Macrophage scavenger receptor 1, a suppressor of HIV infection, is down-regulated in transgender females

Abstract Transgender people are at greater risk than cisgender of acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Globally, the infection is nearly 49 times higher in transgender women populations. Although behavioral psychosocial factors contribute to people, gender-affirming hormone (GAH) (i.e., testosterone for individuals assigned female birth or estrogen/antiandrogen male birth) may alter immune cell functions, resulting increased transmission. We have profiled gene expression PBMCs from females males identified four specific genes (MTND1P23, IGSF10, MSR1, DUXAP9) that were differentially expressed females. Among these genes, macrophage scavenger receptor 1 was down-regulated 0.5- 0.4-fold compared cis males, respectively. Transient MSR1 suppressed vitro infection, suggesting protects cells against HIV. The data indicate down-regulation play a role their risk. Future studies on mechanisms by which MRS1 inhibits offer new strategies prevention women. NIH R21AI55322