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Mononuclear phagocytes and the human immunodeficiency virus
1Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Rockville, Maryland.
Current Opinion in Immunology
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Macrophages serve as a key reservoir for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Studies confirm these cells harbor and replicate HIV, contributing to disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial immune cells involved in host defense.
- The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) establishes persistent infections.
- Identifying viral reservoirs is critical for understanding HIV pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of macrophages as a reservoir for HIV.
- To investigate the replication of HIV in various mononuclear phagocyte populations.
- To explore the link between macrophage-infecting HIV variants and disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing independent studies.
- Analysis of evidence supporting HIV replication in macrophages.
- Examination of recovered HIV variants from infected individuals.
Main Results:
- Macrophages are confirmed as a significant in vivo reservoir for HIV.
- Evidence supports HIV replication in CNS, pulmonary, lymph node, and blood mononuclear phagocytes.
- HIV variants with preferential macrophage replication have been identified.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages play a critical role in maintaining HIV reservoirs.
- These cells and specific HIV variants are implicated in the establishment and progression of HIV-related disease.