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Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) can effectively suppress HIV-1 replication, but the latent viral reservoir in resting memory CD4(+) T cells is impervious to cART and represents a major barrier to curing HIV-1 infection. Reactivation of latent HIV-1 represents a possible strategy for elimination of this reservoir. In this study we describe the discovery of 1,2,9,10-tetramethoxy-7H-dibenzo[de,g]quinolin-7-one (57704) which reactivates latent HIV-1 in several cell-line models of latency (J89GFP, U1 and ACH-2). 57704 also increased HIV-1 expression in 3 of 4 CD8(+)-depleted blood mononuclear cell preparations isolated from HIV-1-infected individuals on suppressive cART. In contrast, vorinostat increased HIV-1 expression in only 1 of the 4 donors tested. Importantly, 57704 does not induce global T cell activation. Mechanistic studies revealed that 57704 reactivates latent HIV-1 via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. 57704 was found to be an agonist of PI3K with specificity to the p110α isoform, but not the p110β, δ or γ isoforms. Taken together, our work suggests that 57704 could serve as a scaffold for the development of more potent activators of latent HIV-1. Furthermore, it highlights the involvement of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the maintenance of HIV-1 latency.

Intestinal fibrosis leading to strictures remains a significant clinical problem in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The role of bacterial components in activating intestinal mesenchymal cells and driving fibrogenesis is largely unexplored. Tamoxifen-inducible α-SMA promoter Cre mice crossed with floxed MyD88 mice were subjected to chronic dextran sodium sulfate colitis. MyD88 was deleted prior to or after induction of colitis. Human intestinal myofibroblasts (HIMF) were exposed to various bacterial components and assessed for fibronectin (FN) and collagen I (Col1) production. RNA sequencing was performed. Post-transcriptional regulation was assessed by polysome profiling assay. Selective deletion of MyD88 in α-SMA-positive cells prior to, but not after induction of, experimental colitis decreased the degree of intestinal fibrosis. HIMF selectively responded to flagellin with enhanced FN or Col1 protein production in a MyD88-dependent manner. RNA sequencing suggested minimal transcriptional changes induced by flagellin in HIMF. Polysome profiling revealed higher proportions of FN and Col1 mRNA in the actively translated fractions of flagellin exposed HIMF, which was mediated by eIF2 alpha and 4EBP1. In conclusion, selectivity of flagellin-induced ECM secretion in HIMF is post-transcriptionally regulated. The results may represent a novel and targetable link between the gut microbiota and intestinal fibrogenesis.

Mesenteric adipose tissue, mainly consisting of preadipocytes and adipocytes, is increasingly considered an active player in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Adipocyte hyperplasia and creeping fat in Crohn's disease (CD) are associated with stricture formation, which is caused by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition by myofibroblasts and muscle cells. We therefore investigated whether mesenteric adipocyte/preadipocyte-derived mediators induce a pro-fibrogenic response by human intestinal myofibroblasts (HIF) and muscle cells (HIMC) and the mechanisms involved.MethodsHIF and HIMC derived from IBD and control tissues were exposed to 6 different adipokines (leptin, chemerin, resistin, visfatin, vaspin, nesfatin), free fatty acids (FFA) of different length (palmitate, stearate, oleate, decanoate, butyrate) as well as TNF, IL-1β, TGF-β1, bFGF, or their combinations, and cell proliferation was assessed by 3H-thymidine incorporation and cell counting. Modulation of αSMA was investigated by immunoblot; fibronectin (FN), collagen I (Col 1) and IL-6 content in the supernatants was measured by ELISA, RIA or immunoblot; and migration by Boyden chamber assay. p38MAPK, PKC, PI3K, NFκB, TLR2, TLR4 or MyD88 signaling was blocked by specific inhibitors or siRNA, respectively. Primary human intestinal endothelial cells, preadipocytes and adipocytes as well as the intestinal epithelial cell line CaCo2 served as controls.ResultsbFGF and long chain, but not short chain, FFA increased proliferation of HIF and HIMC 2.2 and 3.4-fold, respectively (P < 0.001). When mediators were combined a striking synergistic effect of bFGF and long-chain FFA was observed, with a dramatic 12-fold increase in HIF and HIMC proliferation. Synergy was dependent on p38MAPK, PKC and PI3K, but not MyD88, TLR2, TLR4, NFκB or CD36. Supernatants of human intestinal adipocytes, but not preadipocytes increased proliferation of HIMC. The effect of palmitate, the most abundant long-chain FFA, on mesenchymal cell proliferation was specific, since it failed to induce proliferation in intestinal epithelial, endothelial cells as well as preadipocytes and adipocytes. TGF-β1, bFGF and TNF induced a marked increase in FN secretion, while TGF-β1, bFGF and IL-1β enhanced the production of Col-1 (P < 0.05–0.001) by HIF. The HIF inflammatory response, as measured by IL-6, was increased by IL-1β, TNF and TGF-β1 (P < 0.05), and TGF-β1 upregulated αSMA expression. HIF- and HIMC-conditioned medium induced HIF and HIMC migration with further increase after exposure to TGF-β1 and bFGF (P < 0.01). Adipokines and FFA failed to increase matrix production, IL-6 secretion, αSMA expression or cell migration. The above results were largely independent of the IBD or control origin of HIF or HIMC.ConclusionsMesenteric adipocyte/preadipocyte-derived mediators induce a differential and selective fibrogenic response by HIF and HIMC. bFGF and long-chain, but not short chain, FFA synergistically increased HIF and HIMC proliferation in a p38MAPK-, PKC- and PI3K-dependent, but NFκB-, MyD88-, TLR2-, TLR4- and CD36-independent manner. Adipocyte-, but not preadipocyte-conditioned medium enhanced HIMC proliferation. TGF-β1, bFGF, TNF and IL-1β, but not adipokines or FFA increased ECM secretion, IL-6 production, αSMA expression and cell migration. These results indicate that fat-derived mediators actively contribute to intestinal fibrosis.

