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HIV-1 and interferons: who's interfering with whom?
Tomas Doyle1, Caroline Goujon1, Michael H Malim1
1Department of Infectious Diseases, King's College London, 2nd Floor, Borough Wing, Guy's Hospital, London Bridge, London SE1 9RT, UK.
Interferons (IFNs) can inhibit HIV-1 replication, but elevated levels in chronic infection correlate with disease progression. This review explores IFNs' dual role in controlling viral load and potentially exacerbating AIDS pathology.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Interferons (IFNs) are known to inhibit HIV-1 replication in cell cultures.
- Therapeutic IFNα administration transiently reduces viral load in HIV-1 patients.
- Elevated IFNs and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) correlate with disease progression in chronic HIV-1 and SIV infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for in vivo HIV-1 replication control by IFNs.
- To debate the controversial role of IFNs in promoting AIDS pathology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on IFNs, HIV-1, SIV, and AIDS.
- Analysis of clinical data and animal models.
Main Results:
- IFNs demonstrate antiviral activity against HIV-1 in vivo.
- Elevated IFNs and ISGs are linked to inflammation and disease progression.
Conclusions:
- IFNs exhibit a dual role in HIV-1 infection: controlling replication but potentially driving pathology.
- The contribution of IFNs to AIDS pathogenesis requires further investigation.
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