Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
09:26
In Vitro Assay to Evaluate the Impact of Immunoregulatory Pathways on HIV-specific CD4 T Cell Effector Function
Published on: October 15, 2013
HIV-1 immunopathogenesis: how good interferon turns bad.
Jean-Philippe Herbeuval1, Gene M Shearer
1UMR CNRS 8147, Hôpital Necker, Université Paris V, Paris, France.
Clinical Immunology (Orlando, Fla.)
|November 23, 2006
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) by depleting CD4+ T cells. This study models how HIV triggers interferon production, leading to CD4+ T cell apoptosis via TRAIL pathway.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is characterized by progressive CD4+ T cell loss due to human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection.
- Mechanisms underlying HIV-induced CD4+ T cell depletion remain incompletely understood despite extensive research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the protective role of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in HIV/AIDS.
- To propose a model for CD4+ T cell apoptosis in HIV infection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies on IFN-alpha in HIV/AIDS.
- Development of a laboratory and clinically supported model of CD4+ T cell apoptosis.
- Investigation of the roles of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), type I interferon, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), and its receptor (DR5).
Main Results:
- HIV-1, both infectious and noninfectious, induces type I interferon production by pDCs.
- Produced interferon leads to TRAIL expression on primary CD4+ T cells.
- HIV-1 binding to CD4 on T cells upregulates TRAIL-R5, inducing apoptosis in HIV-exposed CD4+ T cells.
Conclusions:
- A novel mechanism for selective CD4+ T cell death in HIV infection is proposed.
- This pathway involves HIV-induced interferon production and the TRAIL-mediated apoptosis system.
- Understanding this mechanism may offer new therapeutic targets for HIV/AIDS.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
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...
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...
01:26Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
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...
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...