CD4 dim CD8 bright T cells are inversely associated with neuro-inflammatory markers among people with HIV.

OBJECTIVE: HIV-associated neuroinflammation persists in the brain despite suppressive combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We evaluated associations between a subset of CD8 + T cells, termed CD4 dim CD8 bright T cells, and soluble markers of immune activation and/or neuroinflammation in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of people with HIV (PWH). DESIGN: Fifteen cART-naive PWH were enrolled and underwent blood draw, lumbar puncture for CSF collection, and neuropsychological tests at week 0 (pre-cART) and 24 weeks after cART initiation. METHODS: CSF and peripheral blood T cells were evaluated with flow cytometry and soluble markers of immune activation were measured by multiplex and singleplex assays. Spearman bootstrap correlation coefficients with 10 000 resamples were computed and reported with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each marker of interest and T-cell type. RESULTS: The frequency of CSF CD4 dim CD8 bright T cells at week 0 was inversely related with CSF neopterin. In contrast, at week 24, CSF CD4 - CD8 + T cells were positively correlated with CSF s100ß, a marker of brain injury. In the blood, at week 0, CD4 dim CD8 bright T cells were inversely correlated with MCP-1, IP-10, IL-8, IL-6, G-CSF, and APRIL and positively correlated with plasma RANTES and MMP1. At week 0, the frequency of blood CD4 - CD8 + were positively correlated with CRP and BAFF. CONCLUSION: CD4 dim CD8 bright T cells are associated with some anti-inflammatory properties, whereas CD4 - CD8 + T cells may contribute to inflammation and injury. Assessing the contrast between these two cell populations in neuroHIV may inform targeted therapeutic intervention to reduce neuroinflammation and associated neurocognitive impairment.

An active HIV reservoir during ART is associated with maintenance of HIV-specific CD8+ T cell magnitude and short-lived differentiation status.

Before initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-specific CD8+ T cells are dysfunctional and short lived. To better understand the relationship between the HIV reservoir in CD4+ T cells and the magnitude and differentiation status of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells, we investigated these cells from acute and chronic HIV-infected individuals after 2 years of ART. Although both the HIV reservoir and the CD8+ T cell responses declined significantly after 2 years of ART, sustained HIV-specific CD8+ T cell responses correlated with a greater reduction of integrated HIV provirus. However, the magnitude of CD8+ T cells specific for HIV Gag, Pol, Nef, and Vif proteins positively associated with the active reservoir size during ART, measured as cell-associated RNA. Importantly, high HIV DNA levels strongly associate with maintenance of short-lived HIV-specific CD8+ T cells, regardless of ART initiation time. Our data suggest that the active reservoir maintains HIV-specific CD8+ T cell magnitude but prevents their differentiation into functional cells.

Impact of sleep deprivation on neurocognition and inflammation in rhesus macaques.

Sleep deprivation in humans is associated with both cognitive impairment and immune dysregulation. An animal model of neuropathogenesis may provide insight to understand the effects of sleep deprivation on the brain. Human neurocognition is more closely mirrored by nonhuman primates (NHP) than other animals. As such, we developed an NHP model to assess the impact of sleep deprivation on neurocognition and markers of systemic immune activation. Six male rhesus macaques underwent three rounds of sleep deprivation (48 h without sleep) at days 0, 14, and 28. We performed domain specific cognitive assessments using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) via a touch screen before and after 24 and 48 h of sleep deprivation. Immune activation markers were measured in the blood by multiplex assay and flow cytometry. Although we observed variability in cognitive performance between the three rounds of sleep deprivation, cognitive impairments were identified in all six animals. We noted more cognitive impairments after 48 h than after 24 h of sleep deprivation. Following 48 h of sleep deprivation, elevations in markers of immune activation in the blood were observed in most animals. The observed impairments largely normalized after sleep. The co-occurrence of systemic immune alterations and cognitive impairment establishes this model as useful for studying the impact of sleep deprivation on neurobehavior and immune perturbations in rhesus macaques.

Single-cell transcriptomics identifies prothymosin α restriction of HIV-1 in vivo.

