Feasibility of Repurposing the Polyanionic Microbicide, PPCM, for Prophylaxis against HIV Transmission during ART

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Virology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• HIV-serodiscordant couples often use assisted reproduction for conception.
• Sperm washing is used to minimize HIV transmission risk during assisted reproduction.
• There is a need to enhance the efficacy of sperm washing for HIV prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the addition of PPCM, a microbicide, to sperm washing media.
• To assess PPCM's effect on sperm function and HIV infectivity.
• To determine if PPCM enhances the effectiveness of sperm washing in reducing HIV transmission.

Main Methods:

• Sperm were treated with PPCM at various concentrations and durations.
• Sperm motility, forward progression, and acrosomal status were assessed.
• HIV-1 infectivity in treated semen was measured by viral antigen p24 and RNA levels.
• Sperm DNA integrity and function were evaluated post-treatment.

Main Results:

• PPCM demonstrated irreversible HIV-1 inhibition, independent of calcium ions.
• PPCM did not negatively impact sperm motility, progression, or acrosomal status.
• PPCM treatment reduced HIV infectivity in semen by 3-4 logs compared to washing alone.
• Sperm DNA integrity and function remained unaffected by PPCM treatment.

Conclusions:

• Sperm washing combined with PPCM is significantly more effective at reducing HIV infectivity than washing alone.
• This enhanced sperm washing method offers improved safety for HIV-serodiscordant couples undergoing assisted reproduction.
• PPCM shows promise as an effective prophylactic agent in assisted reproduction for HIV prevention.