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Postbinding functions of CD4 in HIV infection
1Dept of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA. rbacheld@bih.harvard.edu
Trends in Microbiology
|September 1, 1996
Summary
The CD4 molecule is key for HIV entry and may also play a role after the virus binds. Research suggests its shape change on T-cells after HIV attachment is important for infection progression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The CD4 molecule is the primary receptor for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) on T-cells.
- Emerging evidence suggests CD4's role extends beyond initial viral binding.
- Understanding CD4's function in postbinding events is crucial for HIV pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential involvement of the CD4 molecule in postbinding events during HIV infection.
- To explore the functional significance of CD4 conformational changes after HIV attachment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of T-cell surface interactions with HIV.
- Conformational analysis of the CD4 molecule post-HIV binding.
Main Results:
- HIV binding induces a conformational alteration in the CD4 molecule on the T-cell surface.
- This CD4 shape change is implicated in subsequent stages of HIV infection.
Conclusions:
- The CD4 molecule's role in HIV infection is multifaceted, involving both initial receptor function and postbinding processes.
- Conformational changes in CD4 following HIV attachment are critical for viral postentry events and infection.