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Generalized immunosuppression: how viruses undermine the immune response.
1Department of Neuropharmacology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|November 15, 2000
Summary
Viruses like measles, HIV, and cytomegalovirus suppress the immune system by interfering with antigen presentation and hematopoiesis. Mouse models reveal similar viral mechanisms causing generalized immunosuppression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pathogen-host interactions
Background:
- Viruses must overcome host immune responses to establish infection.
- Many viruses employ strategies to evade immune surveillance and suppress host immunity.
- Generalized immunosuppression by viruses can impair responses to both the infecting virus and other pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of viral-induced immunosuppression.
- To focus on measles, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV).
- To incorporate insights from mouse models using lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and Rauscher leukemia virus (RLV).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of viral immunosuppression mechanisms.
- Comparative analysis of human viral infections (measles, HIV, CMV).
- Examination of findings from murine models of viral immunosuppression (LCMV, RLV).
Main Results:
- Viruses causing generalized immunosuppression share common mechanisms.
- Key targets include antigen presentation to T cells and hematopoiesis.
- Similarities in viral targets and evidence for alternative pathways were identified.
Conclusions:
- Measles, HIV, and CMV induce immunosuppression through conserved viral strategies.
- Interference with antigen presentation and hematopoiesis are critical mechanisms.
- Understanding these shared pathways offers insights into viral pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.