Impact of HIV on placental drug transporter expression: implications for maternal-fetal health 3637

Abstract Description This study investigates how HIV infection and gestational age impact drug transporter expression in Hofbauer cells (HCs) of the placenta, a crucial barrier between mother and fetus. Using RNA-seq analysis, HCs from early/mid-gestation and term placentae were isolated and infected with HIV-1BaL.Key findings reveal significant changes in transporter expression: SLC29A1 (ferroportin) decreased in HIV-treated HCs during early gestation but increased slightly at term. Conversely, ABCE1 expression was elevated in HIV-treated HCs at both stages. These results suggest that HIV alters placental transporter function based on gestational age. The reduction in SLC29A1 may affect iron regulation, while increased ABCE1 could help limit viral replication, highlighting the placenta’s sensitivity to HIV. These findings emphasize the need for careful selection of antiretroviral therapies for pregnant women with HIV. Understanding these transport mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment strategies and minimizing risks to fetal development. Further research is needed to explore the effects of viral load and the mechanisms behind these transporter changes. Funding Sources This research is supported by R01HD97843 and R01MD017690 (NIH), with additional support from the Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) U54MD007602 from the NIMHD, NIH Topic Categories Immune Mechanisms of Human Disease (HUM)