HIV-1 Nef is carried on the surface of extracellular vesicles.
Christophe Vanpouille; Beda Brichacek; Tatiana Pushkarsky; Larisa Dubrovsky; Wendy Fitzgerald; Nigora Mukhamedova; Sofia Garcia-Hernandez; Doreen Matthies; Anastas Popratiloff; Dmitri Sviridov; Leonid Margolis; Michael Bukrinsky
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) serve as pivotal mediators of intercellular communication in both health and disease, delivering biologically active molecules from vesicle-producing cells to recipient cells. In the context of HIV infection, EVs have been shown to carry the viral protein Nef, a key pathogenic factor associated with HIV-related co-morbidities. Despite this recognition, the specific localisation of Nef within the vesicles has remained elusive. This study addresses this critical knowledge gap by investigating Nef-containing EVs. Less than 1% of the total released Nef was associated with EVs; most Nef existed as free protein released by damaged cells. Nevertheless, activity of EV-associated Nef in downregulating the major cholesterol transporter ABCA1, a critical aspect linked to the pathogenic effects of Nef, was comparable to that of free Nef present in the supernatant. Through a series of biochemical and microscopic assays, we demonstrate that the majority of EV-associated Nef molecules are localised on the external surface of the vesicles. This distinctive distribution prompts the consideration of Nef-containing EVs as potential targets for immunotherapeutic interventions aimed at preventing or treating HIV-associated co-morbidities. In conclusion, our results shed light on the localisation and functional activity of Nef within EVs, providing valuable insights for the development of targeted immunotherapies to mitigate the impact of HIV-associated co-morbidities.
Journal | |
ISSN | 2001-3078 |
Published | 01 Jul 2024 |
Volume | 13 |
Issue | 7 |
Pages | e12478 |
DOI | 10.1002/jev2.12478 |
Type | Journal Article |
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