID: 24867820 DOI: 10.1177/0956462414536147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Local genital tract inflammation stimulates leukocyte activity and causes HIV shedding, potentially increasing HIV sexual infectiousness. Although there are available clinical markers for genital tract inflammation, such as urinary leukocyte esterase, none have yet been examined in relation to HIV sexual risk behaviours. We sought to examine the association between urinary leukocyte esterase and sexual practices. Sexually active men living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART, N = 290) provided urine specimens and completed behavioural health assessments. HIV RNA tests and CD4 cell counts were abstracted from medical records. Urine specimens were analysed for leukocyte esterase using a standard point-of-care dipstick test. Thirty-one (10.6%) participants tested positive for leukocyte esterase. Logistic regression models did not indicate differences between men with elevated and un-elevated leukocyte activity on demographic, health, recent sexually transmitted infection symptoms and diagnoses or substance use. However, men with elevated leukocyte activity indicated significantly greater sexual behaviour in the previous three months, including more recent unprotected sexual intercourse. A simple over-the-counter urine test may serve as an indicator of sexual HIV infectiousness to inform further evaluation and treatment of genital tract inflammation, as well as condom use decisions during times of increased genital tract inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth C Kalichman
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | | | - Tamar Grebler
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Moira O Kalichman
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Chauncey Cherry
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Lisa Eaton
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Shankarappa R, Mullins JI. Inferring viral population structures using heteroduplex mobility and DNA sequence analyses. J Virol Methods 2013; 194:169-77. [PMID: 23994080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2013.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Revised: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Heteroduplex mobility (HMA) and tracking assays (HTA) are used to assess genetic relationships between DNA molecules. While distinguishing relationships between clonal or nearly clonal molecules is relatively straightforward, inferring population structures is more complex. To address this issue, HIV-1 quasispecies with varying levels of diversity were studied using both HTA and DNA sequencing. Viral diversity estimates and the temporal features of virus evolution were found to be generally concordant between HTA and DNA sequencing. In addition, the distribution of pairwise differences and the rates of virus divergence were similar between the two methods. These findings support the use of HTA to characterize variant populations of DNA and strengthen previous inferences concerning the evolution of HIV-1 over the course of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Shankarappa
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-8070, United States
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Sampathkumar R, Shadabi E, Luo M. Interplay between HIV-1 and Host Genetic Variation: A Snapshot into Its Impact on AIDS and Therapy Response. Adv Virol 2012; 2012:508967. [PMID: 22666249 DOI: 10.1155/2012/508967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Revised: 02/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As of February 2012, 50 circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) have been reported for HIV-1 while one CRF for HIV-2. Also according to HIV sequence compendium 2011, the HIV sequence database is replete with 414,398 sequences. The fact that there are CRFs, which are an amalgamation of sequences derived from six or more subtypes (CRF27_cpx (cpx refers to complex) is a mosaic with sequences from 6 different subtypes besides an unclassified fragment), serves as a testimony to the continual divergent evolution of the virus with its approximate 1% per year rate of evolution, and this phenomena per se poses tremendous challenge for vaccine development against HIV/AIDS, a devastating disease that has killed 1.8 million patients in 2010. Here, we explore the interaction between HIV-1 and host genetic variation in the context of HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral therapy response.
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22
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Boeras DI, Hraber PT, Hurlston M, Evans-Strickfaden T, Bhattacharya T, Giorgi EE, Mulenga J, Karita E, Korber BT, Allen S, Hart CE, Derdeyn CA, Hunter E. Role of donor genital tract HIV-1 diversity in the transmission bottleneck. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:E1156-63. [PMID: 22065783 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1103764108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The predominant mode of HIV-1 infection is heterosexual transmission, where a genetic bottleneck is imposed on the virus quasispecies. To probe whether limited genetic diversity in the genital tract (GT) of the transmitting partner drives this bottleneck, viral envelope sequences from the blood and genital fluids of eight transmission pairs from Rwanda and Zambia were analyzed. The chronically infected transmitting partner's virus population was heterogeneous with distinct genital subpopulations, and the virus populations within the GT of two of four women sampled longitudinally exhibited evidence of stability over time intervals on the order of weeks to months. Surprisingly, the transmitted founder variant was not derived from the predominant GT subpopulations. Rather, in each case, the transmitting variant was phylogenetically distinct from the sampled locally replicating population. Although the exact distribution of the virus population present in the GT at the time of transmission cannot be unambiguously defined in these human studies, it is unlikely, based on these data, that the transmission bottleneck is driven in every case by limited viral diversity in the donor GT or that HIV transmission is solely a stochastic event.
