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British Journal of Haematology Aug 2023Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL) is an aggressive malignancy of peripheral T cells caused by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1). Tax is the most...
Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL) is an aggressive malignancy of peripheral T cells caused by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1). Tax is the most important regulatory protein for HTLV-1. We aimed to reveal a unique amino acid sequence (AA) of complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) of the T-cell receptor (TCR)β and TCRα chains of HLA-A*02:01-restricted Tax -specific cytotoxic T cells (Tax-CTLs). The gene expression profiles (GEP) of Tax-CTLs were assessed by the next-generation sequence (NGS) method with SMARTer technology. Tax-CTLs seemed to be oligoclonal, and their gene compositions were skewed. The unique motifs of 'DSWGK' in TCRα and 'LAG' in TCRβ at CDR3 were observed in almost all patients. Tax-CTL clones harbouring the 'LAG' motif with BV28 had a higher binding score than those without either of them, besides a higher binding score associated with longer survival. Tax-CTLs established from a single cell showed killing activities against Tax-peptide-pulsed HLA-A2 T2 cell lines. GEP of Tax-CTLs revealed that genes associated with immune response activity were well preserved in long-term survivors with stable status. These methods and results can help us better understand immunity against ATL, and should contribute to future studies on the clinical application of adoptive T-cell therapies.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Human T-lymphotropic virus 1; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic; Amino Acid Sequence; Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Gene Expression; Gene Products, tax; HTLV-I Infections
PubMed: 37317804
DOI: 10.1111/bjh.18918 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Mar 2024Human retroviruses are derived from simian ones through cross-species transmission. These retroviruses are associated with little pathogenicity in their natural hosts,...
Human retroviruses are derived from simian ones through cross-species transmission. These retroviruses are associated with little pathogenicity in their natural hosts, but in humans, HIV causes AIDS, and human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) induces adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL). We analyzed the proviral sequences of HTLV-1, HTLV-2, and simian T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (STLV-1) from Japanese macaques () and found that APOBEC3G (A3G) frequently generates G-to-A mutations in the HTLV-1 provirus, whereas such mutations are rare in the HTLV-2 and STLV-1 proviruses. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism of how HTLV-2 is resistant to human A3G (hA3G). HTLV-1, HTLV-2, and STLV-1 encode the so-called antisense proteins, HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ), Antisense protein of HTLV-2 (APH-2), and STLV-1 bZIP factor (SBZ), respectively. APH-2 efficiently inhibits the deaminase activity of both hA3G and simian A3G (sA3G). HBZ and SBZ strongly suppress sA3G activity but only weakly inhibit hA3G, suggesting that HTLV-1 is incompletely adapted to humans. Unexpectedly, hA3G augments the activation of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad pathway by HBZ, and this activation is associated with ATL cell proliferation by up-regulating and . In contrast, the combination of APH-2 and hA3G, or the combination of SBZ and sA3G, does not enhance the TGF-β/Smad pathway. Thus, HTLV-1 is vulnerable to hA3G but utilizes it to promote the proliferation of infected cells via the activation of the TGF-β/Smad pathway. Antisense factors in each virus, differently adapted to control host cellular functions through A3G, seem to dictate the pathogenesis.
Topics: Humans; Cell Line; Virulence; Human T-lymphotropic virus 1; Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell; Proviruses; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors; APOBEC-3G Deaminase
PubMed: 38502701
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309925121 -
The Lancet. Haematology Jul 2023The human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) retrovirus infects 10-20 million people globally, with endemic regions in southwestern Japan, the Caribbean basin, Africa,... (Review)
Review
The human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) retrovirus infects 10-20 million people globally, with endemic regions in southwestern Japan, the Caribbean basin, Africa, and central Australia. HTLV-1 is associated with lifelong infection and immune suppression, resulting in a range of serious sequalae, including adult T-cell leukaemia or lymphoma (ATLL) in 5% of cases. To date, there are no preventive or curative treatments for HTLV-1 and treatment outcomes for ATLL remain generally poor. Depending on the disease subtype, overall survival is 8-55 months. Recent advancements in the past decade have identified genetic, molecular, and immunological events occurring throughout the lives of individuals infected with HTLV-1 and of those who progress to ATLL. In addition, updated guidelines for clinical management have been published. With the aim of focusing research efforts on the development of treatments for both HTLV-1 infections and ATLL, we have conceptualised a four-step disease model for HTLV-1-associated ATLL: (1) viral exposure, (2) establishment of chronic infection, (3) cellular transformation and evolution, and (4) disease presentation and management. For each stage we describe the clinical features, molecular and immunological factors involved, potential biomarkers of disease progression, and the therapeutic applicability of individual targets. We also discuss emerging concepts and novel treatment approaches. Our hope is that this model will promote research interest and guide the testing of new treatments for this neglected virus and its associated rare cancer.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell; HTLV-I Infections; Human T-lymphotropic virus 1; Disease Progression; Lymphoma
PubMed: 37407143
DOI: 10.1016/S2352-3026(23)00087-X -
International Journal of Infectious... Mar 2024Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection is spreading globally at an uncertain speed. Sexual, mother-to-child, and parenteral exposure are the major...
Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection is spreading globally at an uncertain speed. Sexual, mother-to-child, and parenteral exposure are the major transmission routes. Neither vaccines nor antivirals have been developed to confront HTLV-1, despite infecting over 10 million people globally and causing life-threatening illnesses in 10% of carriers. It is time to place this long-neglected disease firmly into the 2030 elimination agenda. Current evidence supports once-in-life testing for HTLV-1, as recommended for HIV, hepatitis B and C, along with targeted screening of pregnant women, blood donors, and people who attended clinics for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Similar targeted screening strategies are already being performed for Chagas disease in some Western countries in persons from Latin America. Given the high risk of rapid-onset HTLV-1-associated myelopathy, universal screening of solid organ donors is warranted. To minimize organ wastage, however, the specificity of HTLV screening tests must be improved. HTLV screening of organ donors in Europe has become mandatory in Spain and the United Kingdom. The advent of HTLV point-of-care kits would facilitate testing. Finally, increasing awareness of HTLV-1 will help those living with HTLV-1 to be tested, clinically monitored, and informed about transmission-preventive measures.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Human T-lymphotropic virus 1; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; HTLV-I Infections; Europe; Blood Donors
PubMed: 38307379
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.01.015 -
The Journal of Infectious Diseases Dec 2023Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is an important route of transmission that can cause lifelong infection. There is high... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is an important route of transmission that can cause lifelong infection. There is high morbidity and mortality due to adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM), and other inflammatory disorders. These conditions develop in nearly 10% of people with HTLV-1 infection, with a higher risk if infection occurs early in life. Identification of risk factors can inform targeted measures to reduce HTLV-1 MTCT. This study aimed to investigate the potential of cesarean delivery to prevent HTLV-1 MTCT.
METHODS
We performed a review of the cases of women and their offspring under regular follow-up at the HTLV-1 outpatient clinic at the Institute of Infectious Diseases Emilio Ribas.
RESULTS
A total of 177 HTLV-1-infected women and 369 adult offspring were investigated. Overall, 15% of the children were positive for HTLV-1 and 85% were negative. Regarding vertical transmission, we found that a breastfeeding duration of >6 months was associated with MTCT. Moreover, maternal proviral load was not associated with transmission, but high educational level and cesarean delivery were identified as protective factors.
CONCLUSIONS
HTLV-1 MTCT was associated with mother's age at delivery of >25 years, low educational level, prolonged breastfeeding, and vaginal delivery.
Topics: Adult; Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Human T-lymphotropic virus 1; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; HTLV-I Infections; Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic; Breast Feeding
PubMed: 37386934
DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad219 -
Retrovirology Feb 2024Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T cell leukemia virus (HTLV) have replicative and latent stages of infection. The status of the viruses is dependent on the... (Review)
Review
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T cell leukemia virus (HTLV) have replicative and latent stages of infection. The status of the viruses is dependent on the cells that harbour them and on different events that change the transcriptional and post-transcriptional events. Non-coding (nc)RNAs are key factors in the regulation of retrovirus replication cycles. Notably, micro (mi)RNAs and long non-coding (lnc)RNAs are important regulators that can induce switches between active transcription-replication and latency of retroviruses and have important impacts on their pathogenesis. Here, we review the functions of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the context of HIV and HTLV. We describe how specific miRNAs and lncRNAs are involved in the regulation of the viruses' transcription, post-transcriptional regulation and latency. We further discuss treatment strategies using ncRNAs for HIV and HTLV long remission, reactivation or possible cure.
Topics: Humans; MicroRNAs; RNA, Long Noncoding; HIV; Gene Expression Regulation; RNA, Untranslated; Deltaretrovirus; Retroviridae; HIV Infections
PubMed: 38424561
DOI: 10.1186/s12977-024-00637-y -
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Nov 2023The bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a deltaretrovirus that causes malignant lymphoma and lymphosarcomas in cattle globally and has high prevalence among large scale U.S....
PURPOSE
The bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a deltaretrovirus that causes malignant lymphoma and lymphosarcomas in cattle globally and has high prevalence among large scale U.S. dairy herds. Associations between presence of BLV DNA in human mammary tissue and human breast cancer incidence have been reported. We sought to estimate the prevalence of BLV DNA in breast cancer tissue samples in a rural state with an active dairy industry.