Host restriction factors play key roles in innate antiviral defense, but it remains poorly understood which of them restricts HIV-1 in vivo. Here, we used single-cell transcriptomic analysis to identify host factors associated with HIV-1 control during acute infection by correlating host gene expression with viral RNA abundance within individual cells. Wide sequencing of cells from one participant with the highest plasma viral load revealed that intracellular viral RNA transcription correlates inversely with expression of the gene PTMA, which encodes prothymosin α. This association was genome-wide significant (Padjusted < 0.05) and was validated in 28 additional participants from Thailand and the Americas with HIV-1 CRF01_AE and subtype B infections, respectively. Overexpression of prothymosin α in vitro confirmed that this cellular factor inhibits HIV-1 transcription and infectious virus production. Our results identify prothymosin α as a host factor that restricts HIV-1 infection in vivo, which has implications for viral transmission and cure strategies.

Brain volumetrics differ by Fiebig stage in acute HIV infection.

OBJECTIVE: People with chronic HIV exhibit lower regional brain volumes compared to people without HIV (PWOH). Whether imaging alterations observed in chronic infection occur in acute HIV infection (AHI) remains unknown. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of Thai participants with AHI. METHODS: One hundred and twelve Thai males with AHI (age 20-46) and 18 male Thai PWOH (age 18-40) were included. Individuals with AHI were stratified into early (Fiebig I-II; n  = 32) and late (Fiebig III-V; n  = 80) stages of acute infection using validated assays. T1-weighted scans were acquired using a 3 T MRI performed within five days of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Volumes for the amygdala, caudate nucleus, hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, pallidum, putamen, and thalamus were compared across groups. RESULTS: Participants in late Fiebig stages exhibited larger volumes in the nucleus accumbens (8% larger; P  = 0.049) and putamen (19%; P  < 0.001) when compared to participants in the early Fiebig. Compared to PWOH, participants in late Fiebig exhibited larger volumes of the amygdala (9% larger; P  = 0.002), caudate nucleus (11%; P  = 0.005), nucleus accumbens (15%; P  = 0.004), pallidum (19%; P  = 0.001), and putamen (31%; P  < 0.001). Brain volumes in the nucleus accumbens, pallidum, and putamen correlated modestly with stimulant use over the past four months among late Fiebig individuals ( P s < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that brain volume alterations occur in acute infection, with the most prominent differences evident in the later stages of AHI. Additional studies are needed to evaluate mechanisms for possible brain disruption following ART, including viral factors and markers of neuroinflammation.

Acute HIV-1 infection viremia associate with rebound upon treatment interruption.

BACKGROUND: Analytic treatment interruption (ATI) studies evaluate strategies to potentially induce remission in people living with HIV-1 but are often limited in sample size. We combined data from four studies that tested three interventions (vorinostat/hydroxychloroquine/maraviroc before ATI, Ad26/MVA vaccination before ATI, and VRC01 antibody infusion during ATI). METHODS: The statistical validity of combining data from these participants was evaluated. Eleven variables, including HIV-1 viral load at diagnosis, Fiebig stage, and CD4+ T cell count were evaluated using pairwise correlations, statistical tests, and Cox survival models. FINDINGS: Participants had homogeneous demographic and clinical characteristics. Because an antiviral effect was seen in participants who received VRC01 infusion post-ATI, these participants were excluded from the analysis, permitting a pooled analysis of 53 participants. Time to viral rebound was significantly associated with variables measured at the beginning of infection: pre-antiretroviral therapy (ART) viral load (HR = 1.34, p = 0.022), time to viral suppression post-ART initiation (HR = 1.07, p < 0.001), and area under the viral load curve (HR = 1.34, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: We show that higher viral loads in acute HIV-1 infection were associated with faster viral rebound, demonstrating that the initial stage of HIV-1 infection before ART initiation has a strong impact on viral rebound post-ATI years later. FUNDING: This work was supported by a cooperative agreement between the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine and the US Department of the Army (W81XWH-18-2-0040). This research was funded, in part, by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (AAI20052001) and the I4C Martin Delaney Collaboratory (5UM1AI126603-05).

Neurocognitive impact of Zika virus infection in adult rhesus macaques.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus that affects many regions of the world. Infection, in utero, causes microcephaly and later developmental and neurologic impairments. The impact of ZIKV infection on neurocognition in adults has not been well described. The objective of the study was to assess the neurocognitive impact of ZIKV infection in adult rhesus macaques. METHODS: Neurocognitive assessments were performed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) via a touch screen and modified Brinkman Board before and after subcutaneous ZIKV inoculation. Immune activation markers were measured in the blood and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) by multiplex assay and flow cytometry. RESULTS: All animals (N = 8) had detectable ZIKV RNA in plasma at day 1 post-inoculation (PI) that peaked at day 2 PI (median 5.9, IQR 5.6-6.2 log10 genome equivalents/mL). In all eight animals, ZIKV RNA became undetectable in plasma by day 14 PI, but persisted in lymphoid tissues. ZIKV RNA was not detected in the CSF supernatant at days 4, 8, 14 and 28 PI but was detected in the brain of 2 animals at days 8 and 28 PI. Elevations in markers of immune activation in the blood and CSF were accompanied by a reduction in accuracy and reaction speed on the CANTAB in the majority of animals. CONCLUSIONS: The co-occurrence of systemic and CSF immune perturbations and neurocognitive impairment establishes this model as useful for studying the impact of neuroinflammation on neurobehavior in rhesus macaques, as it pertains to ZIKV infection and potentially other pathogens.

