Human galectin-9 promotes the expansion of HIV reservoirs in vivo in humanized mice.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The human endogenous protein galectin-9 (Gal-9) reactivates latently HIV-infected cells in vitro and ex vivo , which may allow for immune-mediated clearance of these cells. However, Gal-9 also activates several immune cells, which could negatively affect HIV persistence by promoting chronic activation/exhaustion. This potential 'double-edged sword' effect of Gal-9 raises the question of the overall impact of Gal-9 on HIV persistence in vivo .

Design

We used the BLT (bone marrow, liver, thymus) humanized mouse model to evaluate the impact of Gal-9 on HIV persistence in vivo during antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

Two independent cohorts of ART-suppressed HIV-infected BLT mice were treated with either recombinant Gal-9 or phosphate-buffered saline control

SUBMITTER: Yuan Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9975043 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature