Possible supplemental mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AIDS.
Multiple and diverse mechanisms have been proposed as supplements to the HIV-1 virus in the destruction of CD4+ cells and the pathogenesis of AIDS. But it is now realized that 100 times more CD4+ cells are infected with HIV-1 than was originally thought to be the case, and many antigen-presenting cells are infected as well. In addition to the direct cytopathic effect of the virus, one or a few supplemental mechanisms may well suffice to explain the progressive loss of CD4+ cells, e.g., the considerable variation in the virus and/or the destruction of uninfected CD4+ cells by one immunological mechanism or another. However, it is not yet possible to state confidently which additional mechanism(s) is important. Identification of the nature of this supplemental process has become essential for successful, nonharmful intervention.
Littlefield
J W
JW
Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000276:immunology; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D003588:Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D000956:Antigens, Viral