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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Preparation and Use of HIV-1 Infected Primary CD4+ T-Cells as Target Cells in Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxic Assays
12:07

Preparation and Use of HIV-1 Infected Primary CD4+ T-Cells as Target Cells in Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxic Assays

Published on: March 14, 2011

Mechanisms of HIV-associated lymphocyte apoptosis

A D Badley1, A A Pilon, A Landay

  • 1Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and the Division of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. abadley@ottawahospital.on.ca

Blood
|October 26, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection causes T-cell death through apoptosis, impairing immune defenses. New therapies reduce this cell death but don't clear viral reservoirs, necessitating further research into HIV-induced apoptosis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to a decline in CD4 T-cells, compromising immune function.
  • Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is observed in both HIV-infected and uninfected T-cells during HIV disease.
  • Multiple mechanisms contribute to HIV-associated lymphocyte apoptosis, including chronic immune activation and viral protein interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms of T-cell apoptosis in HIV infection.
  • To understand the role of apoptosis in the development of viral reservoirs.
  • To explore the impact of current HIV therapies on apoptosis and viral reservoirs.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of T cells from HIV-infected patients and in vitro HIV-infected T cells.
  • Examination of various mechanisms contributing to lymphocyte apoptosis.
  • Evaluation of the effects of current HIV therapies on T-cell apoptosis and viral replication.

Main Results:

  • A significant proportion of T cells undergo apoptosis in HIV infection.
  • Mechanisms include gp120/160 ligation, cytotoxic ligand production, and direct viral infection.
  • HIV infection of resting cells may contribute to viral reservoir formation.
  • Current therapies reduce T-cell apoptosis and viral replication but do not eliminate viral reservoirs.

Conclusions:

  • HIV infection profoundly impacts T-cell homeostasis through apoptosis.
  • Understanding the regulation of apoptosis is crucial for developing effective HIV treatments.
  • Novel immune-based therapies targeting HIV-induced apoptosis are needed to improve patient outcomes and address viral reservoirs.

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