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Blackard JT, Ma G, Martin CM, Rouster SD, Shata MT, Sherman KE. HIV variability in the liver and evidence of possible compartmentalization. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2011; 27:1117-26. [PMID: 21417757 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2010.0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence to suggest that HIV may interact with several hepatic cell types; however, evaluation of HIV variability in liver tissue has not been addressed to date. Among 16 HIV-positive individuals examined, nine (56%) had detectable HIV RNA in the liver. The mean CD4 cell count for these nine individuals was 337 cells/mm(3) (range: 0-601), while their mean plasma HIV RNA level was 106,974 copies/ml (range: 1200-320,740). Among individuals in this study with detectable HIV in both the plasma and the liver, the consensus gag nucleotide sequences for each tissue type were different for seven of seven (100%) individuals, while amino acid sequences were distinct for five of seven (71%). Consensus envelope (env) nucleotide and amino acid sequences were also distinct in the plasma and liver tissue for six of six (100%) individuals. Statistical evidence of compartmentalization between HIV in the plasma and in the liver was demonstrated, and multiple liver-specific amino acids were identified that may distinguish HIV variants replicating within the liver. These preliminary data demonstrate that HIV is frequently detectable in the liver of HIV-positive persons at various levels of immunosuppression. Possible compartmentalization may reflect tissue-specific selection pressures that drive viral adaptation to the liver microenvironment and may facilitate interactions with other hepatotropic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T. Blackard
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Gang Ma
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Christina M. Martin
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Susan D. Rouster
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - M. Tarek Shata
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kenneth E. Sherman
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Whitney JB, Hraber PT, Luedemann C, Giorgi EE, Daniels MG, Bhattacharya T, Rao SS, Mascola JR, Nabel GJ, Korber BT, Letvin NL. Genital tract sequestration of SIV following acute infection. PLoS Pathog 2011; 7:e1001293. [PMID: 21379569 PMCID: PMC3040679 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1001293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We characterized the evolution of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in the male genital tract by examining blood- and semen-associated virus from experimentally and sham vaccinated rhesus monkeys during primary infection. At the time of peak virus replication, SIV sequences were intermixed between the blood and semen supporting a scenario of high-level virus “spillover” into the male genital tract. However, at the time of virus set point, compartmentalization was apparent in 4 of 7 evaluated monkeys, likely as a consequence of restricted virus gene flow between anatomic compartments after the resolution of primary viremia. These findings suggest that SIV replication in the male genital tract evolves to compartmentalization after peak viremia resolves. Methods to reduce the transmission of HIV-1 are hindered by a lack of information regarding early viral dynamics and evolution in the male genital tract. In the present study, we show that SIV in the blood and genital tract are homogeneous during early infection, indicating facile virus gene flow between these compartments. Importantly, the coincidence of the resolution of primary viremia with the decreased virus levels in genital secretions suggest that the dramatic fall in virus replication during early infection underlies the development of viral compartmentalization. Our demonstration of early virus compartmentalization in the male genital tract has important implications for the understanding of early events leading to infection of the male genital tract and the nature of the transmitted virus during primary retrovirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Whitney
- Division of Viral Pathogenesis, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Gray RR, Salemi M, Lowe A, Nakamura KJ, Decker WD, Sinkala M, Kankasa C, Mulligan CJ, Thea DM, Kuhn L, Aldrovandi G, Goodenow MM. Multiple independent lineages of HIV-1 persist in breast milk and plasma. AIDS 2011; 25:143-52. [PMID: 21173592 DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0b013e328340fdaf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
DESIGN the origin and evolution of HIV-1 in breast milk is unclear, despite the continuing significance of this tissue as a transmitting compartment. To elucidate the evolutionary trajectory of viral populations in a transient mucosal compartment, longitudinal sequences of the envelope glycoprotein (gp120) region from plasma and breast milk spanning the first year after delivery were analyzed in six women infected by HIV-1 subtype C. METHODS multiple phylogenetic algorithms were used to elucidate the evolutionary history and spatial structure of virus populations between tissues. RESULTS overall persistent mixing of viral sequences between plasma and breast milk indicated that breast milk is not a distinct genetic viral compartment. Unexpectedly, longitudinal phylogenies showed multiple lineages defined by long branches that included virus from both the breast milk and the plasma. Plasma was unlikely the anatomical origin of the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) in at least three of the patients, although in other women, the temporal origin of the MRCA of the viral populations following delivery occurred well before the onset of breast milk production. CONCLUSIONS these findings suggest that during pregnancy/lactation, a viral variant distinct from the plasma virus initially seeds the breast milk, followed by subsequent gene flow between the plasma and breast milk tissues. This study indicates the potential for reactivation or reintroduction of distinct lineages during major immunological disruptions during the course of natural infection.
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26
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Kalichman SC, Cherry C, Kalichman MO, Amaral CM, White D, Pope H, Swetzes C, Eaton L, Macy R, Cain D. Integrated behavioral intervention to improve HIV/AIDS treatment adherence and reduce HIV transmission. Am J Public Health 2011; 101:531-8. [PMID: 21233431 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2010.197608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We conducted a randomized clinical trial to test an integrated behavioral intervention designed to enhance using HIV treatment as prevention by improving medication adherence, reducing risks for other sexually transmitted infections, and minimizing risk compensation beliefs. METHODS Individuals living with HIV/AIDS (n = 436) participated in a randomized clinical trial testing an intensive behavioral intervention aimed at reducing HIV transmission risks compared with an attention control condition. We used unannounced pill counts to monitor antiretroviral therapy adherence and computerized interviews to measure risk behaviors. RESULTS The integrated transmission risk reduction intervention demonstrated increased antiretroviral therapy adherence and less unprotected intercourse with nonseroconcordant partners at 3- and 6-month follow-ups as well as fewer new sexually transmitted infections diagnosed over the 9-month follow-up period (adjusted odds ratio = 3.0; P < .05; 95% confidence interval = 1.01, 9.04). The integrated intervention also reduced behavioral risk compensation beliefs. CONCLUSIONS A theory-based integrated behavioral intervention can improve HIV treatment adherence and reduce HIV transmission risks. HIV treatment as prevention should be bundled with behavioral interventions to maximize effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth C Kalichman
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
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27
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Anderson JA, Ping LH, Dibben O, Jabara CB, Arney L, Kincer L, Tang Y, Hobbs M, Hoffman I, Kazembe P, Jones CD, Borrow P, Fiscus S, Cohen MS, Swanstrom R; Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology. HIV-1 Populations in Semen Arise through Multiple Mechanisms. PLoS Pathog 2010; 6:e1001053. [PMID: 20808902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1001053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 is present in anatomical compartments and bodily fluids. Most transmissions occur through sexual acts, making virus in semen the proximal source in male donors. We find three distinct relationships in comparing viral RNA populations between blood and semen in men with chronic HIV-1 infection, and we propose that the viral populations in semen arise by multiple mechanisms including: direct import of virus, oligoclonal amplification within the seminal tract, or compartmentalization. In addition, we find significant enrichment of six out of nineteen cytokines and chemokines in semen of both HIV-infected and uninfected men, and another seven further enriched in infected individuals. The enrichment of cytokines involved in innate immunity in the seminal tract, complemented with chemokines in infected men, creates an environment conducive to T cell activation and viral replication. These studies define different relationships between virus in blood and semen that can significantly alter the composition of the viral population at the source that is most proximal to the transmitted virus. The work described in this report is directed at how HIV-1 viral RNA populations differ between the blood plasma and male genital tract in established infection. This site is of special interest since it is the proximal source of most transmissions of HIV-1. Thus, lessons learned about HIV-1 in the seminal tract are directly relevant to the mechanism of HIV-1 transmission. We have used single genome amplification to generate viral sequences from paired blood and semen samples in men with chronic HIV-1 infection. When compared to viral populations in blood plasma, we observe that virus in the seminal plasma can be equilibrated, clonally-amplified, or compartmentalized. We have also performed a characterization of the cytokine and chemokine milieu in these two compartments. We report a dramatic concentration of immune modulators in the seminal plasma relative to the blood, and these likely enhance the potential for viral replication in this compartment by creating an environment where target cells are kept in an activated state. These data define new and distinct features of virus:host interactions and represent a significant advance in our understanding of HIV-1 replication in the male genital tract.
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Kalichman SC, Eaton L, Cherry C. Sexually transmitted infections and infectiousness beliefs among people living with HIV/AIDS: implications for HIV treatment as prevention. HIV Med 2010; 11:502-9. [PMID: 20201976 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1293.2009.00818.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) significantly impact the health of people living with HIV/AIDS, increasing HIV infectiousness and therefore transmissibility. The current study examined STIs in a community sample of 490 HIV-positive men and women. METHODS Assessments were performed using confidential computerized interviews in a community research setting. RESULTS Fourteen per cent of the people living with HIV/AIDS in this study had been diagnosed with a new STI in a 6-month period. Individuals with a new STI had significantly more sexual partners in that time period, including non-HIV-positive partners. Participants who had contracted an STI were significantly more likely to have detectable viral loads and were less likely to know their viral load than participants who did not contract an STI. Multivariate analysis showed that believing an undetectable viral load leads to lower infectiousness was associated with contracting a new STI. CONCLUSIONS Individuals who believed that having an undetectable viral load reduces HIV transmission risks were more likely to be infectious because of STI coinfection. Programmes that aim to use HIV treatment for HIV prevention must address infectiousness beliefs and aggressively control STIs among people living with HIV/AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Kalichman
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA.
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Ward ZD, White KAJ, van Voorn GAK. Exploring the impact of target cell heterogeneity on HIV loads in a within-host model. Epidemics 2009; 1:168-74. [PMID: 21352764 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2009.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2009] [Revised: 05/22/2009] [Accepted: 06/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV can be transmitted from blood plasma or semen of an infected male. Viral loads in blood plasma are routinely measured, but the same is not true of semen. Even before drug treatment, viral loads have been shown to be different in the two body compartments (blood and genital tract), and this heterogeneity may be exacerbated by treatments using those antiretroviral drugs which have different efficacies in the two compartments. In addition to this heterogeneity, and despite highly effective drugs (in the blood) low-level viral replication is commonly reported for HIV patients as are differences in drug resistant mutation patterns in the two compartments. In this paper we investigate the effect of target cell heterogeneity between compartments on HIV viral loads using a within-host model that includes wildtype and drug resistant strains of HIV. We find that modelling target cell heterogeneity in the blood and male genital tract gives different viral loads in the two compartments prior to treatment and allows low-level viral loads to persist during therapy even if drug penetration is good. The model also allows coexistence of the two viral strains (in the absence of a mutation mechanism) with different dominance patterns in each body compartment. Our results suggest that monitoring of blood plasma viral strains may not give an accurate picture of the strains of HIV being transmitted between individuals and that continued research into the nature of HIV target cells in the male genital tract would be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë D Ward
- Centre for Mathematical Biology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK.
