Study: HIV Replicates in Testis Cells

French scientists have verified HIV replication in resident immune testis cells, explaining viral persistence in semen even after antiretroviral therapy.

Researchers led by Dr. Nathalie Dejucq-Rainsford of the National Institute of Health and Medical Research in Rennes, France, examined testis tissue for the presence of HIV receptors. They found all of the necessary cellular receptors (CD4, CXCR4, CCR5, and DC-SIGN) were present on cells located within the testis, specifically testicular macrophages.

The point was demonstrated further by using explanted organ cultures in which human testis tissue was grown in culture. That testis culture, which retained the same tissue architecture as in vivo tissue and continued to secrete testosterone, was able to support infection by HIV-1. Virus produced from the testis culture was fully active as collected virus was able to infect permissive cells in culture.

The scientists said their finding that HIV-1 can replicate within testicular macrophages is significant since many anti-retroviral drugs have difficulty penetrating the organ and may be present at sub-therapeutic levels. Thus, virus replication in the testis may permit continued spread of the virus.

The study is detailed in The American Journal of Pathology.