How Intestinal Macrophages Resist HIV-1 Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Shen Ruizhong, Meng Gang, Ochsenbauer Christina, Clapham Paul R., Grams Jayleen, Novak Lea, Kappes John C., Smythies Lesley E., Smith Phillip D.
Primary Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Hypothesis
The unique microenvironment in human intestinal mucosa renders lamina propria macrophages non-permissive to HIV-1.
Conclusion
Intestinal macrophages are unable to support productive HIV-1 infection due to down-regulation of HIV-1 receptors and inhibition of NF-κB activation.
Supporting Evidence
- Intestinal macrophages express very low levels of CD4 and CCR5.
- Stromal factors inhibit the up-regulation of HIV-1 receptors during macrophage differentiation.
- Even CD4+ intestinal macrophages that express CCR5 do not support HIV-1 replication.
Takeaway
Intestinal macrophages don't get infected by HIV-1 because they don't have the right tools to let the virus in, and they also shut down the virus's ability to make copies of itself.
Methodology
Blood monocytes were exposed to intestinal stroma-conditioned media to assess the effects on CD4/CCR5 expression and HIV-1 permissiveness.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on the effects of intestinal stroma on macrophages and may not account for other factors influencing HIV-1 infection.
Participant Demographics
Participants were healthy subjects undergoing elective gastric bypass surgery.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001 to 0.039
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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