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HTLV-I and HTLV-II virus expression increase with HIV-1 coinfection
M A Beilke1, S Japa, D G Vinson
1Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, and Tulane/Louisiana State University/Charity General Clinical Research Center, New Orleans 70118, USA. mabeilke@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
Summary
Coinfections with HIV and HTLV-I/II may increase HTLV viral load. Dual infection significantly elevates HTLV-I/II tax/rex messenger RNA in PBMCs, suggesting a higher viral burden in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Coinfections with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Human T-lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) are linked to distinct immune profiles and heightened neurodegeneration risk.
- This increased risk may stem from elevated HTLV viral loads in individuals with dual infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether coinfection with HIV-1 increases the viral burden of HTLV-I or HTLV-II.
Main Methods:
- Measured HTLV-I/II tax/rex messenger RNA and viral antigen expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
- Analyzed samples from 37 subjects infected with HTLV-I or HTLV-II, with or without HIV-1 coinfection.
- Utilized reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and viral antigen detection.
Main Results:
- HTLV-I/II tax/rex messenger RNA was detected in 58% of dually infected subjects (14/24) versus 7% of singly infected subjects (1/13).
- The RT-PCR assay results correlated with HTLV-I/II viral antigen detection in PBMC cultures.
- No correlation was found between HTLV RNA levels and HIV-1 viral load in plasma.
Conclusions:
- Dual HIV-1 and HTLV-I/II infection is associated with significantly increased HTLV-I/II viral gene expression in PBMCs.
- This suggests a higher HTLV viral burden in dually infected individuals, potentially explaining unique immunophenotypes and neurodegenerative risks.
- Findings offer insights into the pathophysiology of HIV/HTLV coinfections.