Objective:

Mechanisms underlying mucosal transmission of HIV-1 are incompletely understood. We describe the anti-HIV-1 activity of human β-defensins (hBD), small cationic molecules that provide protection at mucosal surfaces.

Methods and results:

HIV-1 induced expression of hBD-2 and-3 mRNA (but not that of hBD-1) 4-to 78-fold, respectively, above baseline in normal human oral epithelial cells. HIV-1 failed to infect these cells, even after 5 days of exposure. Recombinant hBD-1 had no antiviral activity, while rhBD-2 and rhBD-3 showed concentration-dependent inhibition of HIV-1 replication without cellular toxicity. Inhibition was greater against CXCR4-tropic than against the CCR5-tropic HIV-1 isolates. hBD-2 and hBD-3 induced an irreversible effect on virion infectivity, with electron microscopy confirming binding of hBDs to viral particles. Finally, hBD-2 and-3 induced downmodulation of the HIV-1 coreceptor CXCR4 (but not CCR5) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T lymphocytic cells as shown by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.

Conclusions:

This study shows for the first time that HIV-1 induces β-defensin expression in human oral epithelial cells and that β-defensins block HIV-1 replication via a direct interaction with virions and through modulation of the CXCR4 coreceptor. These properties may be exploited as strategies for mucosal protection against HIV-1 transmission.