Semen-mediated enhancement of HIV infection is donor-dependent and correlates with the levels of SEVI

• Main Authors: Hahn Beatrice H, Dejucq-Rainsford Nathalie, Burgener Adam, Forssmann Wolf-Georg, Staendker Ludger, Roan Nadia R, Zirafi Onofrio, Yolamanova Maral, Kim Kyeong-Ae, Shaw George M, Greene Warner C, Kirchhoff Frank, Münch Jan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2010-06-01
• Series: Retrovirology
• Online Access: http://www.retrovirology.com/content/7/1/55

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>HIV-1 is usually transmitted in the presence of semen. We have shown that semen boosts HIV-1 infection and contains fragments of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) forming amyloid aggregates termed SEVI (semen-derived enhancer of viral infection) that promote virion attachment to target cells. Despite its importance for the global spread of HIV-1, however, the effect of semen on virus infection is controversial.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Here, we established methods allowing the meaningful analysis of semen by minimizing its cytotoxic effects and partly recapitulating the conditions encountered during sexual HIV-1 transmission. We show that semen rapidly and effectively enhances the infectivity of HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV. This enhancement occurs independently of the viral genotype and coreceptor tropism as well as the virus producer and target cell type. Semen-mediated enhancement of HIV-1 infection was also observed under acidic pH conditions and in the presence of vaginal fluid. We further show that the potency of semen in boosting HIV-1 infection is donor dependent and correlates with the levels of SEVI.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results show that semen strongly enhances the infectivity of HIV-1 and other primate lentiviruses and that SEVI contributes to this effect. Thus, SEVI may play an important role in the sexual transmission of HIV-1 and addition of SEVI inhibitors to microbicides may improve their efficacy.</p>