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Abstract
Despite semen being the main vector of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) dissemination worldwide, the origin of the virus in this bodily fluid remains unclear. It was recently shown that several organs of the male genital tract (MGT) are infected by HIV/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and likely to contribute to semen viral load during the primary and chronic stages of the infection. These findings are important in helping answer the following questions: (i) does the MGT constitute a viral reservoir responsible for the persistence of virus release into the semen of a subset of HIV-infected men under antiretroviral therapy, who otherwise show an undetectable blood viral load? (ii) What is the aetiology of the semen abnormalities observed in asymptomatic HIV-infected men? (iii) What is the exact nature of the interactions between the spermatozoa, their testicular progenitors and HIV, an important issue in the context of assisted reproductive techniques proposed for HIV-seropositive (HIV+) men? Answers to these questions are crucial for the design of new therapeutic strategies aimed at eradicating the virus from the genital tract of HIV+ men – thus reducing its sexual transmission – and for improving the care of serodiscordant couples wishing to have children. This review summarizes the most recent literature on HIV infection of the male genital tract, discusses the above issues in light of the latest findings and highlights future directions of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Le Tortorec
- INSERM U625, Rennes, Rennes I University, Groupe d'Etude de la Reproduction chez l'Homme et les Mammifères, IFR 140, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, France
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Lawrence P, Berlier W, Delezay O, Palle S, Olivier T, Saoudin H, Mottin S, Lucht F, Pozzetto B, Bourlet T. Construction and tropism characterisation of recombinant viruses exhibiting HIV-1 env gene from seminal strains. Virology 2009; 386:373-9. [PMID: 19232661 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2009.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2008] [Revised: 12/06/2008] [Accepted: 01/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Genetic differences between blood and mucosal-derived HIV-1 strains have been widely reported. As amplification of HIV-1 strains from mucosal samples including semen or saliva by co-culture has low sensitivity, we developed the construction of chimeric viruses expressing wild-type seminal HIV-1 envelope protein. Chimeric viruses were produced by co-transfection of a V1-V3 deleted pNL 43 vector and PCR fragments spanning the deleted region, amplified from HIV-1 RNA positive seminal plasma samples. After an initial testing of co-receptor usage by a tropism recombinant test, replication capacity and amplification of these recombinant viruses were assessed using PBMC. Four chimeric replicative strains, all using CXCR4 as coreceptor, were produced. The interaction between cell-free viral particles and reporter cell lines was assessed by confocal microscopy. These replicative chimeras exhibiting HIV-1 env from seminal strains represent useful tools for the in vitro study of the heterosexual transmission of HIV-1 and testing of microbicide activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Lawrence
- Groupe Immunité des Muqueuses et Agents Pathogènes (GIMAP-EA 3064), Faculté de Médecine J. Lisfranc, Université Jean Monnet, IFRESIS et CHU de Saint-Etienne, 15 rue Ambroise Paré, 42023 Saint-Etienne cedex 02, France
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Affiliation(s)
- Adamson S Muula
- Department of Community Health, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi.
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Le Tortorec A, Le Grand R, Denis H, Satie AP, Mannioui K, Roques P, Maillard A, Daniels S, Jégou B, Dejucq-Rainsford N. Infection of semen-producing organs by SIV during the acute and chronic stages of the disease. PLoS One 2008; 3:e1792. [PMID: 18347738 PMCID: PMC2268241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2007] [Accepted: 02/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although indirect evidence suggests the male genital tract as a possible source of persistent HIV shedding in semen during antiretroviral therapy, this phenomenon is poorly understood due to the difficulty of sampling semen-producing organs in HIV+ asymptomatic individuals. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Using a range of molecular and cell biological techniques, this study investigates SIV infection within reproductive organs of macaques during the acute and chronic stages of the disease. We demonstrate for the first time the presence of SIV in the testes, epididymides, prostate and seminal vesicles as early as 14 days post-inoculation. This infection persists throughout the chronic stage and positively correlates with blood viremia. The prostate and seminal vesicles appear to be the most efficiently infected reproductive organs, followed by the epididymides and testes. Within the male genital tract, mostly T lymphocytes and a small number of germ cells harbour SIV antigens and RNA. In contrast to the other organs studied, the testis does not display an immune response to the infection. Testosteronemia is transiently increased during the early phase of the infection but spermatogenesis remains unaffected. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The present study reveals that SIV infection of the macaque male genital tract is an early event and that semen-producing organs display differential infection levels and immune responses. These results help elucidate the origin of HIV in semen and constitute an essential base to improving the design of antiretroviral therapies to eradicate virus from semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Le Tortorec
- INSERM U625, Rennes, University of Rennes I, Groupe d'Etude de la Reproduction chez l'Homme et les Mammifères, IFR 140, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, France
| | - Roger Le Grand
- CEA, Service d'immuno-virologie, DSV/iMETI, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Hélène Denis
- INSERM U625, Rennes, University of Rennes I, Groupe d'Etude de la Reproduction chez l'Homme et les Mammifères, IFR 140, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, France
| | - Anne-Pascale Satie
- INSERM U625, Rennes, University of Rennes I, Groupe d'Etude de la Reproduction chez l'Homme et les Mammifères, IFR 140, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, France
| | - Karim Mannioui
- CEA, Service d'immuno-virologie, DSV/iMETI, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Pierre Roques
- CEA, Service d'immuno-virologie, DSV/iMETI, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Anne Maillard
- Unité de Rétrovirologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Régional Pontchaillou, Rennes, France
| | - Sylvanne Daniels
- INSERM U625, Rennes, University of Rennes I, Groupe d'Etude de la Reproduction chez l'Homme et les Mammifères, IFR 140, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, France
| | - Bernard Jégou
- INSERM U625, Rennes, University of Rennes I, Groupe d'Etude de la Reproduction chez l'Homme et les Mammifères, IFR 140, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, France
| | - Nathalie Dejucq-Rainsford
- INSERM U625, Rennes, University of Rennes I, Groupe d'Etude de la Reproduction chez l'Homme et les Mammifères, IFR 140, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, France
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Kalichman SC, Di Berto G, Eaton L. Human immunodeficiency virus viral load in blood plasma and semen: review and implications of empirical findings. Sex Transm Dis 2008; 35:55-60. [PMID: 18217225 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0b013e318141fe9b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The majority of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the world are sexually transmitted and quantities of HIV in genital fluids are an important transmission risk-determining factor. Estimating men's sexual HIV infectiousness from blood viral load hinges on the association between HIV in blood plasma (BPVL) and semen viral load (SVL). This article reviews research on the association between BPVL and SVL as reported in 19 empirical studies (N = 1226). Findings yielded a mean correlation between BPVL and SVL of 0.45 (SD = 0.20, median = 0.45, range = 0.07-.64). SVL was generally lower than BPVL, but this pattern was variable across studies. Co-occurring sexually transmitted infections (urethritis), nonsuppressive HIV treatments, and drug resistance account for the variability in observed correlations. HIV disease progression does not reliably influence the association between BPVL and SVL. Research is needed to determine the degree to which BPVL as well as SVL predict HIV transmission.
