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Enhanced HIV replication in macrophage colony-stimulating factor-treated monocytes
D C Kalter1, M Nakamura, J A Turpin
1Department of Cellular Immunology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, DC 20307.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF) significantly increases monocyte susceptibility to HIV infection and viral replication. MCSF enhances HIV infection when administered before or during early infection, suggesting it targets host cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Monocytes are key targets for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
- The role of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF) in HIV pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of MCSF on monocyte susceptibility to HIV infection.
- To determine the impact of MCSF on HIV replication and viral load in monocytes.
Main Methods:
- Monocytes were cultured with varying concentrations of MCSF for 7-10 days.
- Cells were subsequently infected with HIV, and viral replication markers (reverse transcriptase, p24 antigen, HIV mRNA, proviral DNA) were quantified.
- Cytopathic effects were assessed, and the timing of MCSF addition relative to HIV infection was varied.
Main Results:
- MCSF treatment increased monocyte susceptibility to HIV infection by over 400-fold.
- MCSF significantly enhanced HIV replication, evidenced by higher reverse transcriptase activity, p24 antigen levels, and proviral DNA.
- MCSF's effects were dose-dependent and required administration before or during early infection, indicating an impact on the host cell rather than the virus.
Conclusions:
- MCSF dramatically enhances monocyte susceptibility to HIV infection and promotes viral replication.
- The findings suggest MCSF influences host cell permissiveness to HIV.
- Variable MCSF levels in vivo could impact HIV infection susceptibility and replication in patients.