Cutting Edge: Dichotomous Effects of β-Chemokines on HIV Replication in Monocytes and Monocyte-Derived Macrophages

Abstract

Abstract The role of β-chemokines in the pathogenesis of HIV disease remains undefined. Given the potent capacities of these proteins to attract mononuclear cells to inflammatory sites, such as lymph nodes of patients with HIV disease, the effects of exposure of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages to β-chemokines before HIV infection were compared with their effects when added either simultaneously with or after HIV infection. In this system, HIV replication was substantially increased in cells that had been exposed to β-chemokines before HIV infection. These effects were pertussis toxin sensitive. By contrast, HIV replication was inhibited in cells that had been exposed to β-chemokines either simultaneously with or after HIV infection. These effects were not pertussis toxin sensitive. In view of this potent capacity of β-chemokines to stimulate HIV replication, treatment approaches for HIV disease based on the apparent inhibitory activity of these proteins on viral replication should be undertaken with caution.