[HIV pathogenesis and intrinsic cellular defense mechanisms]

HIV, a causative agent of AIDS, preferentially infects CD4+ T helper lymphocytes and leads to elimination of the host immune cells. Although the mechanisms that underlie the destruction of the immune system are not well understood, depletion of helper T lymphocytes, a hallmark of AIDS, is one of the pathogenesis of HIV. However, it has become apparent that host cells intrinsically harbor defense strategies against HIV infection. Existence of the intracellular restriction mechanisms can be expected to facilitate the design of new AIDS therapy. This review summarizes the HIV pathogenesis and the molecular aspects of recently identified intrinsic cellular restriction factors, APOBEC3G, TRIM5alpha, and Tetherin/BST-2.