Can Broadly Neutralizing HIV-1 Antibodies Help Achieve an ART-Free Remission?

Many broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) targeting the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein are being assessed in clinical trials as strategies for HIV-1 prevention, treatment, and antiretroviral-free remission. BnAbs can neutralize HIV-1 and target infected cells for elimination. Concerns about HIV-1 resistance to single bnAbs have led to studies of bnAb combinations with non-overlapping resistance profiles. This review focuses on the potential for bnAbs to induce HIV-1 remission, either alone or in combination with latency reversing agents, therapeutic vaccines or other novel therapeutics. Key topics include preliminary activity of bnAbs in preclinical models and in human studies of HIV-1 remission, clinical trial designs, and antibody design strategies to optimize pharmacokinetics, coverage of rebound-competent virus, and enhancement of cellular immune functions.

Classical complement and inflammasome activation converge in CD14highCD16- monocytes in HIV associated TB-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.

Inflammasome-derived cytokines, IL-1ß and IL-18, and complement cascade have been independently implicated in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB)-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS), a complication affecting HIV+ individuals starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). Although sublytic deposition of the membrane attack complex (MAC) has been shown to promote NLRP3 inflammasome activation, it is unknown whether these pathways may cooperatively contribute to TB-IRIS. To evaluate the activation of inflammasome, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HIV-TB co-infected patients prior to ART and at the IRIS or equivalent timepoint were incubated with a probe used to assess active caspase-1/4/5 followed by screening of ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD domain) specks as a readout of inflammasome activation by imaging flow cytometry. We found higher numbers of monocytes showing spontaneous caspase-1/4/5+ASC-speck formation in TB-IRIS compared to TB non-IRIS patients. Moreover, numbers of caspase-1/4/5+ASC-speck+ monocytes positively correlated with IL-1ß/IL-18 plasma levels. Besides increased systemic levels of C1q and C5a, TB-IRIS patients also showed elevated C1q and C3 deposition on monocyte cell surface, suggesting aberrant classical complement activation. A clustering tSNE analysis revealed TB-IRIS patients are enriched in a CD14highCD16- monocyte population that undergoes MAC deposition and caspase-1/4/5 activation compared to TB non-IRIS patients, suggesting complement-associated inflammasome activation during IRIS events. Accordingly, PBMCs from patients were more sensitive to ex-vivo complement-mediated IL-1ß secretion than healthy control cells in a NLRP3-dependent manner. Therefore, our data suggest complement-associated inflammasome activation may fuel the dysregulated TB-IRIS systemic inflammatory cascade and targeting this pathway may represent a novel therapeutic approach for IRIS or related inflammatory syndromes.

TLR7 agonist, N6-LS and PGT121 delayed viral rebound in SHIV-infected macaques after antiretroviral therapy interruption.

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist and PGT121 (broadly neutralizing antibody, bnAb) administration previously delayed viral rebound and induced SHIV remission. We evaluated the impact of GS-986 (TLR7 agonist) and dual bnAbs on viral rebound after antiretroviral therapy (ART) interruption. Rhesus macaques inoculated with SHIV-1157ipd3N4 were initiated on daily suppressive ART from Day 14 post SHIV inoculation. Active arm animals (n = 8) received GS-986, N6-LS and PGT121 after plasma viral suppression, starting from week 14. GS-986 induced immune activation and SHIV-specific T cell responses but not viral expression in all the active arm animals. After ART interruption, median time to viral rebound was 6 weeks in the active and 3 weeks in the control arm (p = 0.024). In this animal model, the administration of the combination of GS-986 and dual bnAbs was associated with a modest delay in viral rebound. This strategy should be further evaluated to better understand the underlying mechanisms for the induction of virus-specific immune responses and delay in viral rebound.

