HIV/AIDS Pathogenesis: HIV-specific cell activation trigger efficient viral spread in lymphocytes

AIDSWEEKLY Plus; Monday, November 13, 2006
Staff Medical Writers

"Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific CD4+ lymphocytes are preferentially infected in HIV-positive individuals. To study this preferential infection, we have derived several HIV-specific (HS) CD4+ clones," scientists writing in the journal Blood report.

According to A. Moris and colleagues at Institute Pasteur in Paris, "We show that in dendritic cells (DCs), HIV virion capture led to major histocompatibility complex class-II (MHC-II)-restricted viral antigen presentation and to activation of HS cells.

"In contrast, neither cell-free virions nor infected lymphocytes activated HS cells. In DCs, the dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN/CD209), which internalizes virions, promoted MHC-II presentation of HIV antigens."

"Activation of HS cells by HIV-exposed DCs triggered an efficient viral spread in lymphocytes. CD4+ clones with irrelevant antigenic specificities were not activated by HIV-exposed DCs and poorly supported viral replication under this setting," researchers said.

The authors concluded, "Our results unravel the mechanisms of MHC-II-restricted HIV antigen presentation by DCs and describe how HIV gains access to the very cells designed by the immune system to counteract this pathogen."

Moris and colleagues published their study in Blood (Dendritic cells and HIV specific CD4+ T cells: HIV antigen presentation, T-cell activation, and viral transfer. Blood. 2006 Sep 1;108(5):1643-51).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting O. Schwartz, Institute Pasteur, CNRS, Group Virus & Immunite, 28 Rue Dr. Roux, URA 1930, F-75724 Paris 15, France.

The publisher of the journal Blood can be contacted at: American Society Hematology, 1900 M Street. NW Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036, USA.

Keywords: Paris, France, HIV/AIDS, Viral Activation, Dendritic Cells, Viral Spread, MHC-II-Restricted Viral Antigen.

This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports.

Reference

Moris A, Pajot A, Blanchet F, et al., “Dendritic cells and HIV-specific CD4+ T cells: HIV antigen presentation, T-cell activation, and viral transfer”, Blood. 2006 Sep 1;108(5):1643-51.

PubMED Related articles Search

2006-11-13
AW061106

Copyright © 2006 - Charles Henderson, Publisher. All rights Reserved. Permission to reproduce granted to AEGIS by Charles W. Henderson. Authorization to reproduce for personal use granted granted by C. W. Henderson, Publisher, provided that the fee of US$4.50 per copy, per page is paid directly to the Copyright Clearance Center, 27 Congress Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970, USA. Published by Charles Henderson, Publisher. Editorial & Publishing Office: P.O. Box 5528, Atlanta, GA 30307-0528 / Telephone: (800) 633-4931; Subscription Office: P.O. Box 830409, Birmingham, AL 35283-0409 / FAX: (205) 995-1588 http://www.newsrx.net

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright © 1980,2006. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.