scholarly journals Parameters of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection of Human Cervical Tissue and Inhibition by Vaginal Virucides

2000 ◽  
Vol 74 (12) ◽  
pp. 5577-5586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Greenhead ◽  
Peter Hayes ◽  
Patricia S. Watts ◽  
Ken G. Laing ◽  
George E. Griffin ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the most frequent mode of infection worldwide. However, the immediate events between exposure to infectious virus and establishment of infection are still poorly understood. This study investigates parameters of HIV infection of human female genital tissue in vitro using an explant culture model. In particular, we investigated the role of the epithelium and virucidal agents in protection against HIV infection. We have demonstrated that the major target cells of infection reside below the genital epithelium, and thus HIV must cross this barrier to establish infection. Immune activation enhanced HIV infection of such subepithelial cells. Furthermore, our data suggest that genital epithelial cells were not susceptible to HIV infection, appear to play no part in the transfer of infectious virus across the epithelium, and thus may provide a barrier to infection. In addition, experiments using a panel of virucidal agents demonstrated differential efficiency to block HIV infection of subepithelial cells from partial to complete inhibition. This is the first demonstration that virucidal agents designed for topical vaginal use block HIV infection of genital tissue. Such agents have major implications for world health, as they will provide women with a mechanism of personal and covert protection from HIV infection.

1999 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 1100-1106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prudencio Martínez Martínez ◽  
Antonio Rodríguez Torres ◽  
Raul Ortiz de Lejarazu ◽  
Ana Montoya ◽  
José Francisco Martín ◽  
...  

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible utilization of saliva and urine as alternative samples to serum for the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. A total of 302 individuals participated in the study: 187 HIV-infected individuals (106 had Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] stage II infection, 19 had CDC stage III infection, and 62 had CDC stage IV infection) and 115 noninfected persons (46 of the noninfected persons were blood donors and 69 belonged to a group at high risk of HIV infection). Paired saliva and urine samples were taken from each of the participants in the study. The presence of HIV-specific antibodies was detected by an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (ELFA), and the result was confirmed by Western blot analysis (WB). The ELFA with saliva gave maximum sensitivity and specificity values, while ELFA had lower sensitivity (95.2%) and specificity (97.4%) values for detection of HIV antibody in urine samples. WB with all saliva samples fulfilled the World Health Organization criterion for positivity, while only 96.8% of the urine samples were confirmed to be positive by WB. Among the four reactivity patterns found by WB of these alternative samples, the most frequent included bands against three groups of HIV structural proteins (was ENV, POL, and GAG). The reactivity bands most frequently observed were those for the proteins gp160 and gp120. The least common reactivity band was the band for protein p17. The detection of HIV antibodies in saliva samples by means of ELFA with the possibility of later confirmation by WB makes saliva an alternative to serum for possible use in the diagnosis of infection. In contrast, HIV antibody detection in urine samples by the same methodology (ELFA) could be taken into consideration for use in epidemiological studies.


1996 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 1072-1077 ◽  
Author(s):  
C G Bridges ◽  
D L Taylor ◽  
P S Ahmed ◽  
T M Brennan ◽  
J M Hornsperger ◽  
...  

The novel acyclonucleotide derivative of guanine, 9-[2-methylidene-3-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl] guanine (MDL 74,968), had antiviral activity comparable to those of 9-(2-phosphonomethoxyethyl) adenine (PMEA) and 2',3'-dideoxyinosine against laboratory strains of both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) types 1 and 2 cultured in MT-4 cells and several clinical HIV isolates cultured in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). MDL 74,968 was at least fourfold less toxic than PMEA to MT-4 cells or PBMCs, thereby producing a more favorable in vitro selectivity index for the former compound. Studies of acute toxicity in CD-1 mice showed that MDL 74,968 was not toxic at doses of 1,600 mg/kg of body weight via the intraperitoneal route or at doses of 500 mg/kg via the intravenous route. Furthermore, no adverse effects of MDL 74,968 were apparent when mice were treated at doses of 200 mg/kg twice daily for 5 days. Treatment by continuous subcutaneous infusion of MDL 74,968 or PMEA at the daily dose of 20 mg/kg in the hu-PBL-SCID.beige murine model of HIV infection significantly reduced the severity of infection compared with that in placebo-treated controls. Quantitation of virus recovery by endpoint titration of spleen cells in coculture with mitogen-activated PBMCs demonstrated that MDL 74,968 as well as PMEA significantly reduced the amount of virus (P < 0.02). Moreover, by using DNA extracted from spleens, the mean HIV:HLA PCR product ratio, which takes into account individual variation in immune system reconstitution, were 0.50 and 0.40 for MDL 74,968 and PMEA treatments, respectively, whereas animals receiving the placebo control had significantly higher levels of HIV proviral DNA (mean 0.78; P < 0.02). Taken together, these promising findings suggest that an orally bioavailable prodrug of MDL 74,968 should be developed for the treatment of HIV infection.


