HIV-1 envelope, integrins and co-receptor use in mucosal transmission of HIV
2011
HIV-1 Envelope and Its Role in Mucosal Transmission
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Claudia Cicala, James Arthos, Anthony S Fauci
Primary Institution: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health
Hypothesis
gp120-α4β7 interactions play an important role in the very early events following sexual transmission of HIV.
Conclusion
The specific affinity of gp120 for α4β7 may play a critical role in the infection of CD4+ T cells in mucosal tissues.
Supporting Evidence
- HIV-1 infection typically involves an interaction between the viral envelope protein gp120 and the CD4 molecule.
- In the early stages of HIV-1 infection, CCR5 using viruses predominate.
- The receptor switch to CXCR4 usage occurs in ~40% of infected individuals and is associated with faster disease progression.
- CD4+/CCR5high/α4β7high T cells are highly susceptible to infection by HIV-1.
Takeaway
HIV uses a special protein to grab onto certain immune cells, which helps it spread during the early stages of infection.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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