Proteomic fingerprinting of HIV-1-infected human monocyte-derived macrophages: a preliminary report

Mononuclear phagocytes (MP; blood monocytes, alveolar, lymph node, and brain macrophages and microglia) are vehicles for dissemination and principle target cells for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Notably, viral persistence in macrophages occurs despite ongoing phagocytic, intracellular killing, innate and adaptive immune responses. To assess potential pathways for how HIV-1 may bypass antiviral MP responses, we used proteomic tests to evaluate protein fingerprints of HIV-1-infected human monocyte-derived macrophages 7 days after viral infection. By using weak cation exchange chips, 58 proteins were found up- or down-regulated after HIV-1(ADA) infection. Several of these proteins were identified by microsequencing. It is probable that cellular proteins identified by proteomic fingerprinting could assist in unraveling how persistent viral infection occurs in MP lineage cells. Moreover, this evolving technology can be utilized to unravel changes in immune activities initiated by interactions between virus, environmental cues and drugs of abuse.