Foreman, TW;Nelson, CE;Kauffman, KD;Lora, NE;Vinhaes, CL;Dorosky, DE;Sakai, S;Gomez, F;Fleegle, JD;Parham, M;Perera, SR;Lindestam Arlehamn, CS;Sette, A;Tuberculosis Imaging Program, ;Brenchley, JM;Queiroz, ATL;Andrade, BB;Kabat, J;Via, LE;Barber, DL;
PMID: 35649361 | DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110896
HIV/Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) co-infected individuals have an increased risk of tuberculosis prior to loss of peripheral CD4 T cells, raising the possibility that HIV co-infection leads to CD4 T cell depletion in lung tissue before it is evident in blood. Here, we use rhesus macaques to study the early effects of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) co-infection on pulmonary granulomas. Two weeks after SIV inoculation of Mtb-infected macaques, Mtb-specific CD4 T cells are dramatically depleted from granulomas, before CD4 T cell loss in blood, airways, and lymph nodes, or increases in bacterial loads or radiographic evidence of disease. Spatially, CD4 T cells are preferentially depleted from the granuloma core and cuff relative to B cell-rich regions. Moreover, live imaging of granuloma explants show that intralesional CD4 T cell motility is reduced after SIV co-infection. Thus, granuloma CD4 T cells may be decimated before many co-infected individuals experience the first symptoms of acute HIV infection.
Hasegawa, T;Oka, T;Son, H;Azin, M;Eisenhaure, T;Lieb, D;Hacohen, N;Demehri, S;
| DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4102631
Senescent cell accumulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of aging-associated diseases including cancer. The mechanism that prevents the accumulation of senescent cells in aging human organs is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that a commensal virus-immune axis controls the senescent fibroblast accumulation in the human skin. Senescent fibroblasts increased in old compared with young skin. However, they did not increase with advancing age in elderly. Increased CXCL9 and cytotoxic CD4+ T cell (CD4 CTL) recruitment were significantly associated with reduced senescent fibroblasts in the old skin. Senescent fibroblasts expressed human leukocyte antigen class II (HLA-II) and human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B (HCMV-gB), becoming direct CD4 CTL targets. Skin-resident CD4 CTL eliminated HCMV-gB+ senescent fibroblasts in an HLA-II-dependent manner and HCMV-gB activated CD4 CTL from the human skin. Collectively, our findings demonstrate HCMV reactivation in senescent cells, which can be directly eliminated by CD4 CTL through the recognition of the HCMV-gB antigen.
Hasegawa, T;Oka, T;Son, HG;Oliver-García, VS;Azin, M;Eisenhaure, TM;Lieb, DJ;Hacohen, N;Demehri, S;
PMID: 37001502 | DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.02.033
Senescent cell accumulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of aging-associated diseases, including cancer. The mechanism that prevents the accumulation of senescent cells in aging human organs is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that a virus-immune axis controls the senescent fibroblast accumulation in the human skin. Senescent fibroblasts increased in old skin compared with young skin. However, they did not increase with advancing age in the elderly. Increased CXCL9 and cytotoxic CD4+ T cells (CD4 CTLs) recruitment were significantly associated with reduced senescent fibroblasts in the old skin. Senescent fibroblasts expressed human leukocyte antigen class II (HLA-II) and human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B (HCMV-gB), becoming direct CD4 CTL targets. Skin-resident CD4 CTLs eliminated HCMV-gB+ senescent fibroblasts in an HLA-II-dependent manner, and HCMV-gB activated CD4 CTLs from the human skin. Collectively, our findings demonstrate HCMV reactivation in senescent cells, which CD4 CTLs can directly eliminate through the recognition of the HCMV-gB antigen.
