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Endogenous macrophage CSF production is associated with viral replication in HIV-1-infected human monocyte-derived

M F Gruber1, K A Weih, E J Boone

  • 1Division of Cytokine Biology, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Insights

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection stimulates macrophages to produce macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). This endogenous M-CSF may enhance HIV-1 replication and promote virus spread.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) promotes human monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) survival and differentiation.
  • M-CSF enhances susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, increasing viral replication markers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if HIV-1 infection induces endogenous M-CSF production in MDM.
  • To determine the role of endogenously produced M-CSF in HIV-1 infection.

Main Methods:

  • MDM were infected with HIV-1 and cultured without exogenous M-CSF.
  • M-CSF levels in culture supernatants were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
  • Viral replication was assessed by measuring HIV mRNA and proviral DNA levels.

Main Results:

  • HIV-1 infected MDM produced significantly higher levels of endogenous M-CSF (5- to 24-fold) compared to uninfected cells.
  • Endogenous M-CSF production correlated with viral replication kinetics and was dependent on viral entry and active replication.
  • Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha) and granulocyte-macrophage CSF were not detected.

Conclusions:

  • HIV-1 infection induces endogenous M-CSF production by MDM.
  • Endogenous M-CSF may contribute to the survival of HIV-1-infected macrophages, facilitating viral reservoirs and in vivo spread.

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