Elucidating the role of extracellular vesicles microRNA cargo in HIV associated immune dysfunction

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K16374
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 54030:Infectious disease medicine-related
• Research Institution: Kumamoto University
• Principal Investigator: Barabona Godfrey 熊本大学, ヒトレトロウイルス学共同研究センター, 特別研究員 (40906674)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: MiRNA / HIV related inflammation

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have identified distinct patterns of immunoregulatory miRNA in extracellular vesicles from HIV-infected individuals which may aid to advance our knowledge on HIV pathogenesis and the related chronic inflammation. We successfully developed an invitro model that demonstrated the effects of EV derived miRNAs in cytokine secretion from THP-1 derived microphages. Additionally, we showed that some of the immunoregulatory microRNA levels in EVs were significantly associated with plasma inflammatory markers. These miRNAs could serve as non-invasive biomarkers for HIV status and progression, opening potential for targeting specific miRNAs to control inflammation in HIV patients. The next steps include studying other cell lines to confirm miRNA impact across different environments, validating miRNA roles in cytokine secretion with functional studies and clinical samples, investigating how miRNAs modulate cytokine expression for deeper insights and therapy.

Free Research Field

Infection and Immunity

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

Identifying distinct miRNA patterns in EVs from HIV-infected individuals enhances our understanding of mechanisms for HIV pathogenesis. These findings can enhance treatment strategies and improve the quality of life for HIV-infected individuals by managing HIV-related inflammation.