HIV DNA reservoir and elevated PD-1 expression of CD4 T-cell subsets particularly persist in the terminal ileum of HIV-positive patients despite cART
Horn, C;Augustin, M;Ercanoglu, MS;Heger, E;Knops, E;Bondet, V;Duffy, D;Chon, SH;Nierhoff, D;Oette, M;Schäfer, H;Vivaldi, C;Held, K;Anderson, J;Geldmacher, C;Suárez, I;Rybniker, J;Klein, F;Fätkenheuer, G;Müller-Trutwin, M;Lehmann, C;
PMID: 33421299 | DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13031
Despite its importance as an HIV anatomic sanctuary, little is known about the characteristics of the HIV reservoir in the terminal ileum (TI). In blood, the immune checkpoint inhibitor programmed-death-1 (PD-1) has been linked to the HIV reservoir and T-cell immune dysfunction. We thus evaluated PD-1 expression and cell-associated HIV DNA in memory CD4 T-cell subsets from TI, peripheral blood (PB) and rectum (RE) of untreated and treated HIV-positive patients to identify associations between PD-1 and HIV reservoir in other sites. Using mononuclear cells from PB, TI and RE of untreated HIV-positive (N = 6), treated (n = 18) HIV-positive and uninfected individuals (n = 16), we identified and sorted distinct memory CD4 T-cell subsets by flow cytometry, quantified their cell-associated HIV DNA using quantitative PCR and assessed PD-1 expression levels using geometric mean fluorescence intensity. Combined HIV-1 RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry was performed on ileal biopsy sections. Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART)-treated patients with undetectable HIV RNA and significantly lower levels of HIV DNA in PB showed particularly high PD-1 expression in PB and TI, and high HIV DNA levels in TI, irrespective of clinical characteristics. By contrast, in treatment-naïve patients HIV DNA levels in memory CD4 T-cell subsets were high in PB and TI. Elevated PD-1 expression on memory CD4 T-cells in PB and TI despite treatment points to continuous immune dysfunction and underlines the importance of evaluating immunotherapy in reversing HIV latency and T-cell reconstitution. As HIV DNA particularly persists in TI despite cART, investigating samples from TI is crucial in understanding HIV immunopathogenesis.
Journal of Virus Eradication
Pumtang-On, P;Sevcik, E;Davey, B;Goodarzi, N;Vezys, V;Casares, S;Rao, M;Skinner, P;
| DOI: 10.1016/j.jve.2022.100255
Background: HIV-specific chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cells are being developed as a potential approach towards curing HIV infection. During infection, HIV replication is concentrated in B cell follicles, and viral reservoirs such as B cell follicles are a significant barrier to an HIV cure. We developed HIV-specific CAR T cells expressing the follicular homing receptor CXCR5 (CAR/CXCR5 T cells) to target follicular HIV reservoirs. We hypothesized after infusion of CAR/CXCR5 T cells in humanized HIV-infected DRAGA mice, CAR/CXCR5 T cells would accumulate in lymphoid follicles, make direct contact with HIV+ cells, lead to reductions in HIV viral loads, and preserve human CD4 T cells. Methods: Fourteen female humanized DRAGA mice were included in this study. Twelve mice were infected with 10 000 TCID50 of HIV-1 BaL. Levels of HIV-1 plasma viral loads and CD4 T cells were monitored using qRT-PCR and flow cytometry. Two spleens from uninfected mice were used to produce transduced CAR/CXCR5 T cells and transduced cell products (2×105 cells/gram) were infused in six HIV-infected mice. RNAscope combined with immunohistochemistry was used to visualize locations and quantities of CAR/CXCR5 T cells and HIV vRNA+ cells in lymphoid tissues. Results: All mice were HIV-1 detectable nbefore infusion of CAR/CXCR5 T cells. High levels of CAR/CXCR5 T cells and HIV vRNA+ cells were detected at 6 days post-infusion in lymphoid tissues. Many CAR/CXCR5 T cells were found in direct contact with HIV vRNA+ cells. However, many CAR/CXCR5 T cells, presumably CD4+ cells, were HIV vRNA+ and likely spreading infection. No differences in HIV plasma viral loads or CD4 T cell counts were observed between control and treated animals. Conclusions: These studies support the use of the HIV-infected DRAGA mouse model for HIV cure research studies. Using this model, we showed CAR/CXCR5 T cells accumulate in follicle-like structures with HIV vRNA+ cells and come in contact with vRNA+ cells. The simultaneous detection of CAR T cells with high levels of HIV vRNA+ cells indicates the need for HIV-resistant CAR T cells. These preliminary findings demonstrate the HIV-infected DRAGA mouse model is extremely valuable for evaluating HIV cure approaches.
