Natural Immunity to HIV is associated with Low BLyS/BAFF levels and low frequencies of innate marginal zone like CD1c+ B-cells in the genital tract

PLoS Pathog. 2019 Jun 7;15(6):e1007840. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007840. eCollection 2019 Jun.

Abstract

BLyS/BAFF is recognized for its role in B-cell ontogenesis, as well as cell fate decision towards the first-line/innate marginal zone (MZ) B-cell pool. Excess BLyS/BAFF is associated with hyperglobulinemia and increased frequencies of activated precursor-like MZ B-cells. Herein, we show that HIV highly-exposed seronegative (HESN) commercial sex workers (CSWs) had lower soluble BLyS/BAFF levels and relative frequencies of BLyS/BAFF expressing cells in their genital mucosa when compared to those from HIV-infected CSWs and HIV-uninfected non-CSWs. Furthermore, we identified genital innate and/or marginal zone (MZ)-like CD1c+ B-cells that naturally bind to fully glycosylated gp120, which frequencies were lower in HESNs when compared to HIV-infected CSWs and HIV-uninfected non-CSWs. Although genital levels of total IgA were similar between groups, HESNs had lower levels of total IgG1 and IgG3. Interestingly, HIV-gp41 reactive IgG1 were found in some HESNs. Low genital levels of BLyS/BAFF observed in HESNs may allow for controlled first-line responses, contributing to natural immunity to HIV.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, CD1 / immunology*
  • B-Cell Activating Factor / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Female
  • Genitalia, Female / immunology*
  • Glycoproteins / immunology*
  • HIV Antibodies / immunology
  • HIV Seronegativity / immunology*
  • HIV-1 / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Middle Aged
  • Sex Workers*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD1
  • B-Cell Activating Factor
  • CD1C protein, human
  • Glycoproteins
  • HIV Antibodies
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • TNFSF13B protein, human

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