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Abstract
Despite semen being the main vector of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) dissemination worldwide, the origin of the virus in this bodily fluid remains unknown. Of particular significance is the persistence of virus release in the semen of HIV-infected men under antiretroviral therapy, who otherwise show an undetectable blood viral load. It is therefore considered critical to identify the sources of virus shedding in semen for the more efficient control of HIV transmission. A number of studies indirectly suggest that the free viral particles and infected cells contaminating semen are produced within the male genital tract. Our recent findings indicate HIV infection of several semen-producing organs, including the testis (which represents a pharmacological sanctuary for several antiretroviral drugs), thus reinforcing the hypothesis of the local origin of the seminal contamination. Whether one or several of these organs constitute a viral reservoir seeding semen despite antiviral therapies, remains to be determined. In addition, the detection of virus within the testicular germ cells should be taken into account in the context of assisted reproductive techniques using these cells from HIV positive men.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Le Tortorec
- Inserm U625, Rennes, université de Rennes-1, Groupe d'étude de la reproduction chez l'homme et les mammifères, IFR 140, campus de Beaulieu, 35000 Rennes, France
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Gray L, Fiscus S, Shugars D. HIV-1 variants from a perinatal transmission pair demonstrate similar genetic and replicative properties in tonsillar tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2007; 23:1095-104. [PMID: 17919104 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2006.0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) can be acquired through oropharyngeal tissues in breastfeeding infants. Efforts to better understand the determinants of breast milk transmission are hampered by the lack of a relevant oral human mucosa model and well-defined breast milk-derived viruses. This study used human ex vivo palatine tonsil tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to characterize the genetic, biological, and replicative properties of HIV-1 variants obtained from a perinatal transmission pair. Unique viral populations from maternal breast milk and infant blood were identified by gp120 V1-V2- and V3-specific heteroduplex tracking assays (HTAs). Full-length infectious recombinant viruses, containing a common HIV-1 NL4-3 genetic background, were generated with V1-V3 gp120 fragments from maternal and infant isolates representing the major viral populations identified in the HTAs. The resulting recombinant viruses used the CCR5 coreceptor, were nonsyncytium forming, and demonstrated replication properties similar to those of parental and control viruses in PBMCs and tonsillar explants. These findings indicate that viruses from breast milk cells and infant blood can infect PBMCs and tonsil tissues. The maternal and infant HIV-1 viruses detailed here will provide useful tools for defining the viral and host factors that contribute to HIV breastfeeding transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie Gray
- Dental Research Center, University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Susan Fiscus
- UNC Retrovirology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Diane Shugars
- Dental Ecology, University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Zárate S, Pond SLK, Shapshak P, Frost SDW. Comparative study of methods for detecting sequence compartmentalization in human immunodeficiency virus type 1. J Virol 2007; 81:6643-51. [PMID: 17428864 PMCID: PMC1900087 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02268-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects different organs and tissues. During these infection events, subpopulations of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) develop and, if viral trafficking is restricted between subpopulations, the viruses can follow independent evolutionary histories, i.e., become compartmentalized. This phenomenon is usually detected via comparative sequence analysis and has been reported for viruses isolated from the central nervous system (CNS) and the genital tract. Several approaches have been proposed to study the compartmentalization of HIV sequences, but to date, no rigorous comparison of the most commonly employed methods has been made. In this study, we systematically compared inferences made by six different methods for detecting compartmentalization based on three data sets: (i) a sample of 45 patients with sequences gathered from the CNS, (ii) sequences from the female genital tract of 18 patients, and (iii) a set of simulated sequences. We found that different methods often reached contradictory conclusions. Methods based on the topology of a phylogenetic tree derived from clonal sequences were generally more sensitive in detecting compartmentalization than those that relied solely upon pairwise genetic distances between sequences. However, as the branching structure in a phylogenetic tree is often uncertain, especially for short, low-diversity, or recombinant sequences, tree-based approaches may need to be modified to take phylogenetic uncertainty into account. Given the frequently discordant predictions of different methods and the strengths and weaknesses of each particular methodology, we recommend that a suite of several approaches be used for reliable inference of compartmentalized population structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Zárate
- Antiviral Research Center, 150 W Washington St., Ste. 100, San Diego, CA 92103, USA.
