Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.8
5.6
Journals
IJMS
Special Issues
Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infection: Molecular and Cellular Immunity
ijms-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infection: Molecular and Cellular Immunity

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 June 2024 | Viewed by 4947

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Joana Vitallé

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Immunovirology Laboratory, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, IBiS/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC, 41013 Seville, Spain
Interests: immunology; HIV; SARS-CoV-2; innate immunity; adaptive immunity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection currently affects more than 38 million people worldwide. The introduction of antiretroviral therapies (ART) led to a suppression of HIV replication and, therefore, a drastic reduction in mortality and an important improvement in the quality of life of people living with HIV (PLWH). However, ART fails to eradicate HIV, and the virus remains latent in anatomical and cellular reservoirs. These viral reservoirs induce a persistent low-grade immune activation and inflammation, which increases the risk of developing other diseases called non-AIDS events. Thus, current research in this field is focused on the development of new therapeutic strategies to achieve the eradication or permanent remission of plasma viral load (functional cure) without the necessity of ART, as occurs in HIV controllers. 

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect studies that contribute to a better understanding of the molecular and cellular immunological processes involved in chronic HIV-1 infection, providing information that might allow the development of new therapeutic strategies or disease progression biomarkers. The suggested topics of interest are: 1) humoral and cellular immune responses in chronic HIV-1 infection; 2) immunological features of HIV controllers; 3) HIV anatomical and cellular reservoirs; and 4) cellular and molecular immune mechanisms behind non-AIDS events.

This Special Issue is supervised by Dr. Joana Vitallé and assisted by our Topical Advisory Panel Member Dr. Sara Bachiller (University of Seville).

Dr. Joana Vitallé
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • HIV
  • PLWH
  • innate immunity
  • adaptive immunity
  • HIV controllers
  • HIV reservoir
  • non-AIDS events

