Cryptic MHC class I-binding peptides are revealed by aminoglycoside-induced stop codon read-through into the 3' UTR.

Aminoglycosides have been proposed as therapies for genetic disorders caused by nonsense mutations, because of their capacity to enhance translational read-through of premature termination codons (PTCs), thereby permitting expression of functional full-length protein. However, a potential consequence of this strategy is the development of an autoimmune response to HLA-presented epitopes encoded downstream of the PTC or other stop codons. Using a recombinant virus-expression system in tissue culture and in mice, we demonstrate that gentamicin can induce expression and MHC class I presentation of a model epitope encoded downstream of a PTC at levels sufficient to activate CD8(+) T cells. The degree of read-through-derived peptide presentation varies with the sequence of the stop codon and +1 nucleotide. Additionally, we applied a mass spectrometry exploration of the HLA class I peptide repertoire of gentamicin-treated cells and identified multiple peptides derived from read-through of conventional stop codons. These results substantiate the possibility of self-reactivity to cryptic epitopes revealed by stop codon read-through therapies and potentially other therapeutic approaches involving compounds that alter translational fidelity.

Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection Is Common Among ART-Treated People With HIV.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available regarding asymptomatic COVID-19 among people with HIV (PWH). Data on a representative subset of PWH enrolled in Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV, a global clinical trial, are presented here. METHODS: Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV is an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention trial among 7770 PWH on antiretroviral therapy. Beginning April 2020, targeted data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis and symptoms were collected during routine trial visits. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was defined as either COVID-19 clinical diagnosis or presence of SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) or Immunoglobulin A (IgA) receptor binding domain protein (antispike) antibodies in the absence of prior COVID-19 vaccine. RESULTS: The group (N = 2464) had a median age 53 years, 35% female sex, 47% Black or African American race, median CD4 count 649 c/mm 3 , and 97% with HIV VL <400 cp/m. SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 318 persons (13%): 58 with clinical diagnosis and 260 with detectable antibodies. Of these PWH, 304 completed symptom questionnaires: 121 (40%) reported symptoms, but 183 (60%) were asymptomatic. PWH with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to be from low-income or middle-income regions, of Black or African American race, older in age, and with higher atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score. Symptomatic COVID was more common with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and low HDL levels. CD4 counts and HIV viral suppression rates were similar among PWH with symptomatic vs. asymptomatic COVID. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection is common among antiretroviral therapy-treated PWH globally. We determined that 60% of infections in PWH were asymptomatic. HIV clinicians must remain vigilant about COVID-19 testing among PWH to identify asymptomatic cases.