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) can effectively suppress HIV-1 replication, but the latent viral reservoir in resting memory CD4.sup.+ T cells is impervious to cART and represents a major barrier to curing HIV-1 infection. Reactivation of latent HIV-1 represents a possible strategy for elimination of this reservoir. In this study we describe the discovery of 1,2,9,10-tetramethoxy-7H-dibenzo[de,g]quinolin-7-one (57704) which reactivates latent HIV-1 in several cell-line models of latency (J89GFP, U1 and ACH-2). 57704 also increased HIV-1 expression in 3 of 4 CD8.sup.+ -depleted blood mononuclear cell preparations isolated from HIV-1-infected individuals on suppressive cART. In contrast, vorinostat increased HIV-1 expression in only 1 of the 4 donors tested. Importantly, 57704 does not induce global T cell activation. Mechanistic studies revealed that 57704 reactivates latent HIV-1 via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. 57704 was found to be an agonist of PI3K with specificity to the p110[alpha] isoform, but not the p110[beta], [delta] or [gamma] isoforms. Taken together, our work suggests that 57704 could serve as a scaffold for the development of more potent activators of latent HIV-1. Furthermore, it highlights the involvement of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the maintenance of HIV-1 latency.

ObjectiveCreeping fat, the wrapping of mesenteric fat around the bowel wall, is a typical feature of Crohn’s disease, and is associated with stricture formation and bowel obstruction. How creeping fat forms is unknown, and we interrogated potential mechanisms using novel intestinal tissue and cell interaction systems.DesignTissues from normal, UC, non-strictured and strictured Crohn’s disease intestinal specimens were obtained. The muscularis propria matrisome was determined via proteomics. Mesenteric fat explants, primary human preadipocytes and adipocytes were used in multiple ex vivo and in vitro cell migration systems on muscularis propria muscle cell derived or native extracellular matrix. Functional experiments included integrin characterisation via flow cytometry and their inhibition with specific blocking antibodies and chemicals.ResultsCrohn’s disease muscularis propria cells produced an extracellular matrix scaffold which is in direct spatial and functional contact with the immediately overlaid creeping fat. The scaffold contained multiple proteins, but only fibronectin production was singularly upregulated by transforming growth factor-β1. The muscle cell-derived matrix triggered migration of preadipocytes out of mesenteric fat, fibronectin being the dominant factor responsible for their migration. Blockade of α5β1 on the preadipocyte surface inhibited their migration out of mesenteric fat and on 3D decellularised intestinal tissue extracellular matrix.ConclusionCrohn’s disease creeping fat appears to result from the migration of preadipocytes out of mesenteric fat and differentiation into adipocytes in response to an increased production of fibronectin by activated muscularis propria cells. These new mechanistic insights may lead to novel approaches for prevention of creeping fat-associated stricture formation.

Germ-free (GF) mice, which are depleted of their resident microbiota, are the gold standard for exploring the role of the microbiome in health and disease; however, they are of limited value in the study of human-specific pathogens because they do not support their replication. Here, we develop GF mice systemically reconstituted with human immune cells and use them to evaluate the role of the resident microbiome in the acquisition, replication and pathogenesis of two human-specific pathogens, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Comparison with conventional (CV) humanized mice showed that resident microbiota enhance the establishment of EBV infection and EBV-induced tumorigenesis and increase mucosal HIV acquisition and replication. HIV RNA levels were higher in plasma and tissues of CV humanized mice compared with GF humanized mice. The frequency of CCR5 + CD4 + T cells throughout the intestine was also higher in CV humanized mice, indicating that resident microbiota govern levels of HIV target cells. Thus, resident microbiota promote the acquisition and pathogenesis of two clinically relevant human-specific pathogens. Resident microbiota contribute to HIV and EBV infection in a germ-free humanized mouse model.

