Hyperthermia enhances cytomegalovirus regulation of HIV-1 and TNF-alpha gene expression

The immediate-early (IE) genes of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be expres sed in monocytic cells and are known to regulate viral and cellular genes. Reactivation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) may be stimulated by a variety of factors including other viruses and inflammatory cytokines. The se studies examine the role of hyperthermia and CMV in the regulation of HT V-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. THP-1 cells were transfected wit h the CMV IE genes. HIV-1 and TNF-alpha transcription were assessed with ch loramphenicol acetyltransferase promoter constructs. Hyperthermia sufficien t to stimulate production of heat shock proteins was used to stimulate the cells. Hyperthermia significantly enhances the effect of CMV IE gene produc ts on the expression of HIV-1 and TNF-alpha. The increases in HIV-1 transcr iption appear to be in part due to increases in TNF-alpha. Heat shock prote ins induced by hyperthermia may play an important role in the viral regulat ion of monocytic function by CMV.