Characterization of immune cells and infection by HIV in human ovarian tissues

• Published in: American journal of reproductive immunology (1989) 2017-07, Vol.78 (1), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Shen, Zheng, Rodriguez‐Garcia, Marta, Ochsenbauer, Christina, Wira, Charles R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Antigens, CD - immunology; CD14 antigen; CD14+ cells; CD3 antigen; CD4 antigen; CD4+ T cells; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes - immunology; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes - virology; CD45 antigen; CD8 antigen; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes - immunology; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes - virology; Cell culture; Female; female reproductive tract; Flow cytometry; HIV; HIV infection; HIV Infections - immunology; HIV Infections - virology; Human immunodeficiency virus; human ovary; Humans; immune cells; Infections; Lymphocytes; Lymphocytes T; Middle Aged; Ovaries; Ovary - immunology; Ovary - virology; Sexual intercourse; Vagina
• ISSN: 1046-7408; 1600-0897
• DOI: 10.1111/aji.12687

Problem New HIV infections in women are predominantly spread through sexual intercourse. Recent non‐human primate studies demonstrated that simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) deposited in the vagina infected immune cells in the ovary. Whether immune cells in the human ovary are susceptible to HIV infection is unknown. Method of study Immune cells were isolated from ovaries and characterized by flow cytometry. Cells were exposed to HIV for 2 hours. HIV infection was measured by flow cytometry and p24 secretion following 6 days in culture. Results CD4+ T cells and CD14+ cells are present in the ovary and susceptible to infection by HIV‐BaL. Among the CD45+ cells present, 30% were CD3+ T cells (with similar proportions of CD4+ or CD8+ T cells), and 7%‐10% were CD14+ cells. Both CD4+ T cells and CD14+ cells were productively infected and supported replication. Conclusion Immune cells in the ovary are potential targets for HIV infection.