Exogenous HIV-1 Vpr disrupts IFN-alpha response by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and subsequent pDC/NK interplay.

HIV Vpr is known for its immunomodulatory capacities including its impairment of NK cell functions. However, the role of pDCs in this context remains elusive. We show that synthetic Vpr substantially inhibits type I IFN production by pDCs without inducing apoptosis in pDCs. Furthermore, we found that exogenous Vpr compromises subsequent pDC/NK interplay as shown by diminished IFN-gamma production by NK cells. Thus, Vpr-mediated dysregulation of IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma production affects key components of the innate immune response supporting an essential role of Vpr in HIV pathogenesis.