Human peritoneal macrophages from ascitic fluid can be infected by a broad range of HIV-1 isolates

Theresa L Chang1, Arielle Klepper, Jian Ding

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Box 1090, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA. theresa.chang@mssm.edu

Insights

Peritoneal macrophages (PMs) in liver cirrhosis patients are susceptible to HIV-1 infection. These macrophages can be infected by various HIV strains, offering a new model for HIV research.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Macrophages are key targets for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection.
  • The susceptibility of macrophages to HIV-1 varies based on their origin and activation status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the susceptibility of peritoneal macrophages (PMs) to HIV-1 infection.
  • To characterize the characteristics of PMs and their role in HIV-1 pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and culture of PMs from ascitic fluid of liver cirrhosis patients.
  • Infection of PMs with different HIV-1 strains (R5, X4, and primary isolates).
  • Analysis of HIV coreceptor expression (CCR5, CXCR4) and chemokine production.

Main Results:

  • PMs are abundant in liver cirrhosis patients' ascitic fluid and support HIV-1 infection.
  • Freshly isolated PMs are susceptible to R5 strains, while cultured PMs become susceptible to X4 strains.
  • PMs express HIV coreceptor mRNAs and produce chemokines, indicating susceptibility to a broad range of HIV strains.

Conclusions:

  • Peritoneal macrophages are a viable target for diverse HIV-1 strains.
  • Cultured PMs exhibit altered susceptibility and increased viral production, suggesting a dynamic role in HIV pathogenesis.
  • PMs represent a valuable model for studying HIV-1 infection and its impact on macrophages.