Work

Dendritic Cells Exposed to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 Transmit a Vigorous Cytopathic Infection to CD4 + T Cells

Year: 1992

Type: article

Abstract: The paucity of virus-laden CD4+ cells in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) contrasts with the greatly reduced numbers and function of these lymphocytes. A pathway is described whereby dendritic cells carry HIV-1 to uninfected T cells, amplifying the cytopathic effects of small amounts of virus. After exposure to HIV-1, dendritic cells continue to present superantigens and antigens, forming clusters with T cells that are driven to replicate. Infection of the dendritic cells cannot be detected, but the clustered T cells form syncytia, release virions, and die. Carriage of HIV-1 by dendritic cells may facilitate the lysis and loss of antigen specific CD4+ T cells in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Source: Science

DOI: 10.1126/science.1352913

Authors: Paul U. Cameron, Peter S. Freudenthal, Jeanne M. Barker, Stuart Gezelter, Kayo Inaba, Ralph M. Steinman

Institution: Rockefeller University

Language: English

Topic: HIV Research and Treatment

Subfield: Virology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Center for Research Resources