Selective elimination of HIV-1-infected cells by Env-directed, HIV-1-based virus-like particles

Virology. 2006 Feb 5;345(1):115-26. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2005.09.054. Epub 2005 Nov 4.

Abstract

We recently showed that both replicating and resting cells cultivated with ganciclovir (GCV) were killed when challenged with vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein pseudotyped HIV-1-based virus-like particles (VLPs) carrying the Nef7 (i.e., an HIV-1 Nef mutant incorporating in virions at high levels)/herpes simplex virus-1 thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) fusion product. On this basis, a novel anti-HIV therapeutic approach based on Nef7/TK VLPs expressing X4 or R5 HIV cell receptor complexes has been attempted. We here report that (CD4-CXCR4) and (CD4-CCR5) Nef7-based VLPs efficiently enter cells infected by X4- or R5-tropic HIV-1 strains, respectively. Importantly, the delivery of the VLP-associated Nef7/TK led to cell death upon GCV treatment. Of interest, VLPs were effective also against non-replicating, HIV-1-infected primary human monocyte-derived macrophages. HIV-targeted VLPs represent a promising candidate for the treatment of persistently HIV-1-infected cells that are part of virus reservoirs resistant to HAART therapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / pharmacology*
  • Blotting, Western
  • CD4 Antigens / metabolism
  • Cell Death*
  • Cell Line
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Ganciclovir / pharmacology*
  • Gene Products, nef / genetics*
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / analysis
  • HIV-1 / drug effects*
  • HIV-1 / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Proteins / analysis
  • Receptors, CCR5 / metabolism
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / metabolism
  • Receptors, HIV / metabolism*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Thymidine Kinase / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Virosomes / pharmacology*
  • nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • CD4 Antigens
  • Gene Products, nef
  • Proteins
  • Receptors, CCR5
  • Receptors, CXCR4
  • Receptors, HIV
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Viral Proteins
  • Virosomes
  • nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Thymidine Kinase
  • Ganciclovir