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Thrombospondin new biomarker for HIV

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The protein thrombospondin, encoded by the THBS1 gene, is a new biomarker for plasma viremia in patients with progressive and non-progressive HIV, according to the results of a study presented at the 2013 International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Previous research indicated associations with thrombospondin protein (TSP-1) and angiogenesis, apoptosis, activation of transforming growth factor-beta, immune regulation and antiviral functions. Yet, it was unknown how TSP-1 may influence plasma viremia in patients with HIV and how it may be involved in HIV disease staging.

The functional significance of THBS1 was derived with genome-wide microarray and quantitative real-time PCR validation in the analysis of primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with HIV. The patients had detectable viral loads (>40 copies/mL), below detectable viral loads (<40 copies/mL) or were long-term non-progressors (<20 copies of HIV in the absence of therapy).

Flow cytometer and confocal microscopy were used for functional analysis of TSP-1 in CD14+ and CD16+ monocytes, indicating a more pronounced discriminatory effect in segregating the viremic phase from natural controllers than in platelets. The findings were consistent with THSB1 up-regulation in the viremic group and down-regulation in the long-term non-progressors and from quantitative real-time PCR. Fluorescence-activated cell-scanning flow cytometer analysis and confocal microscopy of TSP-1 indicated segregation between viremic and long-term non-progress groups. Therefore, the expression of TSP-1 was significantly associated with plasma viremia and the down-regulation of apoptosis in non-progressors.

For more information:

Conceicao V. Abstract #MOLBP09. Presented at: 7th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention; June 30-July 03, 2013; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.