Human Leydig cells are productively infected by some HIV-2 and SIV strains but not by HIV-1.
OBJECTIVE
With the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy, the identification of HIV reservoirs within the body has become an important issue. However, the testis has been largely ignored despite representing a pharmacologic sanctuary which could act as a viral reservoir.


METHODS
Because alterations in testosterone production have frequently been reported in HIV-infected individuals, we investigated whether the testosterone-producing Leydig cells could become directly infected by HIV-1, HIV-2 or SIV.


METHODS
Purified Leydig cells were infected with a panel of HIV-1, HIV-2 and SIV strains and examined for expression of HIV/SIV receptors. Additionally, the impact of CD4 transduction on Leydig cell infection was determined.


RESULTS
Leydig cells were unable to support productive infection of the seven HIV-1 isolates tested. No CD4, CXCR4 or CCR5 expression was evident on the surface of Leydig cells and transduction with a CD4 expressing adenovirus did not induce HIV-1 infection. In contrast, some primary and laboratory adapted CD4-independent HIV-2 and SIV strains were able to enter and replicate productively in Leydig cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that Leydig cells do not represent a target for HIV-1 infection within the testis. In contrast, Leydig cells support HIV-2 and SIV infection and thus represent a potential target for infection. Receptor use and significance of HIV-2/SIV infection of Leydig cells remain to be determined.
Willey
Samantha
S
Wohl Virion Centre, Department of Immunology and Molecular Pathology, Windeyer Institute, University College London, UK.
Roulet
Vanessa
V
Reeves
Jacqueline D
JD
Kergadallan
Marie-Laure
ML
Thomas
Elaine
E
McKnight
Aine
A
Jégou
Bernard
B
Dejucq-Rainsford
Nathalie
N
D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000472:pathogenicity; D015498:HIV-2 / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D015728:Receptors, HIV / Q000378:metabolism; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000378:metabolism; D016097:Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D015302:Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000472:pathogenicity*
D015728:Receptors, HIV; D011991:Receptors, Virus