1991 ◽  
Vol 173 (2) ◽  
pp. 511-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Pantaleo ◽  
L Butini ◽  
C Graziosi ◽  
G Poli ◽  
S M Schnittman ◽  
...  

In the present study, we demonstrated that expression of the LFA-1 molecule is necessary for cell fusion and syncytia formation in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected CD4+ T lymphocytes. In contrast, the lack of expression of LFA-1 does not influence significantly cell-to-cell transmission of HIV. In fact, LFA-1- T lymphocytes obtained from a leukocyte adhesion deficiency patient were unable to fuse and form syncytia when infected with HIV-1 or HIV-2, despite the fact that efficiency of HIV infection (i.e., virus entry, HIV spreading, and levels of virus replication) was comparable with that observed in LFA-1+ T lymphocytes. In addition, we provide evidence that LFA-1 by mediating cell fusion contributes to the depletion of HIV-infected CD4+ T lymphocytes in vitro.


Blood ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 1268-1277 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Carbonari ◽  
M Cibati ◽  
M Cherchi ◽  
D Sbarigia ◽  
AM Pesce ◽  
...  

We have developed a quantitative and sensitive flow cytometric method for the detection of human apoptotic lymphocytes that, unlike previously described assays, allows their identification in mixed populations of peripheral blood leukocytes as well as their immunophenotyping. Apoptotic lymphocytes are identified on the basis of peculiar light scatter changes, reflecting their smaller size and their modified nucleus/cytoplasm organization, and of the decreased expression of surface CD45 molecules. Based on these criteria, apoptotic lymphocytes generated by exposure to ionizing radiation can be easily distinguished from viable cells and from necrotic lymphocytes generated by treatment with antibody and complement. Using this assay, we reappraised the phenomenon of the in vitro apoptosis of lymphocytes from patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Lymphocytes from HIV patients, unlike those from normal HIV-negative subjects, undergo apoptosis upon simple in vitro culture. We found that the percentages of lymphocytes undergoing apoptosis were significantly higher in patients with low CD4 cell counts (< 400/microL) than in patients at earlier stages (> 400 CD4 cells/microL). However, phenotypic analysis disclosed that apoptotic lymphocytes generated in these cultures were mostly CD8+ T cells and CD19+ B cells. Thus, in contrast to what has been previously suggested, the phenomenon of in vitro lymphocyte apoptosis might not be pathogenetically related to the depletion of CD4+ T cells in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Nevertheless, it might represent an useful marker of disease progression. Our assay allows the analysis of unfractionated peripheral blood leukocytes and thus the identification of apoptotic lymphocytes circulating in vivo. Apoptotic lymphocytes could indeed be detected in the circulation of a patient with cancer shortly after high-dose cytotoxic chemotherapy. By contrast, no apoptotic lymphocytes could be detected in vivo in patients with early or advanced HIV infection.


Blood ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 96 (5) ◽  
pp. 1979-1984
Author(s):  
Claudio M. Mastroianni ◽  
Gabriella d'Ettorre ◽  
Gabriele Forcina ◽  
Miriam Lichtner ◽  
Fabio Mengoni ◽  
...  

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) dysfunction has been reported in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Interleukin (IL)-15 is a recently discovered cytokine that potentiates antimicrobial functions of normal PMNs. We evaluated the in vitro effect of IL-15 on chemotaxis and fungicidal activity of PMNs from 9 patients with untreated advanced HIV infection, 8 patients with viral suppression after 52 to 130 weeks of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and 12 patients with treatment failure. We also studied oxidative burst and apoptosis of PMNs in 5 patients with untreated advanced HIV infection. Twelve healthy donors were included as controls. Chemotaxis and fungicidal activity of unprimed PMNs was significantly lower in patients with untreated HIV infection compared with controls. After incubation with IL-15, a significant increase in PMN chemotaxis and fungicidal activity was found; moreover, IL-15 induced a significant reduction in the number of apoptotic HIV+ PMNs. IL-15 did not modulate oxidative burst of HIV+ PMNs as measured by chemiluminescence production. The in vitro priming of PMNs with IL-15 determined a complete reversal of defective chemotaxis and killing in all HAART-treated patients with long-term HIV suppression. IL-15 significantly enhanced chemotaxis and fungicidal activity also in patients with HAART failure. In conclusion, IL-15 is an important cytokine in the activation of the functional properties of HIV+ PMNs, by delaying apoptosis and enhancing chemotaxis and fungicidal activity. The potent stimulant effect of IL-15 on PMN function was observed in antiretroviral naive patients as well as in individuals who were receiving HAART, including those with treatment failure.