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 2251 KiB  
Article
Human IgMhiCD300a+ B Cells Are Circulating Marginal Zone Memory B Cells That Respond to Pneumococcal Polysaccharides and Their Frequency Is Decreased in People Living with HIV
by Joana Vitallé, Olatz Zenarruzabeitia, Aitana Merino-Pérez, Iñigo Terrén, Ane Orrantia, Arantza Pacho de Lucas, José A. Iribarren, Lucio J. García-Fraile, Luz Balsalobre, Laura Amo, Belén de Andrés and Francisco Borrego
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(18), 13754; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241813754 - 06 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1095
Abstract
CD300a is differentially expressed among B cell subsets, although its expression in immunoglobulin (Ig)M+ B cells is not well known. We identified a B cell subset expressing CD300a and high levels of IgM (IgMhiCD300a+). The results showed that [...] Read more.
CD300a is differentially expressed among B cell subsets, although its expression in immunoglobulin (Ig)M+ B cells is not well known. We identified a B cell subset expressing CD300a and high levels of IgM (IgMhiCD300a+). The results showed that IgMhiCD300a+ B cells were CD10−CD27+CD25+IgDloCD21hiCD23−CD38loCD1chi, suggesting that they are circulating marginal zone (MZ) IgM memory B cells. Regarding the immunoglobulin repertoire, IgMhiCD300a+ B cells exhibited a higher mutation rate and usage of the IgH-VDJ genes than the IgM+CD300a− counterpart. Moreover, the shorter complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) amino acid (AA) length from IgMhiCD300a+ B cells together with the predicted antigen experience repertoire indicates that this B cell subset has a memory phenotype. IgM memory B cells are important in T cell-independent responses. Accordingly, we demonstrate that this particular subset secretes higher amounts of IgM after stimulation with pneumococcal polysaccharides or a toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist than IgM+CD300a− cells. Finally, the frequency of IgMhiCD300a+ B cells was lower in people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) and it was inversely correlated with the years with HIV infection. Altogether, these data help to identify a memory B cell subset that contributes to T cell-independent responses to pneumococcal infections and may explain the increase in severe pneumococcal infections and the impaired responses to pneumococcal vaccination in PLWH. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infection: Molecular and Cellular Immunity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 1456 KiB  
Review
The Role of Glutathione in the Management of Cell-Mediated Immune Responses in Individuals with HIV
by Nicole Lin, Thomas Erdos, Carson Louie, Raina Desai, Naomi Lin, Gregory Ayzenberg and Vishwanath Venketaraman
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(5), 2952; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052952 - 03 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 745
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major cause of death worldwide. Without appropriate antiretroviral therapy, the infection can develop into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS leads to the dysregulation of cell-mediated immunity resulting in increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and excessive amounts of [...] Read more.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major cause of death worldwide. Without appropriate antiretroviral therapy, the infection can develop into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS leads to the dysregulation of cell-mediated immunity resulting in increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and excessive amounts of inflammatory cytokines. HIV-positive individuals also demonstrate diminished glutathione (GSH) levels which allows for increased viral replication and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine release, further contributing to the high rates of mortality seen in patients with HIV. Adequate GSH supplementation has reduced inflammation and slowed the decline of CD4+ T cell counts in HIV-positive individuals. We aim to review the current literature regarding the role of GSH in cell-mediated immune responses in individuals with HIV- and AIDS-defining illnesses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infection: Molecular and Cellular Immunity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1442 KiB  
Review
Role of HIV-1 Tat Protein Interactions with Host Receptors in HIV Infection and Pathogenesis
by Aurelio Cafaro, Ivan Schietroma, Leonardo Sernicola, Roberto Belli, Massimo Campagna, Flavia Mancini, Stefania Farcomeni, Maria Rosaria Pavone-Cossut, Alessandra Borsetti, Paolo Monini and Barbara Ensoli
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(3), 1704; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25031704 - 30 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1018
Abstract
Each time the virus starts a new round of expression/replication, even under effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), the transactivator of viral transcription Tat is one of the first HIV-1 protein to be produced, as it is strictly required for HIV replication and spreading. At [...] Read more.
Each time the virus starts a new round of expression/replication, even under effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), the transactivator of viral transcription Tat is one of the first HIV-1 protein to be produced, as it is strictly required for HIV replication and spreading. At this stage, most of the Tat protein exits infected cells, accumulates in the extracellular matrix and exerts profound effects on both the virus and neighbor cells, mostly of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Through these effects, extracellular Tat contributes to the acquisition of infection, spreading and progression to AIDS in untreated patients, or to non-AIDS co-morbidities in ART-treated individuals, who experience inflammation and immune activation despite virus suppression. Here, we review the role of extracellular Tat in both the virus life cycle and on cells of the innate and adaptive immune system, and we provide epidemiological and experimental evidence of the importance of targeting Tat to block residual HIV expression and replication. Finally, we briefly review vaccine studies showing that a therapeutic Tat vaccine intensifies ART, while its inclusion in a preventative vaccine may blunt escape from neutralizing antibodies and block early events in HIV acquisition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infection: Molecular and Cellular Immunity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1050 KiB  
Review
Genomic Factors and Therapeutic Approaches in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders: A Comprehensive Review
by Ana Borrajo, Daniel Pérez-Rodríguez, Carlos Fernández-Pereira, José María Prieto-González and Roberto Carlos Agís-Balboa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(18), 14364; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241814364 - 21 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1644
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs) still persist despite improved life expectancy, reduced viral loads, and decreased infection severity. The number of patients affected by HANDs ranges from (30 to 50) % of HIV-infected individuals. The pathological mechanisms contributing to HANDs and the most serious [...] Read more.
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs) still persist despite improved life expectancy, reduced viral loads, and decreased infection severity. The number of patients affected by HANDs ranges from (30 to 50) % of HIV-infected individuals. The pathological mechanisms contributing to HANDs and the most serious manifestation of the disease, HIV-associated dementia (HAD), are not yet well understood. Evidence suggests that these mechanisms are likely multifactorial, producing neurocognitive complications involving disorders such as neurogenesis, autophagy, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Over the years, multiple pharmacological approaches with specific mechanisms of action acting upon distinct targets have been approved. Although these therapies are effective in reducing viral loading to undetectable levels, they also present some disadvantages such as common side effects, the need for administration with a very high frequency, and the possibility of drug resistance. Genetic studies on HANDs provide insights into the biological pathways and mechanisms that contribute to cognitive impairment in people living with HIV-1. Furthermore, they also help identify genetic variants that increase susceptibility to HANDs and can be used to tailor treatment approaches for HIV-1 patients. Identification of the genetic markers associated with disease progression can help clinicians predict which individuals require more aggressive management and by understanding the genetic basis of the disorder, it will be possible to develop targeted therapies to mitigate cognitive impairment. The main goal of this review is to provide details on the epidemiological data currently available and to summarise the genetic (specifically, the genetic makeup of the immune system), transcriptomic, and epigenetic studies available on HANDs to date. In addition, we address the potential pharmacological therapeutic strategies currently being investigated. This will provide valuable information that can guide clinical care, drug development, and our overall understanding of these diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infection: Molecular and Cellular Immunity)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop