Plasma Ribonuclease Activity in Antiretroviral Treatment–Naive People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Tuberculosis Disease

Abstract

Abstract Background The role of ribonucleases in tuberculosis among people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PWH) is unknown. We explored ribonuclease activity in plasma from PWH with and without tuberculosis. Methods Participants were identified from a cohort of treatment-naive PWH in Ethiopia who had been classified for tuberculosis disease (HIV positive [HIV+]/tuberculosis positive [tuberculosis+] or HIV+/tuberculosis negative [tuberculosis−]). Ribonuclease activity in plasma was investigated by quantification of synthetic spike-in RNAs using sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction and by a specific ribonuclease activity assay. Quantification of ribonuclease 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and T2 proteins was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ribonuclease activity and protein concentrations were correlated with markers of tuberculosis and HIV disease severity and with concentrations of inflammatory mediators. Results Ribonuclease activity was significantly higher in plasma of HIV+/tuberculosis+ (n = 51) compared with HIV+/tuberculosis− (n = 78), causing reduced stability of synthetic spike-in RNAs. Concentrations of ribonucleases 2, 3, and T2 were also significantly increased in HIV+/tuberculosis+ compared with HIV+/tuberculosis−. Ribonuclease activity was correlated with HIV viral load, and inversely correlated with CD4 cell count, mid–upper arm circumference, and body mass index. Moreover, ribonuclease activity was correlated with concentrations of interleukin 27, procalcitonin and the kynurenine-tryptophan ratio. Conclusions PWH with tuberculosis disease have elevated plasma ribonuclease activity, which is also associated with HIV disease severity and systemic inflammation.