Journal of Virus Eradication
Deleage, C;Fennessey, C;Harper, J;Florea, S;Lipkey, L;Fast, R;Paiardini, M;Lifson, J;Keele, B;
| DOI: 10.1016/j.jve.2022.100170
Background: Most new HIV infections result from sexual interactions with infected but untreated individuals. Semen is the main vector for viral transmission globally, however, little is known regarding the anatomic origin and form of virus in semen. Methods: In this study, we were able to combine numerous new technologies to characterize the virus present in the semen during SIV infection. Six rhesus macaques (RM) were challenged intravenously with barcoded virus SIVmac239M. Semen and blood samples were collected longitudinally for 17 days post-infection with all male genital tract (MGT) and multiple lymphoid tissues collected at necropsy and subjected to quantitative PCR, next generation sequencing of the viral barcode, and tissue analysis (RNAscope, DNAscope and immunophenotyping). Semen was also collected from 6 animals chronically infected with SIVmac251 and in five CD4 depleted animals in acute phase and 2 weeks post ART initiation. Results: Extremely high levels of viral RNA (vRNA) were detected in seminal plasma (up to 10^9cp/ml) as well as comparable levels of cell associated vRNA and vDNA in seminal cells with detection starting as early as 4 days post-infection. RNAscope and immunophenotyping of seminal cells and MGT tissues revealed myeloid cells as the main source of virus (Fig. 1), while CD4+T cells were harboring vRNA in lymphoid tissues. Sequences show evidence of an early compartment between seminal and blood plasma and no difference in the env gene of virus present in semen/MGT and in Lymph Nodes. Finally, multinuclear giant cells harboring vRNA were the only source of virus in semen in chronically infected and in CD4 depleted RM. Moreover, vRNA + myeloid cells were highly present in semen after 2 weeks on ART.
Herz, J;Fu, Z;Kim, K;Dykstra, T;Wall, M;Li, H;Salvador, AF;Zou, B;Yan, N;Blackburn, SM;Andrews, PH;Goldman, DH;Papadopoulos, Z;Smirnov, I;Xie, XS;Kipnis, J;
PMID: 34793707 | DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.10.022
Mechanisms governing how immune cells and their derived molecules impact homeostatic brain function are still poorly understood. Here, we elucidate neuronal mechanisms underlying T cell effects on synaptic function and episodic memory. Depletion of CD4 T cells led to memory deficits and impaired long-term potentiation. Severe combined immune-deficient mice exhibited amnesia, which was reversible by repopulation with T cells from wild-type but not from IL-4-knockout mice. Behaviors impacted by T cells were mediated via IL-4 receptors expressed on neurons. Exploration of snRNA-seq of neurons participating in memory processing provided insights into synaptic organization and plasticity-associated pathways regulated by immune cells. IL-4Rα knockout in inhibitory (but not in excitatory) neurons was sufficient to impair contextual fear memory, and snRNA-seq from these mice pointed to IL-4-driven regulation of synaptic function in promoting memory. These findings provide new insights into complex neuroimmune interactions at the transcriptional and functional levels in neurons under physiological conditions.
Paczkowska, J;Tang, M;Wright, K;Song, L;Shanmugam, V;Luu, K;Welsh, E;Cader, F;Mandato, E;Ouyang, J;Bai, G;Lawton, L;Rodig, S;Liu, X;Shipp, M;
| DOI: 10.1097/01.hs9.0000890680.82329.6b
The most abundant circulating CD3- population in patients with cHL was a newly identified monocyte subset with increased expression of multiple immunosuppressive and tumorigenic cytokines and chemokines, PD-L1 and SIRPa. This newly identified monocytic population was virtually absent from the blood of healthy donors. RNAscope analysis of the intact tumor microenvironment localized these tumor-infiltrating monocytes/macrophages to the immediate proximity of HRS cells. Monocytes from patients whose disease progressed following PD-1 blockade expressed significantly higher levels of immunosuppressive cytokine/chemokine signature which led to the development of a predictive transcriptional assay. We identified a comparable circulating monocyte population and transcriptional signature associated with unresponsiveness to PD-1 blockade in an additional solid tumor underscoring the broad-based significance of these findings.
Hsu DC, Sunyakumthorn P, Wegner M, Schuetz A, Silsorn D, Estes JD, Deleage C, Tomusange K, Lakhashe SK, Ruprecht RM, Lombardini E, Im-Erbsin R, Kuncharin Y, Phuang-Ngern Y, Inthawong D, Chuenarom W, Burke R, Robb ML, Ndhlovu LC, Ananworanich J, Valcour V,
PMID: 29563297 | DOI: 10.1128/JVI.00222-18
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 neuro AIDS and SIV encephalitis. However, this may not model pathophysiology in earlier stages of infection. In this non-accelerated SHIV model, plasma SHIV RNA levels and peripheral blood and colonic CD4 T+ cell counts mirrored early HIV infection in humans. At 12 weeks post infection, 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 situhybridization. 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 may be 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 simian immunodeficiency virus (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 simian-human immunodeficiency virus (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.
