The endocytic pathway for human immunodeficiency virus infection

We have presented data supporting the view that HIV infection of T cells and monocytes proceeds via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Biochemical analysis of the pathway for internalization of 32P-labeled HIV revealed the presence of intact, intercellular virions and provided evidence for subsequent uncoating of these particles and release of viral RNA to the cytoplasm. Electron microscopy demonstrated virions within vesicles and documented fusion between viral and endosomal membranes. Others have provided evidence supporting the notion that endocytosis is not required for HIV infection. In consequence of this apparent paradox, it has been suggested that both mechanisms, i.e. direct fusion to the plasma membrane and endocytosis, are functional pathways for HIV entry. I do not favor this position. Examination of the biology of CD4, its role in lymphocyte activation, and its function as the receptor for HIV imply a more active role for this molecule in virus infection than simply as a transient anchor for fusion events. The principal experiment of concern is the report by Maddon, et al., that human CD4- expressing murine cell lines remain resistant to infection by VSV pseudotypes bearing the HIV envelope glycoprotein. This paper and a subsequent review of HIV entry by Marsh and Dalgleish comment on the possibility that endocytosis of human CD4 may not occur in murine cells hence, the block to infectious entry of these pseudotype virions. Resolution of the mechanism for HIV infection is more than rationalization or semantics. The pathway of endocytosis presents an unique feature of cell biology. Should HIV infection be proven to occur via this mechanism, then appropriate assays for novel classes of antiviral agents could be developed. Other features of the endosomal vesicle, such as the unique composition of its membrane or the possible presence of specific proteolytic activities might play important roles in HIV infection and thus, present new targets for the development of antiviral agents. Indeed, the synthetic liposome AL721 is an effective inhibitor of HIV infection in vitro. This antiviral agent probably acts by decreasing the cholesterol content of the virion envelope. It was shown previously that the envelope is specifically enriched in cholesterol, a property not associated with the plasma membrane but clearly involved in Semliki Forest virus fusion within the endosome.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)