The microRNA-9/B-lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1/IL-2 axis is differentially regulated in progressive HIV infection

The fine control of T-cell differentiation and its impact on HIV disease states is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that B-lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1/Prdm1) is highly expressed in CD4⁺ T cells from chronically HIV-infected (CHI) patients compared to cells from long-term nonprogressors or healthy controls. Stimulation through the T-cell receptor in the presence ofIL-2 induces Blimp-1 protein expression. We show here that Blimp-1 levels are translationally regulated by microRNA-9 (miR-9). Overexpression of miR-9 induces Blimp-1 repression, restoring IL-2 secretion in CD4⁺ T cells via reduction in the binding of Blimp-1 to the il-2 promoter. In CHI patients where IL-2 expression is reduced and there is generalized T-cell dysfunction, we show differential expression of both miR-9 and Blimp-1 in CD4⁺ cells compared with levels in long-term nonprogressors. These data identify a novel miR-9/Blimp-1/IL-2 axis that is dysregulated in progressive HIV infection.