Understanding Viral and Immune Interplay During Vertical Transmission of HIV: Implications for Cure
Year: 2021
Type: review
Abstract: Despite the significant progress that has been made to eliminate vertical HIV infection, more than 150,000 children were infected with HIV in 2019, emphasizing the continued need for sustainable HIV treatment strategies and ideally a cure for children. Mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) remains the most important route of pediatric HIV acquisition and, in absence of prevention measures, transmission rates range from 15% to 45%viathree distinct routes:in utero, intrapartum, and in the postnatal period through breastfeeding. The exact mechanisms and biological basis of these different routes of transmission are not yet fully understood. Some infants escape infection despite significant virus exposure, while others do not, suggesting possible maternal or fetal immune protective factors including the presence of HIV-specific antibodies. Here we summarize the unique aspects of HIV MTCT including the immunopathogenesis of the different routes of transmission, and how transmission in the antenatal or postnatal periods may affect early life immune responses and HIV persistence. A more refined understanding of the complex interaction between viral, maternal, and fetal/infant factors may enhance the pursuit of strategies to achieve an HIV cure for pediatric populations.
Source: Frontiers in Immunology
Institutions: Emory University, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Language: English
Topic: HIV Research and Treatment
Subfield: Virology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,950
Awards: Immune interventions in SIV-infected ART-suppressed infant macaques, The origin, predictors, and immune correlates of viral rebound in orally SHIV infected infant monkeys, Enhanced latency reversal and reservoir clearance in macaques, Pediatric Adolescent Virus Elimination (PAVE) Martin Delaney Collaboratory
OpenAlex ID: W3206343613