Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1989. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) AND ITS PATHOGENIC PROPERTIES
AIDS in Children, Adolescents, and Heterosexual Adults: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Prevention. Schinazi RF, Nahmias AJ, eds. New York, Elsevier, p. 117-25, 1988.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/89649786 Levy JA; Dept. of Medicine and Cancer Res. Inst., Univ. of California Sch.; of Med., San Francisco, CA 94143
Abstract:
HIV is a member of the third subfamily of human retroviruses, the lentivirinae. HIV does not transform cells in culture, does not readily infect fibroblasts, but replicates to a high titer in certain cell types, particularly T helper lymphocytes. The characteristics of HIV and its unique properties that represent a challenge to therapy are discussed. Topics include the virus-infected cell, HIV infection of the brain, cytopathology, latent virus infection, host response to HIV infection, control of HIV infection, and HIV infection in Africa. The pathogenesis of HIV infection involves several steps from initial virus entry into cells, via a specific receptor, to eventual cell death and immune suppression. Once infected, the cells enter either a productive stage, in which progeny virus is made, or carry the virus in a latent state. Virus replication depends on the relative intracellular control of the virus by each cell type. Latency may be an extreme result of suppressor factors. HIV is spread, primarily by cell-to-cell contact, to other parts of the body, including the brain. If a latent state is present, it can be activated by cofactors into a productive infection. Control of HIV replication depends on the host response, which includes both cellular and humoral immune reactions, but can involve compromising events such as autoantibodies and immune complex formation. Features of AIDS retrovirus (ie, HIV) infection that influence antiviral therapy are (1) transmission by virus-infected cells, (2) latent infection in cells, (3) cell-to-cell transfer of virus, (4) infection of several tissues in the body, particularly the brain, and (5) antigenic variations in the viral envelope. Viruses can differ in their sensitivity to neutralization, possibly necessitating polyvalent vaccines to prevent HIV transmission. (31 Refs)
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/DIAGNOSIS/*MICROBIOLOGY/ PREVENTION & CONTROL AIDS Serodiagnosis Brain/MICROBIOLOGY Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral Hematopoietic Stem Cells/MICROBIOLOGY Human HIV/PHYSIOLOGY/*PATHOGENICITY Leukocytes/MICROBIOLOGY Virulence Virus Replication MONOGRAPH REVIEW REVIEW, TUTORIAL
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1989. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
