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Follicular dendritic cell contributions to HIV pathogenesis
Gregory F Burton1, Brandon F Keele, Jacob D Estes
1Department of Microbiology, Brigham Young University, Room 851 WIDB, Provo, UT 84602, USA. gfb2@email.byu.edu
Seminars in Immunology
|August 7, 2002
Summary
Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) trap large amounts of HIV early in infection, creating a viral reservoir that promotes disease progression. FDCs maintain HIV infectivity and enhance viral replication, contributing significantly to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Early HIV infection involves the trapping of substantial viral loads on follicular dendritic cells (FDCs).
- These FDCs create a reservoir of infectious human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) near susceptible CD4 T lymphocytes.
- Active HIV infection is often localized around FDCs throughout the disease course, indicating a conducive microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role of FDCs in HIV pathogenesis.
- To explore how FDCs contribute to the establishment and maintenance of HIV infection.
- To examine the signaling functions of FDCs in the germinal center microenvironment regarding HIV.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on FDC-HIV interactions.
- Analysis of studies investigating viral reservoirs in lymphoid tissues.
- Examination of FDC-mediated signaling pathways in HIV infection.
Main Results:
- FDCs retain HIV infectivity, allowing trapped virus to cause infection despite neutralizing antibodies.
- The microenvironment surrounding FDCs supports sustained HIV infection and replication.
- FDCs provide signals that enhance HIV infection and replication within the germinal center.
Conclusions:
- FDCs play a critical role in HIV pathogenesis by establishing and maintaining a potent viral reservoir.
- FDC-trapped HIV remains infectious and can evade immune responses.
- FDC signaling contributes to increased HIV infection and replication, highlighting FDCs as key players in disease progression.