HIV-1 capsids from B27/B57+ elite controllers escape Mx2 but are targeted by TRIM5α, leading to the induction of an antiviral state.

Elite controllers (ECs) are a rare subset of HIV-1 slow progressors characterized by prolonged viremia suppression. HLA alleles B27 and B57 promote the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated depletion of infected cells in ECs, leading to the emergence of escape mutations in the viral capsid (CA). Whether those mutations modulate CA detection by innate sensors and effectors is poorly known. Here, we investigated the targeting of CA from B27/B57(+) individuals by cytosolic antiviral factors Mx2 and TRIM5 alpha. Toward that aim, we constructed chimeric HIV-1 vectors using CA isolated from B27/B57(+) or control subjects. HIV-1 vectors containing B27/B57(+)-specific CA had increased sensitivity to TRIM5 alpha but not to Mx2. Following exposure to those vectors, cells showed increased resistance against both TRIM5 alpha-sensitive and -insensitive HIV-1 strains. Induction of the antiviral state did not require productive infection by the TRIM5 alpha-sensitive virus, as shown using chemically inactivated virions. Depletion experiments revealed that TAK1 and Ubc13 were essential to the TRIM5 alpha-dependent antiviral state. Accordingly, induction of the antiviral state was accompanied by the activation of NF-kappa B and AP-1 in THP-1 cells. Secretion of IFN-1 was involved in the antiviral state in THP-1 cells, as shown using a receptor blocking antibody. This work identifies innate activation pathways that are likely to play a role in the natural resistance to HIV-1 progression in ECs.