Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners
Published on: June 30, 2013
HIV-1 nef protein visits B-cells via macrophage nanotubes: a mechanism for AIDS-related lymphoma pathogenesis?
Susanna L Lamers1, Gary B Fogel, Leanne C Huysentruyt
1Polytechnic Institute of New York University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
Abstract:
This letter refers to the recent demonstration that HIV-1 infected macrophages form specialized conduits that connect to B-cells (1). The conduit selectively transports the HIV-1 nef protein, providing nef with numerous means to interfere with cellular processes. Currently, no consideration of the connection between the conduit and the development of AIDS-related lymphoma (ARL) has been offered. ARL is one of the primary causes of death in the HIV-infected population and is related to B-cell proliferation and activation. In this letter we discuss several studies that link HIV-infected macrophages and specific forms of the nef protein to the development of ARL. The conduits discovered by Xu et al. may lead to a better understanding of how HIV infection results in lymphomagenesis.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Intralumenal Vesicles and Multivesicular Bodies
Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria

