Interleukin-7 Facilitates HIV-1 Transmission to Cervico-Vaginal Tissue ex vivo

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003148
• Publication Date: 2013-02-07T22:44:58Z
• Authors: Andrea Introini; Christophe Vanpou...; Andrea Lisco; Jean-Charles Grivel; Leonid Margolis
• Keywords: Ex vivo; Sexual transmission

The majority of HIV-1 infections in women occur through vaginal intercourse, which virus-containing semen is deposited on the cervico-vaginal mucosa. Semen more than a mere carrier HIV-1, since it contains many biological factors, particular cytokines, that may affect transmission. concentration interleukin (IL)-7, one most prominent cytokines healthy individuals, further increased HIV-1-infected men. Here, we investigated potential role IL-7 transmission an ex vivo system human tissue. We simulated situation by depositing tissue combination with at concentrations comparable those measured individuals. found significantly enhanced virus replication infected Similarly, observed enhancement lymphoid explants. Analysis T cells isolated from tissues showed reduced CD4⁺ cell depletion preventing apoptosis, as shown decrease number expressing apoptotic marker APO2.7 and increase expression anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2. Also, fraction cycling cells, evidenced staining for nuclear factor Ki-67. High levels seminal be relevant to survival founder pool mucosa initial stage infection, promoting local expansion dissemination HIV infection.