HIV-1 Replication In Monocytes Research Articles

IL-27-dependent STAT1 activation is enhanced in CD4 T cells from HIV infected patients

Abstract In patients with HIV infection, reconstitution of the CD4 T cell pool after initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is a slow process and depends on CD4 T cell counts prior to therapy. This suggests that the CD4 T cell pool is under homeostatic pressure compared to the CD8 T cell pool which is expanded. We have previously shown that lymphopenia and IL-7 increase expression of the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcriptions 1, 2 and 3 (STAT1, 2 and 3) leading to an enhanced response to Type I IFNs and contributing to the immune activation of CD4 T cells. A recent report has shown that IL-27, a member of the IL-12 family of cytokines, inhibits HIV replication in monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells. IL-27 signals through the JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways. Since IL-27 activates STAT1 and STAT3, we hypothesized that IL-7-dependent modulation of STATs expression can influence the response to IL-27 in T cells from HIV patients. We tested whether the γc-cytokines IL-2, IL-7, IL-15 have an effect on STATs expression and their impact on IL-27 signaling in T cells from healthy controls. We found that in addition to IL-7, IL-2 and IL-15 significantly increased expression of STAT1 and STAT3 in CD4 and CD8 T cells and led to an enhanced STAT1 and STAT3 activation upon IL-27 in vitro stimulation. We also found that compared to healthy controls, CD4 T cells from HIV infected patients had a significantly increased STAT1 expression and showed enhanced STAT1 activation upon in vitro stimulation with IL-27. This effect was not observed in CD8 T cells. These data suggest that IL-2, IL-7 and IL-15 modulate IL-27 signaling. In the context of HIV infection, the enhanced IL-27-dependent STAT1 activation may impact CD4 T cell activation and function.

In vitro evaluation of structural analogs of diallyl sulfide as novel CYP2E1 inhibitors for their protective effect against xenobiotic-induced toxicity and HIV replication

Diallyl sulfide (DAS) has been shown to prevent xenobiotic (e.g. ethanol, acetaminophen) induced toxicity and disease (e.g. HIV-1) pathogenesis. DAS imparts its beneficial effect by inhibiting CYP2E1-mediated metabolism of xenobiotics, especially at high concentration. However, DAS also causes toxicity at relatively high dosages and with long exposure times. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to investigate the structural analogs of DAS for their improved toxicity profiles and their effectiveness in reducing xenobiotic-induced toxicity and HIV-1 replication. Previously, we identified commercially available analogs that possessed CYP2E1 inhibitory capacity greater than or equal to that of DAS. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity and efficacy of these analogs using hepatocytes, monocytes, and astrocytes where CYP2E1 plays an important role in xenobiotic-mediated toxicity. Our results showed that thiophene, allyl methyl sulfide, diallyl ether, and 2-prop-2-enoxyacetamide are significantly less cytotoxic than DAS in these cells. Moreover, these analogs reduced ethanol- and acetaminophen-induced toxicity in hepatocytes and HIV-1 replication in monocytes more effectively than DAS. Overall, our findings are significant in terms of using these DAS analogs as a tool in vitro and in vivo, especially to examine chronic xenobiotic-induced toxicity and disease pathogenesis that occurs through the CYP2E1 pathway.

TLR7/8 agonist induces a post-entry SAMHD1-independent block to HIV-1 infection of monocytes.

