Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 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
13.1K
Immune activation, HIV persistence, and the cure.
1National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Topics in Antiviral Medicine
|November 15, 2013
Summary
Persistent immune activation in HIV infection, even with treatment, is linked to gut damage and latent viral reservoirs. New therapies aim to reduce this activation and the HIV reservoir size.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- HIV infection causes persistent immune activation despite antiretroviral therapy.
- This activation may stem from microbial translocation due to gut damage.
- Latent HIV reservoirs also contribute to immune activation and viral load issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current understanding of persistent immune activation in HIV.
- To discuss the role of latent reservoirs in HIV pathogenesis.
- To highlight emerging therapeutic strategies for HIV management.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on HIV-related immune activation.
- Discussion of mechanisms linking gut health to immune status in HIV.
- Summary of findings presented at an IAS-USA continuing education program.
Main Results:
- Persistent immune activation is a hallmark of HIV infection.
- Microbial translocation and latent reservoirs are key drivers of this activation.
- Deficits in immune function exacerbate persistent activation.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic strategies are needed to target persistent immune activation.
- Reducing the size of the latent HIV reservoir is a critical goal.
- Further research is essential for effective HIV cure strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
43.1K
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...
43.1K
Immunodeficiency Diseases
3.8K
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...
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
3.8K
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
2.4K
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...
2.4K
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
1.2K
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...
1.2K
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
73
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...
73
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
1.7K
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
1.7K

