Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

In Vitro Assay to Evaluate the Impact of Immunoregulatory Pathways on HIV-specific CD4 T Cell Effector Function
Published on: October 15, 2013
Mechanism of MHC class I downregulation in HIV infected cells
T Kerkau1, S Gernert, C Kneitz
1Institute of Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Germany.
Abstract:
HIV infection of CD4+ peripheral blood lymphocytes leads to a loss of MHC class I molecules on the surface of the infected cells as detectable by monoclonal antibody staining and flow cytometry. Incubation of the infected cells at 26 degrees C or treatment at 37 degrees C with peptides leads to upregulation of MHC class I to levels equal to those found on uninfected cells cultured under the same conditions. The data suggest that, after HIV infection, the mechanisms responsible for peptide generation, peptide transport and thus stable association between peptides and MHC class I molecules are severely affected.
Related Concept Videos
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Antigen Processing Pathways
MHC Class I: Presenting Endogenous...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly

