The Complex Interactions Between HIV-1 and Human Host Cell Genome: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Practice
Manlio Tolomeo1,2, Francesco Tolomeo3, Antonio Cascio1,2
1Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 17, 2025
Summary
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) controls human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) but cannot eliminate integrated provirus. HIV-1 infection causes DNA damage and telomere attrition, contributing to immune dysfunction and comorbidities.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection outcomes.
- ART suppresses plasma viremia but does not eradicate the integrated provirus.
- HIV-1 infection is linked to DNA damage and telomere attrition, impacting host cell function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex interplay between HIV-1 and the host genome.
- To elucidate mechanisms of CD4+ T cell depletion and inflammaging.
- To discuss viral latency and therapeutic strategies targeting the provirus.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HIV-1 interactions with host DNA.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms of DNA damage and repair inhibition.
- Exploration of telomere attrition and its consequences.
Main Results:
- HIV-1 integration leads to unrepaired DNA damage and telomere attrition.
- HIV-1 proteins disrupt DNA repair and replication, activating DNA damage responses.
- These genomic alterations contribute to CD4+ T cell loss, inflammaging, and comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- HIV-1 profoundly impacts host genome integrity, driving disease progression and comorbidities.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for managing long-term HIV-1 infection.
- Targeting the integrated provirus offers potential therapeutic avenues.
Keywords:
CPSF6DNA damageHIV-1HIV-1 therapiesLEDGF/p75capsidlatencyviral DNA integrationvirus–host interactionMore Related Videos
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