Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
14:28
Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners
Published on: June 30, 2013
Cell death in HIV pathogenesis and its modulation by retinoids
1Department of Biochemistry and MolecularBiology, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Hungary.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection accelerates T-cell death through apoptosis, not just direct infection. Understanding these mechanisms may reveal new HIV treatments targeting T-cell loss.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to CD4 T-cell depletion, causing immunodeficiency.
- Accelerated apoptosis of CD4 and CD8 T cells, not just impaired production, is the primary cause of T-cell depletion in HIV.
- Lymphocyte apoptosis in HIV infection correlates inversely with disease progression and is reduced by antiretroviral therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the potential effects of retinoids on CD4 T-cell apoptosis in the context of HIV infection.
Main Methods:
- This study is a discussion-based review of existing evidence.
- Focuses on the mechanisms of HIV-associated lymphocyte apoptosis.
- Examines the role of retinoids in modulating T-cell apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Enhanced lymphocyte apoptosis in HIV infection is not solely due to direct viral infection.
- Apoptotic lymphocytes are only a minor fraction of HIV-infected cells.
- Mechanisms beyond direct infection drive T-cell apoptosis in HIV.
Conclusions:
- Understanding HIV-associated lymphocyte apoptosis mechanisms is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
- Retinoids show potential as modulators of CD4 T-cell apoptosis in HIV disease.
- Targeting apoptosis pathways may offer new avenues for managing HIV progression and immune deficiency.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
01:17The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
01:27Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
01:19Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly
As part of their replication cycle, certain viruses synthesize long precursor proteins called polyproteins within infected host cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), two major polyproteins are produced: Gag and Gag-Pol. The Gag polyprotein supplies the structural components of the virus, while Gag-Pol includes essential viral enzymes such as reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease. After synthesis, these polyproteins move to the host cell membrane, where they assemble into an...