Dendritic cells focus CTL responses toward highly conserved and topologically important HIV-1 epitopes.

BACKGROUND: During early HIV-1 infection, immunodominant T cell responses to highly variable epitopes lead to the establishment of immune escape virus variants. Here we assessed a type 1-polarized monocyte-derived dendritic cell (MDC1)-based approach to selectively elicit cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses against highly conserved and topologically important HIV-1 epitopes in HIV-1-infected individuals from the Thailand RV254/SEARCH 010 cohort who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) during early infection (Fiebig stages I-IV). METHODS: Autologous MDC1 were used as antigen presenting cells to induce in vitro CTL responses against HIV-1 Gag, Pol, Env, and Nef as determined by flow cytometry and ELISpot assay. Ultra-conserved or topologically important antigens were respectively identified using the Epigraph tool and a structure-based network analysis approach and compared to overlapping peptides spanning the Gag proteome. FINDINGS: MDC1 presenting either the overlapping Gag, Epigraph, or Network 14-21mer peptide pools consistently activated and expanded HIV-1-specific T cells to epitopes identified at the 9-13mer peptide level. Interestingly, some CTL responses occurred outside known or expected HLA associations, providing evidence of new HLA-associated CTL epitopes. Comparative analyses demonstrated more sequence conservation among Epigraph antigens but a higher magnitude of CTL responses to Network and Gag peptide groups. Importantly, CTL responses against topologically constrained Gag epitopes contained in both the Network and Gag peptide pools were selectively enhanced in the Network pool-initiated cultures. INTERPRETATION: Our study supports the use of MDC1 as a therapeutic strategy to induce and focus CTL responses toward putative fitness-constrained regions of HIV-1 to prevent immune escape and control HIV-1 infection. FUNDING: A full list of the funding sources is detailed in the Acknowledgment section of the manuscript.

Plasma tissue factor and immune activation are associated with carotid intima-media thickness progression in treated HIV infection.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the roles of biomarkers of immune activation with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) progression in treated HIV infection. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study of 118 treated and virologically suppressed individuals. METHODS: We measured biomarkers of immune activation at baseline using cryopreserved samples. CIMT was measured at baseline and longitudinally using high-resolution ultrasound. Linear regression was used to estimate biomarker associations with CIMT progression, and logistic regression was used to model plaque progression. RESULTS: The median duration of follow-up was 2.0 years. The median annual rate of change in mean CIMT was 6.0%. Rates of progression were more rapid in the bifurcation (5.6%/year, P = 0.006) and internal (6.5%/year, P = 0.0008) than common CIMT (4.3%/year). Incident plaque occurred in 13 of the 52 individuals without baseline plaque. In multivariable adjusted analysis, plasma tissue factor and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were associated with more rapid common CIMT progression (0.058 mm/year, P = 0.0004 and 0.067 mm/year, P = 0.017; all estimates per doubling). CD8 T-cell count and percentage of HLA-DRCD38CD8 T cells were associated with more rapid internal CIMT progression (0.10 mm/year, P = 0.008 and 0.054 mm/year, P = 0.045). CD8 T-cell count was also associated with 0.068 mm/year more rapid mean CIMT progression (P = 0.011). Each 10% increase in CD4 T-cell count at baseline was associated with a 34% reduced odds of plaque progression (P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Residual immune activation and plasma tissue factor are independently associated with CIMT progression in treated HIV infection. Interventions targeting coagulation and inflammatory pathways to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in HIV merit additional investigations.

Impact of analytical treatment interruption on the central nervous system in a simian-HIV model.

OBJECTIVE(S): Analytical treatment interruption (ATI) studies are often used to evaluate potential HIV cure strategies. This study was conducted to determine the impact of ATI on simian-HIV (SHIV) infection in the central nervous system. DESIGN: Animal study. METHODS: Nine rhesus macaques were inoculated with SHIV-1157ipd3N4. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was administered from week 2 to 18. At week 18, four animals were euthanized (no-ATI-group) and five underwent ATI (ATI-group) and were euthanized at 12 weeks post viral rebound. Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) SHIV-RNA, markers of inflammation and brain CD3+, CD68+/CD163+ and RNA+ cells were measured. RESULTS: All nine animals were SHIV-infected, with median pre-ART plasma and CSF SHIV-RNA of 6.2 and 3.6 log10copies/ml. Plasma and CSF IL-15, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IFN-γ-induced protein-10 and neopterin increased postinfection. ART initiation was associated with rapid and complete suppression of plasma viremia and reductions in plasma and CSF IL-15, IFN-γ-induced protein-10, neopterin and CSF monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Median time to plasma viral rebound was 21 days post-ATI. At 12 weeks postrebound, CSF SHIV-RNA was undetectable and no increases in plasma and CSF markers of inflammation were found. Higher numbers of CD3+ and CD68+/CD163+ cells were seen in the brains of 3/5 and 1/5 animals, respectively, in the ATI-group when compared with no-ATI-group. SHIV-RNA+ cells were not identified in the brain in either group post-ATI. CONCLUSION: ATI in macaques that initiated ART during early SHIV-1157ipd3N4 infection was associated with mild, localized T-cell infiltrate in the brain without detectable SHIV-RNA in the brain or CSF, or elevation in CSF soluble markers of inflammation.