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van Leeuwen E, Prins JM, Jurriaans S, Boer K, Reiss P, Repping S, van der Veen F. Reproduction and fertility in human immunodeficiency virus type-1 infection. Hum Reprod Update 2006; 13:197-206. [PMID: 17099206 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dml052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) affects mostly men and women in their reproductive years. For those who have access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the course of HIV-1 infection has shifted from a lethal to a chronic disease. As a result of this, many patients with HIV-1 consider having offspring, as do other patients of reproductive age with chronic illnesses. This article summarizes the current knowledge on the presence of HIV in the male and female genital tract, the effects of HIV-1 infection and HAART on male and female fertility and the results of various assisted reproduction techniques (ART) in HIV-1-infected men and women who wish to have offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- E van Leeuwen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic has grown from a handful of sentinel observations in New York and California, nearly 25 years ago, to an epidemic that has claimed 500,000 lives in the United States and >20 million worldwide. Tom Merigan's scientific career led him to focus on viral pathogenesis as translational "bench-to-bedside" research, aimed squarely at the development of antiretroviral treatment. As a founder and leader of the AIDS Clinical Trials Group, Tom played a pivotal role in the national response to HIV. He led the development of a succession of antiretroviral drugs, their combined use, and the introduction of new methods for monitoring HIV infection. The current response to the global epidemic and the tools now coming to bear on diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring owe much to Tom's relentless pursuit of excellence in research and the training he offered generations of clinical virologists and infectious disease physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Katzenstein
- Center for AIDS Research, Division of Infectious Disease, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myron S Cohen
- Department of Medicine, The Schools of Medicine and Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599-7030, USA.
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Cohen MS. Amplified transmission of HIV-1: missing link in the HIV pandemic. Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc 2006; 117:213-24; discussion 225. [PMID: 18528475 PMCID: PMC1500941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Sexual transmission of HIV most closely reflects the concentration of HIV in the genital tract; HIV in the genital tract of subjects with acute HIV and some "classical" STDS is 8-10 times greater than in control subjects. It seems likely that these latter subjects lead to spread of HIV. Accordingly, the state of North Carolina committed to HIV testing that detects subjects with acute, recent, and established infection. We tested 109,500 samples over 9 months. We found 563 people with undiagnosed HIV infection. The majority of subjects were in STD clinics. This included 23 subjects with (pre-seroconversion) acute HIV infection (HIV RNA positive, antibody negative). The median blood HIV was 209,000 copies/ml, more than 10 times higher than in subjects with established HIV infection. Recognizing the increased number of subjects with unrecognized acute HIV infection in STD clinics, we conducted similar studies in STD Clinics in Malawi and South Africa. Between 1 and 2% of subjects had undetected acute HIV infection. The median viral burden in blood of subjects in Malawi was greater than 1,000,000 copies/ml. STDS and HIV are often co-transmitted, and STDS set the stage for subsequent HIV transmission. Prevention of sexual transmission of HIV likely requires maximal suppression of genital tract HIV viral burden, either through treatment of STDS or use of antiretroviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myron S Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, The Schools of Medicine and Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7030, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Episomal 2-long terminal repeat (LTR) HIV-1 cDNA, a by-product of HIV-1 infection, is used in clinical trials as a marker for ongoing viral replication. It would be useful to employ 2-LTR cDNA to monitor cryptic HIV-1 infection in the genital tract of men on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to predict the evolution of sexually transmissible drug-resistant HIV-1, but studies thus far have failed to detect this marker in semen. The objectives of this study were: 1) to use a technique that maximizes DNA recovery from HIV-1 infected white blood cells in semen to determine if episomal 2-LTR cDNA is detectable in semen of ART-naïve men with other evidence of genital tract HIV-1 infection, and 2) to compare levels of HIV-1 2-LTR cDNA, RNA, and proviral DNA in semen from HIV-1+ men on ART. RESULTS Using a somatic cell DNA extraction technique, 2-LTR cDNA was detected by PCR/ELISA in 4 out of 8 semen samples from ART-naïve men selected for other signs of seminal HIV-1 infection (positive controls). Southern blot and DNA sequencing confirmed that the amplified sequences were HIV-1 2-LTR cDNA; copy numbers ranged from 55 to 504 copies/sample. Two semen samples from a cohort of 22 HIV-1-infected men on dual nucleoside therapy, one with and one without detectable seminal HIV-1 RNA, were 2-LTR cDNA positive (336 and 8,560 copies/sample). Following addition of indinavir to the therapy regimen, no semen samples from 21 men with controlled peripheral and seminal viral loads were 2-LTR cDNA positive at 1 and 6 month time points, despite the persistence of HIV-1 proviral DNA+ semen cells and seminal cytomegalovirus (CMV) shedding in some cases. However, one individual who failed indinavir therapy and later developed distinct protease inhibitor (PI) drug resistance mutations in semen, maintained elevated levels of HIV-1 RNA and 2-LTR cDNA in semen. CONCLUSION 2-LTR HIV-1 cDNA is detectable in semen of HIV-1-infected men. Two men on ART had 2-LTR HIV-1 cDNA in semen, suggesting that this marker may prove to be useful to monitor HIV-1 infection in the genital tract of men on ART to predict the evolution of drug resistance mutations in semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Xu
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Joseph A Politch
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- Fenway Community Health Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Deborah J Anderson
