Transcriptomic crosstalk between viral and host factors drives aberrant homeostasis of T-cell proliferation and cell death in HIV-infected immunological non-responders

Abstract

Background: Immunological non-responders (INRs) among people living with HIV have inherently higher mortality and morbidity rates. The underlying immunological mechanisms whereby failure of immune reconstitution occurs in INRs require elucidation.

Method: HIV-1 DNA and HIV-1 cell-associated RNA (CA-HIV RNA) quantifications were conducted via RT-qPCR. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), bioinformatics, and biological verifications were performed to discern the crosstalk between host and viral factors. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze cellular activation, proliferation, and death.

Results: HIV-1 DNA and CA-HIV RNA levels were observed to be significantly higher in INRs compared to immunological responders (IRs). Evaluation of CD4/CD8 ratios showed a significantly negative correlation with HIV-1 DNA in IRs, but not in INRs. Bioinformatics analyses and biological verifications showed IRF7/INF-α regulated antiviral response was intensified in INRs. PBMCs of INRs expressed significantly more HIV integrase-mRNA (p31) than IRs. Resting (CD4⁺CD69^- T-cells) and activated (CD4⁺CD69⁺ T-cells) HIV-1 reservoir harboring cells were significantly higher in INRs, with the co-occurrence of significantly higher cellular proliferation and cell death in CD4⁺ T-cells of INRs.

Conclusion: In INRs, the systematic crosstalk between the HIV-1 reservoir and host cells tends to maintain a persistent antiviral response-associated inflammatory environment, which drives aberrant cellular activation, proliferation, and death of CD4⁺ T-cells.

Keywords: Anti-viral response; Cell death; HIV reservoir; Immunological non-responders; Viral factor.