BackgroundMonocytes, the primary myeloid cell-type in peripheral blood, are resistant to HIV-1 infection as a result of the lentiviral restriction factor SAMHD1. Toll-like receptors recognize microbial pathogen components, inducing the expression of antiviral host proteins and proinflammatory cytokines. TLR agonists that mimic microbial ligands have been found to have activity against HIV-1 in macrophages. The induction of restriction factors in monocytes by TLR agonist activation has not been well studied. To analyze restriction factor induction by TLR activation in monocytes, we used the imidazoquinoline TLR7/8 agonist R848 and infected with HIV-1 reporter virus that contained packaged viral accessory protein Vpx, which allows the virus to escape SAMHD1-mediated restriction. ResultsR848 prevented the replication of Vpx-containing HIV-1 and HIV-2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and monocytes. The block was post-entry but prior to reverse transcription of the viral genomic RNA. The restriction was associated with destabilization of the genomic RNA molecules of the in-coming virus particle. R848 treatment of activated T cells did not protect them from infection but treated monocytes produced high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including type-I IFN that protected bystander activated T cells from infection.ConclusionThe activation of TLR7/8 induces two independent restrictions to HIV-1 replication in monocytes: a cell-intrinsic block that acts post-entry to prevent reverse transcription; and a cell-extrinsic block, in which monocytes produce high levels of proinflammatory cytokines (primarily type-I IFN) that protects bystander monocytes and T lymphocytes. The cell-intrinsic block may result from the induction of a novel restriction factor, which can be termed Lv5 and acts by destabilizing the in-coming viral genomic RNA, either by the induction of a host ribonuclease or by disrupting the viral capsid. TLR agonists are being developed for therapeutic use to diminish the size of the latent provirus reservoir in HIV-1 infected individuals. Such drugs may both induce latent provirus expression and restrict virus replication during treatment.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12977-016-0316-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

β-Catenin/TCF-4 signaling regulates susceptibility of macrophages and resistance of monocytes to HIV-1 productive infection.

Cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage are an important target for HIV-1 infection. They are often at anatomical sites linked to HIV-1 transmission and are an important vehicle for disseminating HIV-1 throughout the body, including the central nervous system. Monocytes do not support extensive productive HIV-1 replication, but they become more susceptible to HIV-1infection as they differentiate into macrophages. The mechanisms guiding susceptibility of HIV-1 replication in monocytes versus macrophages are not entirely clear. We determined whether endogenous activity of β-catenin signaling impacts differential susceptibility of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) to productive HIV-1 replication. We show that monocytes have an approximately 4-fold higher activity of β-catenin signaling than MDMs. Inducing β-catenin in MDMs suppressed HIV-1 replication by 5-fold while inhibiting endogenous β-catenin signaling in monocytes by transfecting with a dominant negative mutant for the downstream effector of β- catenin (TCF-4) promoted productive HIV-1 replication by 6-fold. These findings indicate that β-catenin/TCF-4 is an important pathway for restricted HIV-1 replication in monocytes and plays a significant role in potentiating HIV-1 replication as monocytes differentiate into macrophages. Targeting this pathway may provide a novel strategy to purge the latent reservoir from monocytes/macrophages, especially in sanctuary sites for HIV-1 such as the central nervous system.

Translation of Pur‐α is targeted by cellular miRNAs to modulate the differentiation‐dependent susceptibility of monocytes to HIV‐1 infection

The postentry restriction of HIV-1 replication in monocytes can be relieved when they differentiate to dendritic cells (DCs) or macrophages. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to interpret the differentiation-dependent susceptibility of monocytes to HIV-1 infection, and the absence of host-cell-encoded essential factors for HIV-1 completing the life cycle may provide an explanation. We have analyzed the gene expression profile in monocytes by mRNA microarray and compared it with that of differentiated DCs. We demonstrated that purine-rich element binding protein α (Pur-α), a host-cell-encoded ubiquitous, sequence-specific DNA- and RNA-binding protein, showed inadequate expression in monocytes, and the translation of Pur-α mRNA was repressed by cell-expressed microRNA (miRNA). These Pur-α-targeted miRNAs modulated the differentiation-dependent susceptibility of monocytes/DCs to HIV-1 infection, because rescue of Pur-α expression by transfection of miRNA inhibitors relieved the restriction of HIV-1 infection in monocytes, and ectopic input of miRNA mimics significantly reduced HIV-1 infection of monocyte-derived DCs (MDDCs). Collectively, our data emphasized that inadequate host factors contribute to HIV-1 restriction in monocytes, and cellular miRNAs modulate differentiation-dependent susceptibility of host cells to HIV-1 infection. Elaboration of HIV-1 restriction in host cells facilitates our understanding of viral pathogenesis and the search for a new antiviral strategy.

