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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Humanized NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull (hu-NSG) Mouse Model for HIV Replication and Latency Studies
Published on: January 7, 2019
Scatter factor mitigates HIV-1 gp120-induced human mesangial cell injury
Aditi A Kapasi1, Saijun Fan, Pravin C Singhal
1Department of Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJMC), New Hyde Park, NY, USA.
Abstract:
HIV-1 gp120 protein has been shown to promote mesangial cell (MC) injury. Scatter factor (SF) is a growth factor that plays a reparative role in various experimental models of renal lesions. We hypothesize that SF protects MC against HIV-1 gp120-induced MC injury. gp120 at a low dose, stimulated HMC proliferation (p < 0.0001). SF (50 ng/ml) further enhanced low-dose gp120-induced HMC proliferation. However, gp120 at higher doses (10-100 ng/ml) promoted HMC apoptosis. Nevertheless, SF attenuated the high-dose gp120-induced HMC apoptosis. Interestingly, gp120 at a low dose not only induced NF-kappaB activation but also increased p21(cip1/waf1) andp27(kip1) protein levels.
Insights
Scatter factor (SF) protects kidney cells from HIV-1 gp120 injury. SF enhanced cell proliferation at low HIV-1 gp120 doses but reduced cell death at high doses, indicating a protective role.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- HIV-1 gp120 protein is implicated in mesangial cell (MC) injury.
- Scatter factor (SF) demonstrates reparative functions in experimental renal lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective role of SF against HIV-1 gp120-induced MC injury.
- To determine SF's effect on MC proliferation and apoptosis under varying HIV-1 gp120 concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Human mesangial cells (HMCs) were treated with different doses of HIV-1 gp120.
- The effects of SF (50 ng/ml) on HMC proliferation and apoptosis were assessed.
- NF-kappaB activation and p21(cip1/waf1), p27(kip1) protein levels were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Low-dose gp120 stimulated HMC proliferation, an effect further enhanced by SF.
- High-dose gp120 induced HMC apoptosis, which was attenuated by SF.
- Low-dose gp120 increased NF-kappaB activation and levels of p21(cip1/waf1) and p27(kip1).
Conclusions:
- SF exhibits a dual role, enhancing proliferation at low gp120 doses and reducing apoptosis at high doses.
- SF may protect mesangial cells from HIV-1 gp120-induced damage.
- SF's protective mechanisms warrant further investigation, particularly concerning its interaction with NF-kappaB signaling pathways.
