Role of Divalent Cations in HIV-1 Replication and Pathogenicity

Nabab Khan1, Xuesong Chen1, Jonathan D Geiger1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA.

Viruses
|April 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Divalent cations impact human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) replication. Modulating these essential minerals may offer new therapeutic strategies for HIV-1 management.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Divalent cations are crucial for cellular processes, including metabolism, growth, and host-pathogen interactions.
  • These cations play a key role in human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) replication and pathogenicity by mediating viral and host factor interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on the roles of specific divalent cations (zinc, iron, manganese, magnesium, selenium, copper) in HIV-1 replication and pathogenicity.
  • To explore the potential of targeting divalent cation homeostasis as a therapeutic strategy for HIV-1 infection.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific articles and studies.
  • Analysis of the impact of various divalent cations on HIV-1 replication and disease progression.
  • Examination of evidence for therapeutic interventions involving cation modulation.

Main Results:

  • Divalent cation levels and their actions are altered during HIV-1 infection.
  • Dietary supplementation with divalent cations may enhance HIV-1 replication.
  • Cation chelation shows potential in suppressing HIV-1 replication and slowing disease progression.

Conclusions:

  • Divalent cations are critical regulators in HIV-1 pathogenesis.
  • Therapeutic strategies targeting divalent cation balance represent a promising avenue for managing HIV-1 infection and progression.

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