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Human and simian immunodeficiency viruses: virus-receptor interactions
N Signoret1, P Poignard, D Blanc
1Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, France.
Trends in Microbiology
|December 1, 1993
Summary
The CD4 molecule is the primary cellular receptor for primate immunodeficiency viruses, mediating attachment and fusion. However, other molecules are also involved in viral entry and influence tropism and pathogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Primate immunodeficiency viruses (PIVs) infect cells using specific cellular receptors.
- The CD4 molecule is identified as the major cellular receptor for PIVs.
- CD4 plays a role in both viral attachment and the activation of viral fusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of CD4 in PIV entry.
- To investigate the involvement of other cellular molecules in PIV entry.
- To understand how receptor interactions influence viral tropism and cytopathogenicity.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the known interactions between PIVs and cellular receptors.
- It reviews the functions of CD4 in mediating virion attachment and fusion.
- It discusses the necessity of additional cellular factors for complete viral entry.
Main Results:
- CD4 is essential for PIV attachment to the cell surface.
- CD4 is believed to activate the viral fusion process.
- CD4 alone is insufficient for viral entry, indicating the involvement of other cellular molecules.
- These additional molecules can sometimes substitute for CD4.
- Receptor interactions significantly impact viral tropism and the virus's ability to cause cell damage.
Conclusions:
- CD4 is the principal receptor for primate immunodeficiency viruses.
- Viral entry is a complex process involving CD4 and other cellular factors.
- These receptor interactions are critical determinants of viral tropism and pathogenicity.