Abstract Background and Aims Creeping fat, the wrapping of mesenteric fat around the bowel wall, is a typical feature of Crohn’s disease, and is associated with stricture formation and bowel obstruction. How creeping fat forms is unknown, and we interrogated potential mechanisms using novel intestinal tissue and cell interaction systems. Methods Tissues from normal, ulcerative colitis, non-strictured and strictured Crohn’s disease intestinal specimens were obtained. Fresh and decellularized tissue, mesenteric fat explants, primary human adipocytes, pre-adipocytes, muscularis propria cells, and native extracellular matrix were used in multiple ex vivo and in vitro systems involving cell growth, differentiation and migration, proteomics, and integrin expression. Results Crohn’s disease muscularis propria cells produced an extracellular matrix scaffold which is in direct spatial and functional contact with the immediately overlaid creeping fat. The scaffold contained multiple proteins, but only fibronectin production was singularly upregulated by TGF-b1. The muscle cell-derived matrix triggered migration of pre-adipocytes out of mesenteric fat, fibronectin being the dominant factor responsible for their migration. Blockade of α5β1 on the pre-adipocyte surface inhibited their migration out of mesenteric fat and on 3D decellularized intestinal tissue extracellular matrix. Conclusion Crohn’s disease creeping fat appears to result from the migration of pre-adipocytes out of mesenteric fat and differentiation into adipocytes in response to an increased production of fibronectin by activated muscularis propria cells. These new mechanistic insights may lead to novel approaches for prevention of creeping fat-associated stricture formation.

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) can effectively suppress HIV-1 replication, but the latent viral reservoir in resting memory CD4+ T cells is impervious to cART and represents a major barrier to curing HIV-1 infection. Reactivation of latent HIV-1 represents a possible strategy for elimination of this reservoir. In this study we describe the discovery of 1,2,9,10-tetramethoxy-7H-dibenzo[de,g]quinolin-7-one(57704) which reactivates latent HIV-1 in several cell-line models of latency (J89GFP, U1 and ACH-2). 57704 also increased HIV-1 expression in 3 of 4 CD8+-depleted blood mononuclear cell preparations isolated from HIV-1-infected individuals on suppressive cART. In contrast, vorinostat increased HIV-1 expression in only 1 of the 4 donors tested. Importantly, 57704 does not induce global T cell activation. Mechanistic studies revealed that 57704 reactivates latent HIV-1 via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. 57704 was found to be an agonist of PI3K with specificity to the p110 alpha isoform, but not the p110 beta , delta or gamma isoforms. Taken together, our work suggests that 57704 could serve as a scaffold for the development of more potent activators of latent HIV-1. Furthermore, it highlights the involvement of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the maintenance of HIV-1 latency.

CRISPR-Cas systems are bacterial anti-viral systems, and bacterial viruses (bacteriophages, phages) can carry anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins to evade that immunity. Acrs can also fine-tune the activity of CRISPR-based genome-editing tools. While Acrs are prevalent in phages capable of lying dormant in a CRISPR-carrying host, their orthologs have been observed only infrequently in virulent phages. Here we identify AcrIIA6, an Acr encoded in 33% of virulent Streptococcus thermophilus phage genomes. The X-ray structure of AcrIIA6 displays some features unique to this Acr family. We compare the activity of AcrIIA6 to those of other Acrs, including AcrIIA5 (also from S. thermophilus phages), and characterize their effectiveness against a range of CRISPR-Cas systems. Finally, we demonstrate that both Acr families from S. thermophilus phages inhibit Cas9-mediated genome editing of human cells. Some phages carry genes coding for anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins that interfere with the activity of bacterial CRISPR-Cas systems. Here, Hynes et al. characterize a new Acr family from streptococcal phages and investigate its potential in genome-editing applications.

As the world's population ages, a deeper understanding of the relationship between aging and motor learning will become increasingly relevant in basic research and applied settings. In this context, this review aims to address the effects of age on motor sequence learning (MSL) and motor adaptation (MA) with respect to behavioral, neurological, and neuroimaging findings. Previous behavioral research investigating the influence of aging on motor learning has consistently reported the following results. First, the initial acquisition of motor sequences is not altered, except under conditions of increased task complexity. Second, older adults demonstrate deficits in motor sequence memory consolidation. And, third, although older adults demonstrate deficits during the exposure phase of MA paradigms, the aftereffects following removal of the sensorimotor perturbation are similar to young adults, suggesting that the adaptive ability of older adults is relatively intact. This paper will review the potential neural underpinnings of these behavioral results, with a particular emphasis on the influence of age-related dysfunctions in the cortico-striatal system on motor learning.