HIV-1 and methamphetamine alter galectins -1, -3, and -9 in human monocyte-derived macrophages.

Macrophages are key elements of the innate immune system. Their HIV-1 infection is a complex process that involves multiple interacting factors and various steps and is further altered by exposure of infected cells to methamphetamine (Meth), a common drug of abuse in people living with HIV. This is reflected by dynamic changes in the intracellular and secreted proteomes of these cells.

SWATH-MS and MRM: Quantification of Ras-related proteins in HIV-1 infected and methamphetamine-exposed human monocyte-derived macrophages (hMDM).

HIV-1 infection of macrophages is a multistep and multifactorial process that has been shown to be enhanced by exposure to methamphetamine (Meth). In this study, we sought to identify the underlying mechanisms of this effect by quantifying the effect of Meth on the proteome of HIV-1-infected macrophages using sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion mass spectra (SWATH-MS) approach. The analyses identified several members of the Rab family of proteins as being dysregulated by Meth treatment, which was confirmed by bioinformatic analyses that indicated substantial alteration of vesicular transport pathways.

Secreted Metabolome of Human Macrophages Exposed to Methamphetamine.

Macrophages comprise a major component of the human innate immune system that is involved in maintaining homeostasis and responding to infections or other insults. Besides cytokines and chemokines, macrophages presumably influence the surrounding environment by secreting various types of metabolites. Characterization of secreted metabolites under normal and pathological conditions is critical for understanding the complex innate immune system.