Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1991. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
THE ETIOLOGIC AGENT OF AIDS
Aids and Infections of Homosexual Men. Second Edition. Ma P and Armstrong D, eds. Boston, Butterworths, p. 205-21 1989.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/90659644 Archibald DW; Essex M; Univ. of Maryland Dental Sch., Baltimore, MD
Abstract:
HIV, the T-lymphotropic virus formerly known as HTLV-3, is now recognized as the etiologic agent of AIDS. Other human retroviruses, HTLV-1, HTLV-2, and HIV-2, share features with HIV, including tropism for T lymphocytes, utilization of Mg(2+) in their reverse transcriptase, possession of a major core protein of approx 24 kD mol wt, and possession of a transactivating gene (tat) capable of regulating transcription. Infection with HIV is detected by either the appearance of serum antibodies to virally related antigens or by viral recovery through culture of peripheral blood or other body fluids. There are nine distinct functional regions in the HIV genome, eight of which have been shown to encode one or more serologically determined antigens. Several tests are used currently to detect HIV exposure. All depend on the binding or nonbinding of virus-specific antibodies in the test serum to particular viral antigens. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting or immunoblotting assay, radioimmunoprecipitation assay with sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, cytoplasmic immunofluorescence assay, and membrane immunofluorescence assay are used most often. Each assay has advantages and disadvantages. The finding of genomic variation, especially in the extracellular envelope, supports the hypothesis that host immunologic pressure selects for HIV variants. Mucosal surfaces exposed to body fluids in the oral cavity and reproductive tract represent potential sites for local immunization. Secretory IgA is the major class of Ig bathing the body's mucosal surfaces. It is assumed to play a protective role as a first line of defense against invading virus particles. Essentially all individuals who are seropositive for HIV demonstrate antibodies in their secretions. As with serum antibody findings, antibodies found in secretions react most strongly to the env proteins. It is conceivable that repeated virus challenges with small inocula could initiate local protective immunity. It is unclear what role, if any, antibodies in mucosal secretions play in the pathogenesis of HIV infection. The presence of mucosal antibodies may inhibit or diminish the infectivity of virus in secretions and therefore may be a highly desired end product of any vaccine. (95 Refs)
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/DIAGNOSIS/IMMUNOLOGY/ *MICROBIOLOGY/TRANSMISSION Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/MICROBIOLOGY Homosexuality Human HIV Antibodies/ANALYSIS HIV Antigens/ANALYSIS HIV-1/IMMUNOLOGY/*PATHOGENICITY HIV-2/IMMUNOLOGY/*PATHOGENICITY IgA, Secretory/ANALYSIS Male MONOGRAPH REVIEW
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Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1991. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
