Repeated semen exposure decreases cervicovaginal SIVmac251 infection in rhesus macaques

Nat Commun. 2019 Aug 21;10(1):3753. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-11814-5.

Abstract

Semen is the vehicle for virion dissemination in the female reproductive tract (FRT) in male-to-female HIV transmission. Recent data suggests that higher frequency semen exposure is associated with activation of anti-HIV mechanisms in HIV negative sex workers. Here, we use a non-human primate (NHP) model to show that repeated vaginal exposure to semen significantly reduces subsequent infection by repeated low-dose vaginal SIVmac251 challenge. Repeated semen exposures result in lower CCR5 expression in circulating CD4+ T-cells, as well as higher expression of Mx1 (in correlation with IFNε expression) and FoxP3 in the cervicovaginal mucosa, and increased infiltration of CD4+ T-cells. Establishing in vivo evidence of competing effects of semen on transmission impacts our basic understanding of what factors may determine HIV infectivity in humans. Our results clearly indicate that repeated semen exposure can profoundly modulate the FRT microenvironment, paradoxically promoting host resistance against HIV acquisition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes
  • Cervix Uteri / immunology*
  • Cervix Uteri / virology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Humans
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Mucous Membrane / immunology*
  • Mucous Membrane / metabolism
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins / metabolism
  • Receptors, CCR5 / metabolism
  • Semen / immunology*
  • Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology*
  • Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / transmission*
  • Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / immunology*
  • Vagina / immunology*
  • Vagina / virology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins
  • Receptors, CCR5