PolyIC-coated Prussian blue nanoparticles as a dual-mode HIV latency reversing agent

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) establishes latent reservoirs, complicating eradication efforts.
• Reactivating latent HIV is a key strategy for potential therapeutic interventions.
• Developing effective delivery systems for latency-reversing agents is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) coated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (polyIC).
• To determine the efficacy of polyIC-PBNPs as HIV latency reversing agents.
• To assess the impact of polyIC-PBNPs on immune activation.

Main Methods:

• PolyIC-PBNPs were synthesized using a layer-by-layer method.
• Characterization confirmed nanoparticle stability, monodispersity, and efficient polyIC attachment.
• Cell models of HIV latency were used to assess HIV reactivation and immune cell activation.

Main Results:

• PolyIC-PBNPs demonstrated superior HIV latency reversal compared to free polyIC.
• Enhanced immune activation was observed in CD4 and CD8 T cells treated with polyIC-PBNPs.
• The synthesized polyIC-PBNPs maintained essential properties of both polyIC and PBNPs.

Conclusions:

• Prussian blue nanoparticles serve as effective carriers for nucleic acids like polyIC.
• PolyIC-PBNPs can directly reverse HIV latency.
• This approach also enhances immune activation, offering a dual therapeutic benefit for HIV treatment.