HCV core-induced TNF-α and IL-6 mediate the enhancement of HIV-1 infection in
THP-1 macrophages and MDMs. (A) TNF-α and (B) IL-6 cytokine induction in
naïve, HIV-BaL-infected, and/or stimulated with HCV core, and
β-galactosidase protein control was measured by ELISA. (C) THP-1 macrophages and
(D) MDMs were infected with HIV-BaL for 12 hours. Cells were left unstimulated or treated
with HCV core, or β-galactosidase protein control, in the presence or absence of
specific human monoclonal nAbs anti-TNF-α and/or anti-IL-6. HIV infectivity was
determined by luciferase activity in cell lysates 48 hours after infection. Data are shown
as relative fold induction of HIV infectivity (mean ± SD). Results from 3
independent experiments (THP-1) and 2 independent MDM donors are shown.
*Significantly different (P < 0.05) from the HIV-infection
alone group.