Increased Plasma Levels of the TH2 chemokine CCL18 associated with low CD4+ T cell counts in HIV-1-infected Patients with a Suppressed Viral Load.

The chemokine (C-C motif) chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) is a structural homolog of CCL3 primarily produced by monocyte-derived cells with an M2 phenotype. Elevated levels of CCL18 have been observed in several diseases associated with malignancies and chronic inflammation. The role of CCL18 in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection remains unknown.

Tubular cell HIV-entry through apoptosed CD4 T cells: a novel pathway.

We hypothesized that HIV-1 may enter tubular cells by phagocytosis of apoptotic fragments of HIV-1-infected T cells infiltrating tubular interstitium. The study was designed to evaluate the interaction of programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptors on CD4 T cells and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) on tubular cells (HK2 and HRPTEC, primary tubular cells). Co-cultivation of HIV-1 infected lymphocytes (HIV-LY) with HK2s/HRPTECs resulted in T cell apoptosis, uptake of the apoptosed HIV-LY by HK2s/HRPTECs, tubular cell activation and HIV expression.

EBV LMP1, a viral mimic of CD40, activates dendritic cells and functions as a molecular adjuvant when incorporated into an HIV vaccine.

HIV-1 does not significantly activate cellular immunity, which has made it difficult to use attenuated forms of HIV-1 as a vaccine. In contrast, EBV induces robust T cell responses in most infected individuals, perhaps as this virus contains LMP1, a viral mimic of CD40, which is a key activating molecule for DCs and macrophages. Consequently, studies were conducted using LMP1 and LMP1-CD40, a related construct formed by replacing the intracellular signaling domain of LMP1 with that of CD40.

Interleukin-21 and cellular activation concurrently induce potent cytotoxic function and promote antiviral activity in human CD8 T cells.

Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 induces a progressive deterioration of the immune system that ultimately leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Murine models indicate that the common γ-chain (γ(c))-sharing cytokine interleukin (IL)-21 and its receptor (IL-21R) play a crucial role in maintaining polyfunctional T cell responses during chronic viral infections. Therefore, we analyzed the ability of this cytokine to modulate the properties of human CD8 T cells in comparison with other γ(c)-sharing cytokines (IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15).

HIV-1 harboring renal tubular epithelial cell interaction with T cells results in T cell trans-infection.

Renal biopsy data suggest that renal tubular cells may serve as a reservoir for HIV-1, however the mechanism underlying this finding has not been studied. Here we show that primary human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HRPTECs) have the potential to harbor HIV-1 through the DEC-205 receptor. The interaction of HIV-1 with DEC-205 results in the rapid internalization of the virus for lysosomal degradation, without establishing a productive infection.