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Harrington PR, Haas DW, Ritola K, Swanstrom R. Compartmentalized human immunodeficiency virus type 1 present in cerebrospinal fluid is produced by short-lived cells. J Virol 2005; 79:7959-66. [PMID: 15956542 PMCID: PMC1143772 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.79.13.7959-7966.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) invades the central nervous system (CNS) during primary infection and persists in this compartment by unknown mechanisms over the course of infection. In this study, we examined viral population dynamics in four asymptomatic subjects commencing antiretroviral therapy to characterize cellular sources of HIV-1 in the CNS. The inability to monitor viruses directly in the brain poses a major challenge in studying HIV-1 dynamics in the CNS. Studies of HIV-1 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provide a useful surrogate for the sampling of virus in the CNS, but they are complicated by the fact that infected cells in local CNS tissues and in the periphery contribute to the population pool of HIV-1 in CSF. We utilized heteroduplex tracking assays to differentiate CSF HIV-1 variants that were shared with peripheral blood plasma from those that were compartmentalized in CSF and therefore presumably derived from local CNS tissues. We then tracked the relative decline of individual viral variants during the initial days of antiretroviral therapy. We found that HIV-1 variants compartmentalized in CSF declined rapidly during therapy, with maximum half-lives of approximately 1 to 3 days. These kinetics emulate the decline in HIV-1 produced from short-lived CD4+ T cells in the periphery, suggesting that a similarly short-lived, HIV-infected cell population exists within the CNS. We propose that short-lived CD4+ T cells trafficking between the CNS and the periphery play an important role in amplifying and maintaining HIV-1 populations in the CNS during the asymptomatic phase of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R Harrington
- Lineberger Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7295, USA
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Sullivan ST, Mandava U, Evans-Strickfaden T, Lennox JL, Ellerbrock TV, Hart CE. Diversity, divergence, and evolution of cell-free human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in vaginal secretions and blood of chronically infected women: associations with immune status. J Virol 2005; 79:9799-809. [PMID: 16014941 PMCID: PMC1181596 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.79.15.9799-9809.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections are believed to be the result of exposure to the virus in genital secretions. However, prevention and therapeutic strategies are usually based on characterizations of HIV-1 in blood. To understand better the dynamics between HIV-1 quasispecies in the genital tract and blood, we performed heteroduplex assays on amplified env products from cell-free viral RNA in paired vaginal secretion (VS) and blood plasma (BP) samples of 14 women followed for 1.5 to 3.5 years. Diversity and divergence were less in VS than in BP (P = 0.03 and P < 0.01, respectively), and divergence at both sites was correlated with blood CD4(+) cell levels (VS, P = 0.05; BP, P = 0.01). Evolution of quasispecies was observed in 58% of the women; the loss or gain of quasispecies in VS or BP was always accompanied by such changes at the other site. In addition, sustained compartmentalization of quasispecies in VS was found for four women, even as CD4(+) cell levels decreased to low levels (<50 cells/microl). Quasispecies changes over time were associated with fluctuations in CD4(+) cell levels; concordant increases or decreases in VS and BP divergence had greater CD4(+) cell level changes than intervals with discordant changes (P = 0.05), and women with evolving quasispecies had greater decreases in CD4(+) cell levels compared to that for women who maintained the same quasispecies (P < 0.05). Thus, diversity, divergence, and evolution of cell-free HIV-1 in VS can be different from that in BP, and dynamics between their respective quasispecies are associated with changes in CD4(+) cell levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon T Sullivan
- HIV and Retrovirology Branch, Division of AIDS, STD, and TB Laboratory Research, National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
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Sadiq ST, Taylor S, Copas AJ, Bennett J, Kaye S, Drake SM, Kirk S, Pillay D, Weller IVD. The effects of urethritis on seminal plasma HIV-1 RNA loads in homosexual men not receiving antiretroviral therapy. Sex Transm Infect 2005; 81:120-3. [PMID: 15800087 PMCID: PMC1764651 DOI: 10.1136/sti.2004.010249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the effects of urethritis and its treatment on semen plasma HIV-1 RNA load in HIV-1 infected men not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), in a developed world setting. METHODS Prospective case-control study. HIV-1 infected homosexual men, not receiving ART for at least 3 months, with (cases) and without (controls) symptomatic urethritis, were recruited. Blood and semen were collected for HIV-1 RNA quantification at presentation, before antibiotic therapy, and at 1 and 2 weeks. RESULTS 20 cases (13 gonococcal urethritis and/or chlamydial urethritis (GU/CU) and seven non-specific urethritis (NSU)) and 35 controls were recruited. Baseline characteristics and blood plasma viral load were similar in cases and controls. Mean log semen plasma viral loads were higher among those with GU/CU compared with controls (4.27 log versus 3.55 log respectively; p = 0.01) but not in those with NSU (3.48 log; p = 0.82). Following antibiotics, semen plasma viral loads fell by a mean of 0.25 log (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.47) in those with GU/CU. Semen plasma viral loads did not fall in those with NSU. CONCLUSIONS In this study of 55 homosexual men not on ART, semen plasma viral loads were approximately fivefold higher in those with GU/CU, but not NSU, compared with controls. Treatment of GU/CU resulted in reduction in semen plasma viral loads. Although absolute effects were considerably lower when compared to patients from a similar study from sub-Saharan Africa, our data demonstrate the potential for sexually transmitted infections to enhance HIV infectivity of men not receiving ART in the developed world.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Sadiq
- HIV/GUM, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, St George's Hospital Medical School, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK.