Central Nervous System Inflammation and Infection during Early, Nonaccelerated Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Rhesus Macaques.

Studies utilizing highly pathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) have largely focused on the immunopathology of the central nervous system (CNS) during end-stage neurological AIDS and SIV encephalitis. However, this may not model pathophysiology in earlier stages of infection. In this nonaccelerated SHIV model, plasma SHIV RNA levels and peripheral blood and colonic CD4+ T cell counts mirrored early human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in humans. At 12 weeks postinfection, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) detection of SHIV RNA and elevations in IP-10 and MCP-1 reflected a discrete neurovirologic process. Immunohistochemical staining revealed a diffuse, low-level CD3+ CD4- cellular infiltrate in the brain parenchyma without a concomitant increase in CD68/CD163+ monocytes, macrophages, and activated microglial cells. Rare SHIV-infected cells in the brain parenchyma and meninges were identified by RNAScope in situ hybridization. In the meninges, there was also a trend toward increased CD4+ infiltration in SHIV-infected animals but no differences in CD68/CD163+ cells between SHIV-infected and uninfected control animals. These data suggest that in a model that closely recapitulates human disease, CNS inflammation and SHIV in CSF are predominantly mediated by T cell-mediated processes during early infection in both brain parenchyma and meninges. Because SHIV expresses an HIV rather than SIV envelope, this model could inform studies to understand potential HIV cure strategies targeting the HIV envelope.IMPORTANCE Animal models of the neurologic effects of HIV are needed because brain pathology is difficult to assess in humans. Many current models focus on the effects of late-stage disease utilizing SIV. In the era of antiretroviral therapy, manifestations of late-stage HIV are less common. Furthermore, new interventions, such as monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic vaccinations, target HIV envelope. We therefore describe a new model of central nervous system involvement in rhesus macaques infected with SHIV expressing HIV envelope in earlier, less aggressive stages of disease. Here, we demonstrate that SHIV mimics the early clinical course in humans and that early neurologic inflammation is characterized by predominantly T cell-mediated inflammation accompanied by SHIV infection in the brain and meninges. This model can be utilized to assess the effect of novel therapies targeted to HIV envelope on reducing brain inflammation before end-stage disease.

Emergence of Polyfunctional Cytotoxic CD4+ T Cells in Mycobacterium avium Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients.

Background: Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is an aberrant inflammatory response in individuals with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. The pathogenesis of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)-associated IRIS has not been fully elucidated. Methods: We investigated monocyte and CD4+ T-cell responses in vitro, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) expression in tissues, and plasma cytokines and inflammatory markers, in 13 HIV-infected patients with MAC-IRIS and 14 HIV-uninfected patients with pulmonary MAC infection. Results: Prior to ART, HIV-infected compared with HIV-uninfected patients, had reduced TNF+ monocytes (P = .013), although similar cytokine (interferon gamma [IFN-γ], TNF, interleukin 2 [IL-2], and interleukin 17 [IL-17])-expressing CD4+ T cells. During IRIS, monocyte cytokine production was restored. IFN-γ+ (P = .027), TNF+ (P = .004), and polyfunctional CD4+ T cells (P = 0.03) also increased. These effectors were T-betlow, and some expressed markers of degranulation and cytotoxic potential. Blockade of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 and lymphocyte activation gene-3 further increased CD4+ T-cell cytokine production. Tissue immunofluorescence showed higher proportions of CD4+ and CD68+ (monocyte/macrophage) cells expressed TNF during IRIS compared with HIV-uninfected patients. Plasma IFN-γ (P = .048), C-reactive protein (P = .008), and myeloperoxidase (P < .001) levels also increased, whereas interleukin 10 decreased (P = .008) during IRIS. Conclusions: Advanced HIV infection was associated with impaired MAC responses. Restoration of monocyte responses and expansion of polyfunctional MAC-specific T-betlow CD4+ T cells with cytotoxic potential after ART initiation may overwhelm existing regulatory and inhibitory mechanisms, leading to MAC-IRIS.

