The Kynurenine Pathway of Tryptophan Catabolism, CD4+ T-Cell Recovery, and Mortality Among HIV-Infected Ugandans Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection-induced indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO) expression in activated monocytes and dendritic cells catabolizes tryptophan to kynurenine and other downstream catabolites that inhibit T-cell proliferation and interleukin 17 (IL-17) production. The prognostic significance of this pathway in treated HIV disease is unknown. We measured systemic IDO activity (calculated as the ratio of plasma levels of kynurenine to tryptophan; hereafter, the "KT ratio") in HIV-infected Ugandans before and during antiretroviral therapy (ART)-mediated viral suppression and its association with the rate of subsequent CD4(+) T-cell count recovery and mortality. Among 435 participants, a higher pre-ART KT ratio was associated with a higher plasma virus load (P < .001) and lipopolysaccharide level (P = .018), a lower CD4(+) T-cell count (P < .001), and female sex (P = .047). Through month 12 of ART-mediated viral suppression, the plasma KT ratio decreased by approximately 50% (P < .001). After adjustment for pre-ART CD4(+) T-cell count, virus load, age, and sex, a higher month 12 KT ratio predicted a slower rate of subsequent CD4(+) T-cell count recovery (P = .001). Thirty-nine participants died. After adjustment for pre-ART CD4(+) T-cell count, virus load, body mass index, sex, and age, a higher pre-ART and month 6 KT ratio predicted increased mortality (P ≤ .016). The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan catabolism independently predicts poor CD4(+) T-cell count recovery and increased mortality among HIV-infected Ugandans initiating ART and may be an important target for interventions.