Transforming growth factor-beta1 in adult human microglia and its stimulated production by interleukin-1

Ameboid microglia express human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) more frequently than do ramified microglia. These two microglial subtypes might also differ in the frequency with which they express transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), a cytokine that regulates HIV-1 expression in monocytes. Results described here show that ameboid and ramified microglia express TGF-beta1. In brain tissues from HIV-1-infected individuals as compared with seronegative controls, ameboid rather than ramified microglia more frequently expressed TGF-beta1. Ameboid microglia, isolated and cultured from postmortem adult human brain more frequently expressed TGF-beta1 in presence of interleukin-1(IL-1), a cytokine that is elevated in brains of HIV-1-infected individuals when compared with seronegative controls. The stimulation of TGF-beta1 by IL-1 was dose and time dependent, occurring with ameboid microglia isolated from either frontal cortex or globus pallidus but not midbrain pons. Ameboid microglia are similar to the RCA-1-positive cells that form clusters, called microglial nodules, in the brain of HIV-1-infected individuals. Pathologic conditions, such as disseminated microglial nodules, are associated with HIV-1 encephalitis, direct infection of the brain, and moderate to severe neurologic impairment. TGF-beta1 expression in ameboid microglia may play a role in HIV-1 neuropathogenesis.