Herpes simplex virus type 2 infection increases human immunodeficiency virus type 1 entry into human primary macrophages

Virol J. 2011 Apr 12:8:166. doi: 10.1186/1743-422X-8-166.

Abstract

Epidemiological and clinical data indicate that genital ulcer disease (GUD) pathogens are associated with an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) acquisition and/or transmission. Among them, genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) seems to play a relevant role. Indeed, the ability of HSV-2 to induce massive infiltration at the genital level of cells which are potential targets for HIV-1 infection may represent one of the mechanisms involved in this process. Here we show that infection of human primary macrophages (MDMs) by HSV-2 results in an increase of CCR5 expression levels on cell surface and allows higher efficiency of MDMs to support entry of R5 HIV-1 strains. This finding could strengthen, at the molecular level, the evidence linking HSV-2 infection to an increased susceptibility to HIV-1 acquisition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • HIV Infections / etiology
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • HIV-1 / physiology*
  • Herpes Genitalis / complications*
  • Herpes Genitalis / genetics
  • Herpes Genitalis / immunology
  • Herpes Genitalis / virology
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / virology*
  • Receptors, CCR5 / genetics
  • Receptors, CCR5 / immunology
  • Virus Internalization*

Substances

  • Receptors, CCR5