R-848 triggers the expression of TLR7/8 and suppresses HIV replication in monocytes

BackgroundToll-like receptors (TLR) 7 and 8 are important in single-stranded viral RNA recognition and may play a role in HIV infection and disease progression. We analyzed TLR7/8 expression and signaling in monocytes from HIV-infected and uninfected subjects to investigate a pathway with new potential for the suppression of HIV replication.MethodsEighty-one HIV-infected and uninfected subjects from Liaoning and Henan provinces in China participated in this study. Monocytes were isolated from subjects' peripheral blood mononuclear cells by magnetic bead selection. TLR7 and TLR8 mRNA was measured using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. R-848 (resiquimod) was used as a ligand for TLR7 and TLR8 in order to 1) assess TLR7/8-mediated monocyte responsiveness as indicated by IL-12 p40 and TNF-α secretion and 2) to examine HIV replication in cultured monocytes in the presence of R-848.ResultsWe found that expression of TLR7/8 mRNA in peripheral blood monocytes decreased with disease progression. TLR7 expression was decreased with stimulation with the TLR7/8 agonist, R-848, in vitro, whereas TLR8 expression was unaffected. Following R-848 stimulation, monocytes from HIV-infected subjects produced significantly less TNF-α than those from uninfected subjects, but trended towards greater production of IL-12 than stimulated monocytes from uninfected subjects. R-848 stimulation also suppressed HIV replication in cultured monocytes.ConclusionsOur study provides evidence that the TLR7 and TLR8 triggering can suppress HIV replication in monocytes and lead to postpone HIV disease progression, thereby offering novel targets for immunomodulatory therapy.

Inhibition of Anti-HIV MicroRNA Expression: A Mechanism for Opioid-Mediated Enhancement of HIV Infection of Monocytes

Inhibition of Anti-HIV MicroRNA Expression: A Mechanism for Opioid-Mediated Enhancement of HIV Infection of Monocytes

Host hindrance to HIV-1 replication in monocytes and macrophages

Monocytes and macrophages are targets of HIV-1 infection and play critical roles in multiple aspects of viral pathogenesis. HIV-1 can replicate in blood monocytes, although only a minor proportion of circulating monocytes harbor viral DNA. Resident macrophages in tissues can be infected and function as viral reservoirs. However, their susceptibility to infection, and their capacity to actively replicate the virus, varies greatly depending on the tissue localization and cytokine environment. The susceptibility of monocytes to HIV-1 infection in vitro depends on their differentiation status. Monocytes are refractory to infection and become permissive upon differentiation into macrophages. In addition, the capacity of monocyte-derived macrophages to sustain viral replication varies between individuals. Host determinants regulate HIV-1 replication in monocytes and macrophages, limiting several steps of the viral life-cycle, from viral entry to virus release. Some host factors responsible for HIV-1 restriction are shared with T lymphocytes, but several anti-viral mechanisms are specific to either monocytes or macrophages. Whilst a number of these mechanisms have been identified in monocytes or in monocyte-derived macrophages in vitro, some of them have also been implicated in the regulation of HIV-1 infection in vivo, in particular in the brain and the lung where macrophages are the main cell type infected by HIV-1. This review focuses on cellular factors that have been reported to interfere with HIV-1 infection in monocytes and macrophages, and examines the evidences supporting their role in vivo, highlighting unique aspects of HIV-1 restriction in these two cell types.

MiR-198 Inhibits HIV-1 Gene Expression and Replication in Monocytes and Its Mechanism of Action Appears To Involve Repression of Cyclin T1

Cyclin T1 is a regulatory subunit of a general RNA polymerase II elongation factor known as P-TEFb. Cyclin T1 is also required for Tat transactivation of HIV-1 LTR-directed gene expression. Translation of Cyclin T1 mRNA has been shown to be repressed in human monocytes, and this repression is relieved when cells differentiate to macrophages. We identified miR-198 as a microRNA (miRNA) that is strongly down-regulated when monocytes are induced to differentiate. Ectopic expression of miR-198 in tissue culture cells reduced Cyclin T1 protein expression, and plasmid reporter assays verified miR-198 target sequences in the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of Cyclin T1 mRNA. Cyclin T1 protein levels increased when an inhibitor of miR-198 was transfected into primary monocytes, and overexpression of miR-198 in primary monocytes repressed the normal up-regulation of Cyclin T1 during differentiation. Expression of an HIV-1 proviral plasmid and HIV-1 replication were repressed in a monocytic cell line upon overexpression of miR-198. Our data indicate that miR-198 functions to restrict HIV-1 replication in monocytes, and its mechanism of action appears to involve repression of Cyclin T1 expression.

The influence of cytokines, chemokines and their receptors on HIV-1 replication in monocytes and macrophages.

Monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells play an important role in the initial infection and contribute to its pathogenesis throughout the course of infection. Myeloid cells express CD4 and chemokine receptors known for HIV-1 fusion and entry. The beta-chemokine receptor, CCR5, is the major co-receptor in conjunction with CD4 for macrophage (M)-tropic or (R5) isolates of HIV-1, whereas the alpha-chemokine receptor, CXCR4, facilitates entry of T-tropic or (X4) HIV-1 strains. Cells of myeloid lineage may be infected predominantly with R5- strains, although infection with dual-tropic isolates of HIV-1 (exhibiting the capacity to use CCR-5 and/or CXCR-4 for entry) or some strains of X4- isolates has also been reported. The expression of chemokine receptors, HIV-1 infection and replication is under continuous regulation by a complex cytokine network produced by a variety of cells. The effects of cytokines/chemokines on HIV-1 replication in cells of myeloid lineage can be inhibitory (IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, GM-CSF, IL-10, IL-13 and IL-16 and beta-chemokines), stimulatory (M-CSF, TNF-alpha, TNF-beta, IL-1, IL-6) or bifunction al, that is both inhibitory and stimulatory (IL-4). This review focuses on the overall expression of chemokine receptors on cells of myeloid lineage and considers the mechanisms of entry of R5-, X4- and dual-tropic strains of HIV-1 into these cells. The effects of cytokines/chemokines on viral entry and productive HIV-1 infection are also reviewed.

Transcriptional activation of HIV by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in human monocytes.

Recently it has been shown that infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis increases the replication of HIV in mononuclear cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism(s) of up-regulation of HIV in primary human monocytes. Monocytes from healthy subjects were infected with HIV in vitro and then cultured with purified protein derivative (PPD) of M. tuberculosis. Culture supernatants were assessed for HIV p24 and cytokines. HIV expression was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). PPD induced HIV-infected monocytes to increased expression of HIV RNA and production of HIV p24. This effect correlated with production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in monocyte cultures. However, neutralizing antibody to TNF-alpha only partly abrogated the PPD-induced HIV p24 in these cultures. Also, PPD and culture filtrate of M. tuberculosis induced HIV mRNA expression. Further, using an adenovirus infection system containing an HIV long-terminal repeat (LTR) reporter plasmid, we showed that M. tuberculosis and its PPD induced HIV LTR. Therefore, the effect of M. tuberculosis and its PPD on HIV replication in monocytes is primarily one of transcriptional activation.

The biological effects of structural variation at the meta position of the aromatic rings and at the end of the alkenyl chain in the alkenyldiarylmethane series of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

In an effort to elucidate a set of structure-activity relationships in the alkenyldiarylmethane (ADAM) series of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, a number of modifications were made at two locations: (1) the meta positions of the two aromatic rings and (2) the end of the alkenyl chain. Forty-two new ADAMs were synthesized and evaluated for inhibition of the cytopathic effect of HIV-1(RF) in CEM-SS cell culture and for inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. The size of the aromatic substituents was found to affect anti-HIV activity, with optimal activity appearing with Cl, CH(3), and Br substituents and with diminished activity occurring with smaller (H and F) or larger (I and CF(3)) substituents. The substituents at the end of the alkenyl chain were also found to influence the antiviral activity, with maximal activity associated with methyl or ethyl ester groups and with diminished activity resulting from substitution with higher esters, amides, sulfides, sulfoxides, sulfones, thioesters, acetals, ketones, carbamates, ureas, and thioureas. Twelve of the new ADAMs displayed submicromolar EC(50) values for inhibition of the cytopathic effect of HIV-1(RF) in CEM-SS cells. Selected ADAMs, 19 and 21, were compared to previously published ADAMs 15 and 17 for antiviral efficacy and activity against the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase enzyme. All four ADAMs were found to inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase enzyme activity, to inhibit the replication of a variety of HIV-1 clinical isolates representing syncytium-inducing, nonsyncytium-inducing, and subtype representative isolates, and to inhibit HIV-1 replication in monocytes. Subsequent assessment against a panel of site-directed reverse transcriptase mutants in NL4-3 demonstrated no effect of the K103N mutation on antiviral efficacy and a slight enhancement (6- to 11-fold) in sensitivity to AZT-resistant viruses. Additionally, ADAMs 19 (44-fold) and 21 (29-fold) were more effective against the A98G mutation (found in association with nevirapine resistance in vitro), and ADAM 21 was 5-fold and 2-fold more potent against the Y181C inactivation mutation than the previously reported ADAMs 15 and 17, respectively. All four ADAMs were tested for efficacy against a multidrug-resistant virus derived from a highly experienced patient expressing resistance to the reverse transcriptase enzyme inhibitors AZT, ddI, 3TC, d4T, foscarnet, and nevirapine, as well as the protease inhibitors indinavir, saquinavir, and nelfinavir. ADAM 21 was 2-fold more potent than ADAM 15 and 6-fold more potent than ADAMs 17 and 19 at preventing virus replication. Thus, we have identified a novel series of reverse transcriptase inhibitors with a favorable profile of antiviral activity against the primary mutation involved in clinical failure of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, K103N, and that retain activity against a multidrug-resistant virus.

Cutting Edge: Dichotomous Effects of β-Chemokines on HIV Replication in Monocytes and Monocyte-Derived Macrophages

AbstractThe role of β-chemokines in the pathogenesis of HIV disease remains undefined. Given the potent capacities of these proteins to attract mononuclear cells to inflammatory sites, such as lymph nodes of patients with HIV disease, the effects of exposure of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages to β-chemokines before HIV infection were compared with their effects when added either simultaneously with or after HIV infection. In this system, HIV replication was substantially increased in cells that had been exposed to β-chemokines before HIV infection. These effects were pertussis toxin sensitive. By contrast, HIV replication was inhibited in cells that had been exposed to β-chemokines either simultaneously with or after HIV infection. These effects were not pertussis toxin sensitive. In view of this potent capacity of β-chemokines to stimulate HIV replication, treatment approaches for HIV disease based on the apparent inhibitory activity of these proteins on viral replication should be undertaken with caution.

The inhibition of HIV replication in monocytes by interleukin 10 is linked to inhibition of cell differentiation.

The effect of exogenous recombinant interleukin 10 on the replication of low-passage HIV-1 strains in blood-derived monocytes and monocyte-derived-macrophages (MDMs) was examined at various stages of cell maturation after adherence to the plastic substrate. Interleukin 10 inhibited extracellular production of HIV-1 to a greater degree in monocytes infected within 24 hr of adherence than those infected at 5-7 days. Inhibition of viral production as extracellular p24 antigen was most marked when interleukin 10 was preincubated with monocytes for 24-96 hr (optimum, 48 hr), and increased between 2 and 100 ng/ml. Neutralizing antibody to IL-10 reversed the inhibition. Inhibition of HIV production from monocytes and macrophages was maximal at 1 week after a single addition of cytokine, but then HIV production rose to control levels. Interleukin 10 was also found to inhibit reversibly the normal increase in size and maturation of both uninfected and HIV-infected monocytes during 10-15 days of adherence. In addition, cytoplasmic and membrane expression of CD26, a marker of macrophage maturation, was markedly inhibited but the proportion of detaching, apoptotic, or necrotic cells was also not increased. Hence, interleukin 10 reversibly inhibits both monocyte maturation and HIV production from infected monocytes with similar kinetics, suggesting that inhibition of monocyte maturation by IL-10 may have a marked effect of HIV production by these cells.

Staphylococcal superantigens activate HIV-1 replication in naturally infected monocytes

To study the effects of microbial superantigens, Staphylococcal exotoxins (SE), on HIV replication in monocytes following binding to and signalling through major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. We investigated the effects of SE on HIV replication and monokine production in three different in vitro models of monocyte culture: chronically infected monocytic cell line U1, acute infection of normal monocytes by different HIV-1 strains, and naturally-infected monocytes from seropositive patients. p24 antigen, interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production was measured by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Staphylococcal enterotoxin B and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (1-1000 ng/ml) are powerful inducers of HIV-1 expression in U1 cells pretreated with granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor. SE induce viral replication in short-term cultures (days 6-21) of monocytes infected in vitro by HIVBa-L, HIVLAI, or naturally infected in vivo. Induction of HIV expression requires direct interactions of SE with MHC class II molecules but not T-cell receptor binding and T-cell-monocyte contact. Anti-TNF-alpha and anti-IL-6 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies inhibit by over 61% SE-induced HIV replication. Using SE we have linked two important pathways for the regulation of HIV replication in monocytes, namely signalling through MHC class II molecules and monokine production potentially mediated by induction of the pleiotropic cellular transcription factor NF-kappa B. In HIV-infected patients bacterial infections are common and could be an important cofactor in the immunopathogenesis of AIDS by inducing HIV replication in latently infected monocytes. Their prevention might emerge as beneficial in these patients.

The magnitude of HIV replication in monocytes and macrophages is influenced by environmental conditions, viral strain, and host cells.

It has been difficult to standardize the effects of various stimuli on HIV replication in monocytes and macrophages in different laboratories. In this study we have shown that it is possible to standardize HIV inocula, culture conditions, and HIV antigen assay to achieve reproducibility with the same viral isolate and donor monocyte and macrophage. However, changes in serum concentration, in the strain of blood-derived isolate (even at low passage), in the donor source of the monocyte/macrophage, and in the state of cellular maturation all influenced HIV production by these cells. The donor source of monocytes contributed as much to variability in HIV production as the HIV strain and results were reproducible when the same source was used repeatedly. These in vitro data suggest that genetic differences may contribute to differences in HIV replication in macrophages and consequently to tissue virus load in vivo.

Molecular mechanisms of IL-4 effect on HIV expression in promonocytic cell lines and primary human monocytes.

HIV-1 can productively infect mononuclear phagocytes derived from blood, bone marrow, brain, and lung. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) have previously been shown to stimulate HIV replication in monocytes and macrophages. The mechanism of IL-4 stimulation was investigated and compared with the known effects of TNF-alpha. IL-4 up-regulated the expression of HIV mRNA within the first 2 days after infection of promonocytic U-937 cells and 3 to 4 days after infection of plastic-adherent blood macrophages with HIV-1. TNF-alpha also up-regulated production of HIV RNA but to a greater degree than IL-4, reaching a peak 3-4 days after addition. Northern blot analyses showed an increase in genomic and spliced RNAs at these times. However, there was reduced stimulation of HIV mRNA production when IL-4 and TNF-alpha were combined. These techniques are being used to further elucidate the mechanism of action of cytokines that inhibit HIV replication in purified human monocytes and macrophages.

Appraisal of potential therapeutic index of antioxidants on the basis of their in vitro effects on HIV replication in monocytes and interleukin 2-induced lymphocyte proliferation.

Antioxidant molecules have been suggested to be of therapeutic value in the treatment of HIV-infected patients. To evaluate this possibility, we examined in vitro the effects of two types of antioxidant molecules in terms of inhibition of HIV replication in monocytes, one of the main reservoirs of HIV, and also in terms of modulation of the immune competence as measured by PBMC proliferation. We tested the effects of BHA, a phenolic, lipid-soluble, chain-breaking antioxidant, and NAC, a known glutathione precursor with some direct free-radical scavenging properties as well, on the regulation of HIV-1 expression in latently infected U1 cells and in productively and chronically infected U937 cells. Both antioxidants inhibited TNF- or PMA-induced NF-kappa B activity in U1 cells, as well as the sustained NF-kappa B activity permanently induced by the virus itself in chronically HIV-infected U937 cells. This resulted in only a partial inhibition of TNF- or PMA-induced HIV replication in U1 cells, and no detectable effect on HIV replication in chronically infected U937 cells. This may be the first limitation to potential antiviral effects of antioxidant therapies. Another limitation is that antioxidant concentrations high enough to block NK-kappa B activation were shown to have a suppressive effect on immune functions in vitro, because NAC and BHA blocked IL-2-induced PBMC proliferation. These data warrant prudence in the design of antioxidant-based therapies aimed at suppressing HIV replication.

