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Updated: Mar 24, 2026
Phagosome Migration and Velocity Measured in Live Primary Human Macrophages Infected with HIV-1
Published on: September 5, 2016
Macrophages and HIV-1: An Unhealthy Constellation
Quentin J Sattentau1, Mario Stevenson2
1The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, The University of Oxford, Oxford OX13RE, UK.
Abstract:
Lentiviruses have a long-documented association with macrophages. Abundant evidence exists for in vitro and, in a tissue-specific manner, in vivo infection of macrophages by the primate lentiviruses HIV-1 and SIV. However, macrophage contribution to aspects of HIV-1 and SIV pathogenesis, and their role in viral persistence in individuals on suppressive antiretroviral therapy, remains unclear. Here we discuss recent evidence implicating macrophages in HIV-1-mediated disease and highlight directions for further investigation.
Insights
Macrophages are key targets for lentiviruses like HIV-1 and SIV. This review explores their role in disease and viral persistence, even during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Lentiviruses, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), are known to infect macrophages.
- Macrophages play a critical role in the immune system and are susceptible to lentiviral infection both in vitro and in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on the involvement of macrophages in lentiviral pathogenesis.
- To explore the role of macrophages in viral persistence, particularly in individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy.
- To identify key areas for future research regarding macrophage-lentivirus interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on HIV-1 and SIV infection of macrophages.
- Analysis of evidence implicating macrophages in disease progression.
- Discussion of the role of macrophages in viral reservoirs and persistence.
Main Results:
- Macrophages are consistently infected by HIV-1 and SIV.
- Evidence suggests macrophages contribute to lentiviral disease pathogenesis.
- The precise role of macrophages in viral persistence during suppressive therapy requires further elucidation.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages are significantly implicated in lentiviral infections and associated diseases.
- Further research is needed to fully understand macrophage contributions to viral persistence and pathogenesis.
- Targeting macrophages may offer new therapeutic strategies for lentiviral infections.
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