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CXCR4 is the primary receptor for feline immunodeficiency virus in astrocytes

K Nakagaki1, K Nakagaki, K Takahashi

  • 1National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan.

Journal of Neurovirology
|October 3, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infects astrocytes by using the CXCR4 receptor. Blocking this receptor with specific compounds prevents FIV infection, suggesting a model for AIDS dementia complex.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that infects domestic cats.
  • Astrocyte cells play crucial roles in the central nervous system.
  • AIDS dementia complex is a neurological complication associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of CXCR4 as a receptor for FIV infection in feline astrocytes.
  • To determine if blocking CXCR4 can inhibit FIV entry into astrocytes.
  • To explore the potential of FIV-infected feline astrocytes as a model for AIDS dementia complex.

Main Methods:

  • Primary feline astrocyte cultures were established.
  • Cells were infected with the Crandell feline kidney (CrFK) cell-adapted FIV Petaluma strain.
  • Expression of CXCR4 mRNA was analyzed.
  • The effect of SDF-1alpha, SDF-1beta, and AMD3100 on FIV infection was assessed in a dose-dependent manner.

Main Results:

  • Feline astrocytes were productively infected with FIV.
  • Infected astrocytes expressed CXCR4 mRNA.
  • FIV infection was significantly blocked by SDF-1alpha, SDF-1beta, and AMD3100 in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

  • Feline astrocytes utilize CXCR4 as a primary receptor for FIV entry.
  • CXCR4 antagonists can inhibit FIV infection in astrocytes.
  • This model system provides insights into FIV neuropathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies for FIV-associated neurological disorders.

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