Enhanced HIV-1 replication in retinoid-treated monocytes. Retinoid effects mediated through mechanisms related to cell differentiation and to a direct transcriptional action on viral gene expression.

Vitamin A and other retinoids have profound effects on macrophage differentiation and function. Such effects could alter interactions between HIV and tissue macrophages, a principal target cell and reservoir for virus during HIV disease. Indeed, retinoids are used to treat various symptoms associated with HIV infection. We show that levels of virus replication in monocytes cultured 7 days before and continuously after HIV infection in 1 to 10 microM retinoic acid were 10- to 20-fold greater than those of control cells. No direct toxicity (detachment from substrate or cell death) was evident in infected or control monocytes treated with less than or equal to 10 microM retinoic acid. Maximum effects of retinoic acid (50% maximum effect was at 0.8 +/- 0.1 microM) required 5 to 7 days treatment before infection and persisted without additional treatment through more than 4 wk. RT activity in cultures of retinoic acid-treated monocytes reached maximum levels much earlier than those of control cultures, but the minimum tissue culture infectious doses for retinoic acid-treated and untreated monocytes were comparable. Retinoic acid treatment did not affect susceptibility of monocytes to HIV infection. Further, the frequency of infected cells in retinoic acid-treated and control cultures were also comparable: about 20% of cells in each culture expressed HIV proteins or RNA 2 wk after infection. In contrast, levels of HIV-specific RNA and DNA were 3- to 5-fold higher in the retinoic acid-treated over control monocytes 1 wk after infection. That retinoic acid increased levels of HIV gene expression in monocyte cultures without affecting the number of infected cells per culture suggested a transcriptional mechanism for the effect. This was confirmed in the U937 myeloid cell line transfected with HIV LTR linked to a chloramphenicol acetyl transferase reporter gene. Chloramphenicol acetyl transferase activity in lysates of retinoic acid-treated cells were 20-fold higher than that of control cells. These data show that retinoic acid significantly increased HIV replication in monocytes through mechanisms related to cell differentiation and to a direct transcriptional effect on viral gene expression.

Induction of IFN-alpha in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by HIV-infected monocytes. Restricted antiviral activity of the HIV-induced IFN.

PBMC cocultured with HIV-infected monocytes for 12 to 48 h released high levels of IFN activity. IFN titers were directly dependent upon time after virus infection and level of HIV replication in infected cells. IFN induction in PBMC was evident with HIV-infected monocytes and PBMC and with myeloid and lymphoblastoid cell lines with at least three different HIV strains. In HIV-infected cell line pairs in which virus infection occurs in both productive and restricted forms, IFN induction in PBMC occurred only with productive infection. IFN activity was acid stable and completely neutralized by antibodies against IFN-alpha. Induction of IFN required cell-cell contact between HIV-infected cells and PBMC, but was independent of MHC compatibility. With PBMC co-cultured with autologous HIV-infected monocytes, IFN induction was highly selective: IL-1 beta, IL-6, or TNF-alpha activity and mRNA were not detected. Cell surface determinants on HIV-infected monocytes that induced IFN in PBMC remained active after fixation in 4% paraformaldehyde. Both adherent and nonadherent PBMC produced IFN after coculture with HIV-infected monocytes. Ability to produce IFN by PBMC was not affected by depletion of T cell, NK cell, B cell, or monocyte subpopulations. The IFN activity produced by PBMC cocultured with HIV-infected cells was about 20-fold less active than equal quantities of rIFN-alpha 2b for inhibition of HIV replication in monocytes and at low concentrations enhanced virus growth. Clinical studies with HIV-infected patients and parallel findings in animal lentivirus disease suggest an adverse role for IFN in disease progression. Conditions for induction of IFN in the culture system described in this report may mimic those in the HIV-infected patient. Defining the molecular basis for IFN induction, the cells that produce IFN, and the altered biologic activity of this important cytokine may provide insight into the pathogenesis of HIV disease.