Herpes simplex virus infection induces replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Abstract

Genital herpes has been associated with increased efficiency of the sexual transmission and enhanced replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). In this study we demonstrate that exposure to infectious or heat-inactivated herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or 2 virions increases HIV-1 expression in macrophages at least in part by inducing NF-kappaB activity. Neutralizing antibodies to the HSV glycoprotein gB or gD markedly attenuated these virion-mediated effects on HIV-1 expression in macrophages. Thus HSV infection of macrophages that reside in genital mucosal tissue induces HIV-1 replication in these cells. Our study may have implications for the management of patients who are coinfected with the two viruses.