Cytokine/chemokine expression associated with Human Pegivirus (HPgV) infection in women with HIV.

A beneficial impact of the Human Pegivirus (HPgV)formerly called GB virus C (GBV-C)on HIV disease progression has been reported previously. One possible mechanism by which HPgV inhibits HIV replication is an alteration of the cytokine/chemokine milieu. Their expression has not been specifically evaluated in women despite their influence on disease progression and the possibility of gender-based differences in expression. Moreover, the impact of HPgV genotype on cytokine/chemokine expression is unknown. Sera levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IFN, TNF, IP-10, MIP-1, MIP-1, and TGF-(1) were quantified in 150 HIV-positive women based on HPgV RNA status. Cytokines/chemokines with detection rates of at least 50% included IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IFN, TNF, IP-10, MIP-1, MIP-1, and TGF-(1). Absolute values were significantly higher for HPgV positive compared to HPgV negative women for IL-7, IL-13, IL-12p70, and IFN. Absolute values were significantly lower for HPgV positive women for IL-4, IL-8, TGF-(1), and IP-10. IFN values were higher for HPgV genotype 2 than for genotype 1 (P=0.036). Further study of cytokine/chemokine regulation by HPgV may ultimately lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents to treat HIV infection and/or the design of vaccine strategies that mimic the protective effects of HPgV replication.