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Coreceptor switch in infection of nonhuman primates
Cecilia Cheng-Mayer1, Silvana Tasca, Siu-hong Ho
1Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, The Rockefeller University, USA. cmayer@adarc.org
Current HIV Research
|January 20, 2009
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) entry depends on coreceptors CCR5 or CXCR4. Understanding the switch from CCR5-tropic to CXCR4-tropic HIV strains is crucial for predicting disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- HIV-1 utilizes CD4 and coreceptors (CCR5 or CXCR4) to infect cells.
- Most transmissions involve CCR5-tropic (R5) viruses, but CXCR4-tropic (X4) variants can emerge later.
- The emergence of X4 variants is linked to poorer clinical outcomes in HIV-1 infected individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms and obstacles of HIV coreceptor switching.
- To understand the significance of X4 virus emergence in disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Observation of X4 virus emergence in rhesus macaques infected with a CCR5-tropic simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV).
- Monitoring disease progression in the animal model.
Main Results:
- Emergence of X4 viruses was observed in the SHIV-infected macaque model.
- Disease progression was noted in conjunction with X4 virus emergence.
Conclusions:
- The rhesus macaque model provides insights into in vivo coreceptor switching.
- Further research in this model is needed to elucidate the mechanistic basis and barriers to coreceptor switch.
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