Immune Interventions to Eliminate the HIV Reservoir.

Inducing HIV remission is a monumental challenge. A potential strategy is the "kick and kill" approach where latently infected cells are first activated to express viral proteins and then eliminated through cytopathic effects of HIV or immune-mediated killing. However, pre-existing immune responses to HIV cannot eradicate HIV infection due to the presence of escape variants, inadequate magnitude, and breadth of responses as well as immune exhaustion. The two major approaches to boost immune-mediated elimination of infected cells include enhancing cytotoxic T lymphocyte mediated killing and harnessing antibodies to eliminate HIV. Specific strategies include increasing the magnitude and breadth of T cell responses through therapeutic vaccinations, reversing the effects of T cell exhaustion using immune checkpoint inhibition, employing bispecific T cell targeting immunomodulatory proteins or dual-affinity re-targeting molecules to direct cytotoxic T lymphocytes to virus-expressing cells and broadly neutralizing antibody infusions. Methods to steer immune responses to tissue sites where latently infected cells are located need to be further explored. Ultimately, strategies to induce HIV remission must be tolerable, safe, and scalable in order to make a global impact.

CD4+ Cell infiltration into subcutaneous adipose tissue is not indicative of productively infected cells during acute SHIV infection.

Limited longitudinal data exist on the effect of HIV on adipose tissue (AT). We found an increase in CD4+ cells and detectable SHIV-RNA in AT during acute SHIV infection. SHIV-RNA+ cells were rare, suggesting that AT is unlikely to be a major source of productively infected cells in SHIV infection.

Progress in HIV vaccine development.

An HIV-1 vaccine is needed to curtail the HIV epidemic. Only one (RV144) out of the 6 HIV-1 vaccine efficacy trials performed showed efficacy. A potential mechanism of protection is the induction of functional antibodies to V1V2 region of HIV envelope. The 2 main current approaches to the generation of protective immunity are through broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAb) and induction of functional antibodies (non-neutralizing Abs with other potential anti-viral functions). Passive immunization using bnAb has advanced into phase II clinical trials. The induction of bnAb using mimics of the natural Env trimer or B-cell lineage vaccine design is still in pre-clinical phase. An attempt at optimization of protective functional antibodies will be assessed next with the efficacy trial (HVTN702) about to start. With on-going optimization of prime/boost strategies, the development of mosaic immunogens, replication competent vectors, and emergence of new strategies designed to induce bnAb, the prospects for a preventive HIV vaccine have never been more promising.

Plasma IL-6 levels are independently associated with atherosclerosis and mortality in HIV-infected individuals on suppressive antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the associations of markers of immune activation with atherosclerosis and mortality, in participants with treated and suppressed HIV infection. DESIGN: Observational study of 149 HIV-infected participants with virologic suppression on antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: Cryopreserved mononuclear cells and plasma were used to evaluate markers of T cell and monocyte activation, inflammation and coagulopathy. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured by high-resolution ultrasound at the common, bifurcation and internal carotid regions. Associations of immunologic markers with CIMT and all-cause mortality were assessed using multivariable linear regression and Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: The majority of participants were men (93%) and white (67%), median age of 48.5 years and median CD4 T-cell count of 522 cells/µl. The median baseline IMT was 1.0 mm. Over a median of 8.3-year follow-up, 12 deaths occurred. In multivariate analysis, adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, higher monocyte C-C motif chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) expression [5.4%, P = 0.001] was associated with greater common CIMT. Higher plasma IL-6 was associated with greater bifurcation [8.0%, P = 0.007] and overall mean IMT [5.2%, P = 0.026]. Finally, higher plasma IL-6 [hazard ratio 1.9, P = 0.030], internal carotid [hazard ratio 4.1, P = 0.022] and mean IMT [hazard ratio 5.2, P = 0.026] were individually associated with all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: Higher monocyte CCR5 expression and plasma IL-6 were associated with atherosclerosis, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. IL-6 and CIMT were individually associated with all-cause mortality. The impact of therapies targeting immune activation in cardiovascular disease in treated HIV infection merits additional investigation.