Craig Rhodes

HIV Antibody Characterization as a Method to Quantify Reservoir Size During Curative Interventions

Quantitative humoral profiling of recent samples from a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adult who was cured following a delta32/delta32 CCR5 stem cell transplant in 2007 revealed no antibodies against p24, matrix, nucleocapsid, integrase, protease, and gp120, but low levels of antibodies against reverse transcriptase, tat, and gp41. Antibody levels to these HIV proteins persisted at high and stable levels in most noncontrollers, elite controllers, and antiretroviral-treated subjects, but a rare subset of controllers had low levels of antibodies against matrix, reverse transcriptase, integrase, and/or protease. Comprehensive HIV antibody profiles may prove useful for monitoring curative interventions.

The cancer-associated virus landscape in HIV patients with oral hairy Leukoplakia, Kaposi's Sarcoma, and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Although HIV-positive patients are at higher risk for developing a variety of infection-related cancers, the prevalence of infections with the seven known cancer-associated viruses has not been studied. Luciferase immunoprecipitation systems were used to evaluate antiviral antibodies in four 23-person groups: healthy blood donors and HIV-infected patients with oral hairy leukoplakia (OLP), Kaposis sarcoma (KS), or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Antibody profiling revealed that all HIV-positive individuals were strongly seropositive for anti-gp41 and antireverse transcriptase antibodies. However, anti-p24 HIV antibody levels were highly variable and some OLP and KS patients demonstrated weak or negative responses. Profiling two EBV antigens revealed no statistical difference in antibody levels among the three HIV-infected groups. A high frequency of KSHV infection was detected in HIV patients including 100% of KS, 78% of OLP, and 57% of NHL patients. Most HIV-infected subjects (84%) showed anti-HBV core antibodies, but only a few showed antibodies against HCV. MCV seropositivity was also common (94%) in the HIV-infected individuals and KS patients showed statistically higher antibody levels compared to the OLP and NHL patients. Overall, 68% of the HIV-infected patients showed seropositivity with at least four cancer-associated viruses. Antibody profiles against these and other infectious agents could be useful for enhancing the clinical management of HIV patients.

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF CARTILAGE MATRIX

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the molecular biology of cartilage matrix. Cartilage is a highly specialized connective tissue with distinct morphological and biochemical characteristics. It is characterized by isolated round-shaped chondrocytes surrounded by extensive areas of extracellular matrix. Chondrocytes are differentiated from other mesenchymal cells by the production and secretion of large amounts of cartilage-specific matrix components. Transcription of the collagen type II gene can be modulated by exogenous factors that are present in serum. In a study discussed in the chapter, three steroid hormones were found to affect transcriptional activity of the collagen type II gene. Dexamethasone and retinoic acid inhibited the collagen type II promoter enhancer mediated CAT activity, whereas vitamin D increased the activity. Because these steroid hormones modulate the transcriptional activity through receptor-mediated DNA binding, these receptors may be directly binding to the sequences of the collagen type II gene. Hormones and vitamins have a role in cartilage expression and maturation. Interaction of these factors with specific receptors can mediate transcriptional activity through direct binding of the complex to regulatory sequences of cartilage genes.

Abstract P19: Pannexin 3 Deficiency in Mice Delays the Wound Healing Process

PURPOSE: Pannexin 3 (Panx3) is a gap junction protein. We have previously shown that Panx3 plays multiple channel functions: 1) as a hemichannel to regulate intracellular ATP/cAMP levels between cells and the extracellular space, 2) as an ER calcium channel to regulate calcium flux within the cell, and 3) a gap junction to exchange ions and small molecules between cells. However, the role of Panx3 in skin tissue regeneration, proliferation, and/or differentiation is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Panx3 plays a role in the skin wound healing process by controlling the inflammatory response, epidermal-mesenchymal transition (EMT), keratinocyte proliferation, and collagen deposition.