HIV‐1 infection modulates IL‐24 expression which contributes to cell apoptosis in vitro

Although interleukin‐24 (IL‐24) has been extensively explored in the immunopathologies of autoimmune diseases, neoplasms, and infections, its role in HIV‐1 infection has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the gene and protein expressions of IL‐24 at the initial moments of HIV infection in PBMCs. Due to the pro‐apoptotic role of IL‐24, we evaluated the protein expression of caspase‐3, as well as Annexin V/Propidium Iodide flow cytometry and phosphorylation of ERK, which may induce an apoptotic signal block when phosphorylated. The results of this study demonstrated that HIV‐1 infection had an impact on the gene and protein expressions of IL‐24 and ERK. Annexin V/Propidium Iodide assay demonstrated decrease in the mechanisms of apoptosis in infected cells after incubation of IL‐24 neutralizing antibody. Studies on how HIV‐1 regulates IL‐24 expression may play a role in characterizing viral persistence mechanisms and designing antiretroviral strategies.