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Celum CL, Robinson NJ, Cohen MS. Potential effect of HIV type 1 antiretroviral and herpes simplex virus type 2 antiviral therapy on transmission and acquisition of HIV type 1 infection. J Infect Dis 2005; 191 Suppl 1:S107-14. [PMID: 15627220 DOI: 10.1086/425272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological strategies for interrupting transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 should be directed at reducing infectiousness of and susceptibility to HIV-1. Potential antiretroviral interventions include reducing the likelihood of transmission of HIV-1 by reducing HIV-1 load in the blood and genital tract of HIV-1--infected person, prophylaxis after high-risk exposure, and pre-exposure prophylaxis for very high risk populations. Antiviral treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2, the most common cause of genital ulcers, should be evaluated as a strategy for HIV-1 infection prevention by reducing infectiousness of and susceptibility to HIV-1, on the basis of biological and epidemiological data indicating that HSV-2 facilitates transmission and acquisition of HIV-1. The rationale for antiretroviral and HSV-2-specific interventions and studies to test these strategies are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie L Celum
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
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Philpott S, Burger H, Tsoukas C, Foley B, Anastos K, Kitchen C, Weiser B. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 genomic RNA sequences in the female genital tract and blood: compartmentalization and intrapatient recombination. J Virol 2005; 79:353-63. [PMID: 15596829 PMCID: PMC538688 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.79.1.353-363.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in the genital tract of women is crucial to the development of vaccines and therapies. Previous analyses of HIV-1 in various anatomic sites have documented compartmentalization, with viral sequences from each location that were distinct yet phylogenetically related. Full-length RNA genomes derived from different compartments in the same individual, however, have not yet been studied. Furthermore, although there is evidence that intrapatient recombination may occur frequently, recombinants comprising viruses from different sites within one individual have rarely been documented. We compared full-length HIV-1 RNA sequences in the plasma and female genital tract, focusing on a woman with high HIV-1 RNA loads in each compartment who had been infected heterosexually and then transmitted HIV-1 by the same route. We cloned and sequenced 10 full-length HIV-1 RNA genomes from her genital tract and 10 from her plasma. We also compared viral genomes from the genital tract and plasma of four additional heterosexually infected women, sequencing 164 env and gag clones obtained from the two sites. Four of five women, including the one whose complete viral sequences were determined, displayed compartmentalized HIV-1 genomes. Analyses of full-length, compartmentalized sequences made it possible to document complex intrapatient HIV-1 recombinants that were composed of alternating viral sequences characteristic of each site. These findings demonstrate that the genital tract and blood harbor genetically distinct populations of replicating HIV-1 and provide evidence that recombination between strains from the two compartments contributes to rapid evolution of viral sequence variation in infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Philpott
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12208, USA
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Ritola K, Pilcher CD, Fiscus SA, Hoffman NG, Nelson JAE, Kitrinos KM, Hicks CB, Eron JJ, Swanstrom R. Multiple V1/V2 env variants are frequently present during primary infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1. J Virol 2004; 78:11208-18. [PMID: 15452240 PMCID: PMC521858 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.78.20.11208-11218.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) exists as a complex population of multiple genotypic variants in persons with chronic infection. However, acute HIV-1 infection via sexual transmission is a low-probability event in which there is thought to be low genetic complexity in the initial inoculum. In order to assess the viral complexity present during primary HIV-1 infection, the V1/V2 and V3 variable regions of the env gene were examined by using a heteroduplex tracking assay (HTA) capable of resolving these genotypic variants. Blood plasma samples from 26 primary HIV-1-infected subjects were analyzed for their level of diversity. Half of the subjects had more than one V1/V2 viral variant during primary infection, indicating the frequent transmission of multiple variants. This observation is inconsistent with the idea of infrequent transmission based on a small transmitting inoculum of cell-free virus. In chronically infected subjects, the complexity of the viral populations was even greater in both the V1/V2 and the V3 regions than in acutely infected subjects, indicating that in spite of the presence of multiple variants in acute infection, the virus does pass through a genetic bottleneck during transmission. We also examined how well the infecting virus penetrated different anatomical compartments by using the HTA. Viral variants detected in blood plasma were compared to those detected in seminal plasma and/or cerebral spinal fluid of six individuals. The virus in each of these compartments was to a large extent identical to virus in blood plasma, a finding consistent with rapid penetration of the infecting variant(s). The low-probability transmission of multiple variants could be the result of transient periods of hyperinfectiousness or hypersusceptibility. Alternatively, the inefficient transfer of a multiply infected cell could account for both the low probability of transmission and the transfer of multiple variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Ritola
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 22-062 Lineberger Cancer Center, CB 7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295, USA
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50
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Bernardin F, Magierowska M, Dandekar S, Van Rompay KKA, Delwart EL. Number of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell CDR3 clonotypes expanding during acute infection of macaques with simian immunodeficiency virus. Virology 2004; 322:105-17. [PMID: 15063121 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2004.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2003] [Revised: 01/05/2004] [Accepted: 01/20/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The total number of circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells undergoing clonal expansions following SIV(mac251) infection was determined using a T-cell receptor Vbeta chain (TRBV) third complementarity-determining region (CDR3) DNA heteroduplex tracking assay (HTA). This assay measures the number of newly expanding T-cell clones but not their antigenic specificity. Fewer expanding CD4+ (3-23 per animal) than CD8+ (18-37 per animal) clonotypes were observed during the acute phase of SIV infection. CD8+ T-cell expansions peaked at 4 weeks postinfection (wpi) concomitant with early reductions in viremia. Expanding clone TRBV transcripts ranged in frequency from the limit of detection of 2% to 40% of their TRBV subfamily's transcripts. The number of expanding CD4+ or CD8+ clones correlated with neither peak, subsequent slope, nor steady-state viremia. CDR3 repertoires in CD8-expressing cells in different anatomical compartments were also analyzed. Repertoires were polyclonal in the thymus, oligoclonal in mesenteric lymph nodes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and spleen, and extremely oligoclonal in intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IEL) and lamina propria lymphocytes (LPL). The lack of correlation between the number of expanding T-cell clonotypes and viremia levels may reflect the highly variable selection pressure imposed on SIV by T-cell responses targeting different epitopes in outbred macaques.
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