Possible Trace of HTLV-1 Virus in Modulation of Cbl-b, ITCH, and PP2A Suppressor Genes.

For almost 40 years, human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has posed a persistent challenge in managing the major diseases associated with HTLV-1. Intracellular inhibitors are critical regulators of T cell activation, and their function can be influenced by viruses. Because of less studied aspects of HTLV-1 in T cell activation, we evaluated three suppressor genes in patients with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and asymptomatic carriers (ACs). Thirty samples were collected from three groups from 10/09/2022 to 03/27/2024. To confirm all the samples, ELISA and PCR tests were done. The isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), RNA extraction, and cDNA synthesis were conducted. Subsequently, the expression of <i>Tax trans-activator, HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ), protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A),</i> and two E3 ligases, including <i>Casitas B</i> <i>lymphoma-b (Cbl-b)</i> and <i>itchy E3 Ubiquitin protein ligase (ITCH),</i> was measured via Real-time PCR. This survey showed a significant increase in ITCH among individuals with HAM/TSP and ACs compared to the healthy group. The <i>PP2A</i> mRNA expression level was upregulated in the ACs; in contrast, the expression levels were approximately similar in the HAM/TSP and healthy groups. Also, the mean expression level of <i>Cbl-b</i> was higher in the ACs than in the other groups; however, it was not statistically significant. Our findings demonstrated that the intercellular suppressor genes could be dysregulated during the HTLV-1 infection, probably as part of the virus's strategic goals. The findings can be helpful for future investigation in the diagnosis and treatment area.