Self-Protection of CD4+ T Cells Against HIV-1 Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Guan Yongjun, Abdelwahab Sayed, Kamin-Lewis Roberta, DeVico Anthony L., Lewis George K.
Primary Institution: Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Hypothesis
CD4+ T cells that secrete anti-viral CCR5 ligands are self-protected from R5 HIV-1 infection.
Conclusion
CD4+ T cells that produce anti-viral CCR5 ligands are selectively protected from R5 HIV-1 infection during the primary immune response.
Supporting Evidence
- CD4+ T cells that secrete anti-viral CCR5 ligands are less likely to be infected by R5 HIV-1.
- Blocking antibodies to CCR5 ligands allow R5 HIV-1 replication.
- Statistical analysis showed significant differences in infection rates between R5 and X4 viruses.
Takeaway
Some immune cells can protect themselves from a virus by making special substances that block the virus from getting in.
Methodology
The study used an in vitro model of primary CD4+ T cell responses to measure the synthesis of anti-viral CCR5 ligands and their effect on HIV-1 infection.
Limitations
The study is limited to a model system and does not directly test HIV-1 specific T cells.
Participant Demographics
Healthy adult volunteers provided blood samples.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.02 for X4 viruses, p≤0.05 for X4/R5 viruses
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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