transforming-growth-factor-alpha and HIV-Infections

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) affect over half of HIV-infected individuals, despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). Therapeutically targetable mechanisms underlying HAND remain elusive, partly due to a lack of a representative model. We developed a human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based model, independently differentiating hiPSCs into neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, and systematically combining to generate a tri-culture with or without HIV infection and ART. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis on tri-cultures with HIV-infected microglia revealed inflammatory signatures in the microglia and EIF2 signaling in all three cell types. Treatment with the antiretroviral compound efavirenz (EFZ) mostly resolved these signatures. However, EFZ increased RhoGDI and CD40 signaling in the HIV-infected microglia. This activation was associated with a persistent increase in transforming growth factor α production by microglia. This work establishes a tri-culture that recapitulates key features of HIV infection in the CNS and provides a new model to examine the effects of infection, its treatment, and other co-morbid conditions.

Topics: Alkynes; Anti-HIV Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Astrocytes; Benzoxazines; CD40 Antigens; Cell Differentiation; Cells, Cultured; Cyclopropanes; Cytokines; Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2; HIV Infections; Humans; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells; Inflammation; Microglia; Models, Biological; Neurons; rho-Specific Guanine Nucleotide Dissociation Inhibitors; Signal Transduction; Single-Cell Analysis; Transforming Growth Factor alpha

We present here the first reported case of a non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) in an HIV-exposed newborn of a mother on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Indonesia. Genetic testing was performed to confirm a suspected genetic condition. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood, and genetic variations of the interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) rs642961 (Mspl) (G>A) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA) BamHI (rs11466297, A>C) and RsaI (rs3732248, C>T) were performed by PCR-RFLP and IRF6 gene analysis by PCR sequencing. Genotyping of DNA sequence variants in the IRF6 gene showed both parents had genotype GA, while the child had genotype GG (genotype wild type). There was no difference observed in the TGFA BamHI gene variant between the child and her mother and father that were wild-type polymorphisms (normal), while the Rsa1 polymorphisms of them were heterozygotes. A genetic variant of IRF6 might be a protective factor for NSCLP, while Rsa1 gene variant (A) allele can be considered to be the risk factor associated with NSCLP development. This case report also highlights the possible etiologic role of ART in NSCLP; therefore, early control of adverse effects of ART might be an important factor in decreasing the incidence of the congenital anomalies in HIV-infected children.

Topics: Anti-Retroviral Agents; Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Female; Genetic Variation; Genotype; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Interferon Regulatory Factors; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Transforming Growth Factor alpha

We investigated host-derived biomarkers that were previously identified in QuantiFERON supernatants, in a large pan-African study. We recruited individuals presenting with symptoms of pulmonary TB at seven peripheral healthcare facilities in six African countries, prior to assessment for TB disease. We then evaluated the concentrations of 12 biomarkers in stored QuantiFERON supernatants using the Luminex platform. Based on laboratory, clinical and radiological findings and a pre-established algorithm, participants were classified as TB disease or other respiratory diseases(ORD). Of the 514 individuals included in the study, 179(34.8%) had TB disease, 274(51.5%) had ORD and 61(11.5%) had an uncertain diagnosis. A biosignature comprising unstimulated IFN-γ, MIP-1β, TGF-α and antigen-specific levels of TGF-α and VEGF, identified on a training sample set (n = 311), validated by diagnosing TB disease in the test set (n = 134) with an AUC of 0.81(95% CI, 0.76-0.86), corresponding to a sensitivity of 64.2%(95% CI, 49.7-76.5%) and specificity of 82.7%(95% CI, 72.4-89.9%). Host biomarkers detected in QuantiFERON supernatants can contribute to the diagnosis of active TB disease amongst people presenting with symptoms requiring investigation for TB disease, regardless of HIV status or ethnicity in Africa.

Topics: Adult; Africa; Biomarkers; Chemokine CCL4; Cytokines; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Male; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Sensitivity and Specificity; Transforming Growth Factor alpha; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Sterile alpha motif (SAM) and histidine-aspartic (HD) domains protein 1 (SAMHD1) was previously identified as a critical post-entry restriction factor to HIV-1 infection in myeloid dendritic cells. Here we show that SAMHD1 is also expressed in epidermis-isolated Langerhans cells (LC), but degradation of SAMHD1 does not rescue HIV-1 or vesicular stomatitis virus G-pseudotyped lentivectors infection in LC. Strikingly, using Langerhans cells model systems (mutz-3-derived LC, monocyte-derived LC [MDLC], and freshly isolated epidermal LC), we characterize previously unreported post-entry restriction activity to HIV-1 in these cells, which acts at HIV-1 reverse transcription, but remains independent of restriction factors SAMHD1 and myxovirus resistance 2 (MX2). We demonstrate that transforming growth factor-β signaling confers this potent HIV-1 restriction in MDLC during their differentiation and blocking of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (SMAD2) signaling in MDLC restores cells' infectivity. Interestingly, maturation of MDLC with a toll-like receptor 2 agonist or transforming growth factor-α significantly increases cells' susceptibility to HIV-1 infection, which may explain why HIV-1 acquisition is increased during coinfection with sexually transmitted infections. In conclusion, we report a SAMHD1-independent post-entry restriction in MDLC and LC isolated from epidermis, which inhibits HIV-1 replication. A better understanding of HIV-1 restriction and propagation from LC to CD4(+) T cells may help in the development of new microbicides or vaccines to curb HIV-1 infection at its earliest stages during mucosal transmission.

Topics: Cell Line; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Langerhans Cells; Monocytes; Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins; Myxovirus Resistance Proteins; SAM Domain and HD Domain-Containing Protein 1; Transforming Growth Factor alpha; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Virus Replication

Injection drug use is a growing major public health concern. Injection drug users (IDUs) have a higher incidence of co-morbidities including HIV, Hepatitis, and other infections. An effective humoral response is critical for optimal homeostasis and protection from infection; however, the impact of injection heroin use on humoral immunity is poorly understood. We hypothesized that IDUs have altered B cell and antibody profiles.. A comprehensive systems biology-based cross-sectional assessment of 130 peripheral blood B cell flow cytometry- and plasma- based features was performed on HIV-/Hepatitis C-, active heroin IDUs who participated in a syringe exchange program (n = 19) and healthy control subjects (n = 19). The IDU group had substantial polydrug use, with 89% reporting cocaine injection within the preceding month. IDUs exhibited a significant, 2-fold increase in total B cells compared to healthy subjects, which was associated with increased activated B cell subsets. Although plasma total IgG titers were similar between groups, IDUs had significantly higher IgG3 and IgG4, suggestive of chronic B cell activation. Total IgM was also increased in IDUs, as well as HIV Envelope-specific IgM, suggestive of increased HIV exposure. IDUs exhibited numerous features suggestive of systemic inflammation, including significantly increased plasma sCD40L, TNF-α, TGF-α, IL-8, and ceramide metabolites. Machine learning multivariate analysis distilled a set of 10 features that classified samples based on group with absolute accuracy.. These results demonstrate broad alterations in the steady-state humoral profile of IDUs that are associated with increased systemic inflammation. Such dysregulation may impact the ability of IDUs to generate optimal responses to vaccination and infection, or lead to increased risk for inflammation-related co-morbidities, and should be considered when developing immune-based interventions for this growing population.

Topics: Adult; B-Lymphocytes; CD40 Ligand; Comorbidity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hepatitis C; Heroin; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunity, Humoral; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Inflammation; Interleukin-8; Male; Narcotics; New York; Substance Abuse, Intravenous; Transforming Growth Factor alpha; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Young Adult