Effect of HLA/KIR genotypes on HIV disease progression in perinatally infected children from sub-Saharan Africa

The role of Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) and Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor (KIR) molecules in adult HIV disease progression has been defined in many studies. Mechanisms proposed include the selection of viral escape mutants that reduce viral replicative capacity and increased CD8+ T-cell cytotoxic capacity. However, the factors contributing to variable disease progression in paediatric HIV infection are less well understood and remain contradictory. Disease progression in children has been associated with both viral and host genetic characteristics, suggesting the mediation of multiple immunological mechanisms in controlling HIV-1 viral replication. Functional characteristics of HIV-1-specific T cell responses are providing more insight to distinguish children with rapid and slow disease progression. This review discusses various reports on the role of HLA and KIR and other underlying factors in paediatric HIV-1 disease progression particularly in African populations where the disease remains endemic

Characterization of Nanodiamond-based anti-HIV drug Delivery to the Brain

Abstract Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Present combination antiretroviral therapy has substantially improved HIV-1 related pathology. However, delivery of therapeutic agents to the HIV reservoir organ like Central nervous system (CNS) remains a major challenge primarily due to the ineffective transmigration of drugs through Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). The recent advent of nanomedicine-based drug delivery has stimulated the development of innovative systems for drug delivery. In this regard, particular focus has been given to nanodiamond due to its natural biocompatibility and non-toxic nature–making it a more efficient drug carrier than other carbon-based materials. Considering its potential and importance, we have characterized unmodified and surface-modified (-COOH and -NH2) nanodiamond for its capacity to load the anti-HIV-1 drug efavirenz and cytotoxicity, in vitro. Overall, our study has established that unmodified nanodiamond conjugated drug formulation has significantly higher drug loading capacity than surface-modified nanodiamond with minimum toxicity. Further, this nanodrug formulation was characterized by its drug dissolution profile, transmigration through the BBB, and its therapeutic efficacy. The present biological characterizations provide a foundation for further study of in-vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nanodiamond-based anti-HIV drugs