2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (21) ◽  
pp. 13579-13586 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. David Wick ◽  
Otto O. Yang ◽  
Lawrence Corey ◽  
Steven G. Self

ABSTRACT The antiviral role of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is poorly understood. Specifically, the degree to which CTLs reduce viral replication by killing HIV-1-infected cells in vivo is not known. Here we employ mathematical models of the infection process and CTL action to estimate the rate that CTLs can kill HIV-1-infected cells from in vitro and in vivo data. Our estimates, which are surprisingly consistent considering the disparities between the two experimental systems, demonstrate that on average CTLs can kill from 0.7 to 3 infected target cells per day, with the variability in this figure due to epitope specificity or other factors. These results are compatible with the observed decline in viremia after primary infection being primarily a consequence of CTL activity and have interesting implications for vaccine design.


2008 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia R. Roan ◽  
Jan Münch ◽  
Nathalie Arhel ◽  
Walther Mothes ◽  
Jason Neidleman ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Human semen contains peptides capable of forming amyloid fibrils termed semen-derived enhancer of viral infection (SEVI) that can greatly increase human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. While SEVI appears to enhance virion attachment to target cells, its underlying mechanism of action is unknown. We now demonstrate that the intrinsic positive charges of SEVI (pI = 10.21) facilitate virion attachment to and fusion with target cells. A mutant form of SEVI in which lysines and arginines are replaced with alanines retains the ability to form amyloid fibrils but is defective in binding virions and enhancing infection. In addition, the interaction of wild-type SEVI with virions and the ability of these fibrils to increase infection are abrogated in the presence of various polyanionic compounds. These anionic polymers also decrease the enhancement of HIV infection mediated by semen. These findings suggest that SEVI enhances viral infection by serving as a polycationic bridge that neutralizes the negative charge repulsion that exists between HIV virions and target cells. Combinations of agents that neutrale SEVI action and produce HIV virucidal effects are an attractive future direction for microbicide development.


2004 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 337-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yven Van Herrewege ◽  
Jo Michiels ◽  
Jens Van Roey ◽  
Katrien Fransen ◽  
Luc Kestens ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors UC-781 and TMC120-R147681 (Dapivirine) effectively prevented human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in cocultures of monocyte-derived dendritic cells and T cells, representing primary targets in sexual transmission. Both drugs had a favorable therapeutic index. A 24-h treatment with 1,000 nM UC-781 or 100 nM TMC120-R147681 prevented cell-free HIV infection, whereas 10-fold-higher concentrations blocked cell-associated HIV.


2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (18) ◽  
pp. 11598-11606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott E. VanCompernolle ◽  
R. Jeffery Taylor ◽  
Kyra Oswald-Richter ◽  
Jiyang Jiang ◽  
Bryan E. Youree ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Topical antimicrobicides hold great promise in reducing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Amphibian skin provides a rich source of broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides including some that have antiviral activity. We tested 14 peptides derived from diverse amphibian species for the capacity to inhibit HIV infection. Three peptides (caerin 1.1, caerin 1.9, and maculatin 1.1) completely inhibited HIV infection of T cells within minutes of exposure to virus at concentrations that were not toxic to target cells. These peptides also suppressed infection by murine leukemia virus but not by reovirus, a structurally unrelated nonenveloped virus. Preincubation with peptides prevented viral fusion to target cells and disrupted the HIV envelope. Remarkably, these amphibian peptides also were highly effective in inhibiting the transfer of HIV by dendritic cells (DCs) to T cells, even when DCs were transiently exposed to peptides 8 h after virus capture. These data suggest that amphibian-derived peptides can access DC-sequestered HIV and destroy the virus before it can be transferred to T cells. Thus, amphibian-derived antimicrobial peptides show promise as topical inhibitors of mucosal HIV transmission and provide novel tools to understand the complex biology of HIV capture by DCs.


2009 ◽  
Vol 83 (15) ◽  
pp. 7467-7474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Weng ◽  
Dimitry N. Krementsov ◽  
Sandhya Khurana ◽  
Nathan H. Roy ◽  
Markus Thali

ABSTRACT In vitro propagation studies have established that human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is most efficiently transmitted at the virological synapse that forms between producer and target cells. Despite the presence of the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) and CD4 and chemokine receptors at the respective surfaces, producer and target cells usually do not fuse with each other but disengage after the viral particles have been delivered, consistent with the idea that syncytia, at least in vitro, are not required for HIV-1 spread. Here, we tested whether tetraspanins, which are well known regulators of cellular membrane fusion processes that are enriched at HIV-1 exit sites, regulate syncytium formation. We found that overexpression of tetraspanins in producer cells leads to reduced syncytium formation, while downregulation has the opposite effect. Further, we document that repression of Env-induced cell-cell fusion by tetraspanins depends on the presence of viral Gag, and we demonstrate that fusion repression requires the recruitment of Env by Gag to tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs). However, sensitivity to fusion repression by tetraspanins varied for different viral strains, despite comparable recruitment of their Envs to TEMs. Overall, these data establish tetraspanins as negative regulators of HIV-1-induced cell-cell fusion, and they start delineating the requirements for this regulation.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document