Frequency of Human CD45+ Target Cells is a Key Determinant of Intravaginal HIV-1 Infection in Humanized Mice. Issue 1 (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nguyen, Philip; Wessels, Jocelyn; Mueller, Kristen; Vahedi, Fatemeh; Anipindi, Varun; Verschoor, Chris; Chew, Marianne; Deshiere, Alexandre; Karniychuk, Uladzimir; Mazzulli, Tony; Tremblay, Michel; Ashkar, Ali; Kaushic, Charu
• Is Part Of: Scientific reports. Volume 7:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Natural history -- Research -- Periodicals; Biology -- Research -- Periodicals; Physical sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 502.85
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15630-z
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-2322

Abstract

Abstract Approximately 40% of HIV-1 infections occur in the female genital tract (FGT), primarily through heterosexual transmission. FGT factors determining outcome of HIV-1 exposure are incompletely understood, limiting prevention strategies. Here, humanized NOD-Rag1−/− γc−/− mice differentially reconstituted with human CD34+ -enriched hematopoietic stem cells (Hu-mice), were used to assess target cell frequency and viral inoculation dose as determinants of HIV-1 infection following intravaginal (IVAG) challenge. Results revealed a significant correlation between HIV-1 susceptibility and hCD45+ target cells in the blood, which correlated with presence of target cells in the FGT, in the absence of local inflammation. HIV-1 plasma load was associated with viral dose at inoculation and frequency of target cells. Events following IVAG HIV-1 infection; viral dissemination and CD4 depletion, were not affected by these parameters. Following IVAG inoculation, HIV-1 titres peaked, then declined in vaginal lavage while plasma showed a reciprocal pattern. The greatest frequency of HIV-1-infected (p24+) cells were found one week post-infection in the FGT versus blood and spleen, suggesting local viral amplification. Five weeks post-infection, HIV-1 disseminated into systemic tissues, in a dose-dependent manner, followed by depletion of hCD45+ CD3+ CD4+ cells. Results indicate target cell frequency in the Hu-mouse FGT is a key determinant of HIV-1 infection, which might provide a useful target for prophylaxis in women.