Estradiol inhibits HIV-1_BaL infection and induces CFL1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and endocervical mucosa.

ABSTRACT: An inhibitory effect of estradiol (E2) on HIV-1 infection was suggested by several reports. We previously identified increased gene expression of actin-binding protein cofilin 1 (CFL1) in endocervix in the E2-dominated proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. Actin cytoskeleton has an integral role in establishing and spreading HIV-1 infection. Herein, we studied in vitro effects of E2 on HIV-1 infection and on CFL1 expression to gain insight into the mechanism of HIV-1 inhibition by E2. E2 dose-dependently inhibited HIV-1_BaL infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and endocervix. In PBMCs and endocervix, E2 increased protein expression of total CFL1 and phosphorylated CFL1 (pCFL1) and pCFL1/CFL1 ratios. LIMKi3, a LIM kinase 1 and 2 inhibitor, abrogated the ph

SUBMITTER: Verma N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9008051 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature