PD-1 blockade potentiates HIV latency reversal ex vivo in CD4+ T cells from ART-suppressed individuals

Nat Commun. 2019 Feb 18;10(1):814. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-08798-7.

Abstract

HIV persists in latently infected CD4+ T cells during antiretroviral therapy (ART). Immune checkpoint molecules, including PD-1, are preferentially expressed at the surface of persistently infected cells. However, whether PD-1 plays a functional role in HIV latency and reservoir persistence remains unknown. Using CD4+ T cells from HIV-infected individuals, we show that the engagement of PD-1 inhibits viral production at the transcriptional level and abrogates T-cell receptor (TCR)-induced HIV reactivation in latently infected cells. Conversely, PD-1 blockade with the monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab enhances HIV production in combination with the latency reversing agent bryostatin without increasing T cell activation. Our results suggest that the administration of immune checkpoint blockers to HIV-infected individuals on ART may facilitate latency disruption.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / pharmacology
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active*
  • B7-H1 Antigen / pharmacology
  • Bryostatins / pharmacology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / virology*
  • HIV-1 / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / metabolism
  • Virus Latency / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • Bryostatins
  • PDCD1 protein, human
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
  • pembrolizumab