METHODS
We purified genomic DNA from 56 fresh-frozen breast cancer tissue samples (51 tumor samples, 5 samples representing adjacent normal breast tissue) banked between 2016 and 2019. Using nested PCR assays, multiple BLV tax sequence primers and primers for the long terminal repeat (LTR) were used to detect BLV DNA in tissue samples and known positive control samples, including the permanently infected fetal lamb kidney cell line (FLK-BLV) and blood from BLV positive cattle.
RESULTS
The median age of patients from which samples were obtained at the time of treatment was 60 (40-93) and all were female. Ninety percent of patients had invasive ductal carcinoma. The majority were poorly differentiated (60%). On PCR assay, none of the tumor samples tested positive for BLV DNA, despite having consistent signals in positive controls.
CONCLUSION
We did not find BLV DNA in fresh-frozen breast cancer tumors from patients presenting to a hospital in Vermont. Our findings suggest a low prevalence of BLV in our patient population and a need to reevaluate the association between BLV and human breast cancer.
Topics: Cattle; Humans; Female; Animals; Sheep; Breast Neoplasms; Leukemia Virus, Bovine; DNA, Viral; Breast; Mammary Neoplasms, Animal
PubMed: 37517027
DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07061-4 -
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics 2023Nearly 2-3% of those 10 to 20 million individuals infected with the Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1); are predisposed to developing HTLV-1-associated... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Nearly 2-3% of those 10 to 20 million individuals infected with the Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1); are predisposed to developing HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). It is a neuro-inflammatory disease; differentiated from multiple sclerosis based on the presence of typical neurologic symptoms, confirmation of HTLV-1 infection, and other molecular biomarkers.
AREAS COVERED
A brief review of the epidemiology, host immune responses, and molecular pathogenesis of HAM/TSP is followed by detailed discussions about the host-related risk factors for developing HAM/TSP and success/failure stories of the attempted management strategies.
EXPERT OPINION
Currently, there is no effective treatment for HAM/TSP. Anti-retroviral therapy, peculiar cytokines (IFN-α), some anti-oxidants, and allograft bone marrow transplantation have been used for treating these patients with limited success. Under current conditions, asymptomatic carriers should be examined periodically by a neurologist for early signs of spinal cord injury. Then it is crucial to determine the progress rate to adapt the best management plan for each patient. Corticosteroid therapy is most beneficial in those with acute myelitis. However, slow-progressing patients are best managed using a combination of symptomatic and physical therapy. Additionally, preventive measures should be taken to decrease further spread of HTLV-1 infection.
Topics: Humans; Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic; Human T-lymphotropic virus 1; HTLV-I Infections; Cytokines; T-Lymphocytes
PubMed: 37933802
DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2272639 -
Nature Microbiology Apr 2024
Topics: Human T-lymphotropic virus 1; Humans; HTLV-I Infections
PubMed: 38575706
DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01652-7 -
Blood Cancer Discovery Sep 2023Acceleration of glycolysis is a common trait of cancer. A key metabolite, lactate, is typically secreted from cancer cells because its accumulation is toxic. Here, we...
UNLABELLED
Acceleration of glycolysis is a common trait of cancer. A key metabolite, lactate, is typically secreted from cancer cells because its accumulation is toxic. Here, we report that a viral oncogene, HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ), bimodally upregulates TAp73 to promote lactate excretion from adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) cells. HBZ protein binds to EZH2 and reduces its occupancy of the TAp73 promoter. Meanwhile, HBZ RNA activates TAp73 transcription via the BATF3-IRF4 machinery. TAp73 upregulates the lactate transporters MCT1 and MCT4. Inactivation of TAp73 leads to intracellular accumulation of lactate, inducing cell death in ATL cells. Furthermore, TAp73 knockout diminishes the development of inflammation in HBZ-transgenic mice. An MCT1/4 inhibitor, syrosingopine, decreases the growth of ATL cells in vitro and in vivo. MCT1/4 expression is positively correlated with TAp73 in many cancers, and MCT1/4 upregulation is associated with dismal prognosis. Activation of the TAp73-MCT1/4 pathway could be a common mechanism contributing to cancer metabolism.
SIGNIFICANCE
An antisense gene encoded in HTLV-1, HBZ, reprograms lactate metabolism and epigenetic modification by inducing TAp73 in virus-positive leukemic cells. A positive correlation between TAp73 and its target genes is also observed in many other cancer cells, suggesting that this is a common mechanism for cellular oncogenesis. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 337.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Human T-lymphotropic virus 1; Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors; Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell; Mice, Transgenic; Epigenesis, Genetic; Lactates
PubMed: 37162520
DOI: 10.1158/2643-3230.BCD-22-0139