Does HIV disrupt a naturally occurring immune modulation system?
An immune modulation complex is proposed which recognizes and is driven by an MHC presented epitope of the CD4 molecule present on the surface of up regulated CD4+ lymphocytes. Immune modulation is affected by both CD4 lymphocyte destruction and impairment of their potential for immune recognition. These two processes are carefully controlled by an idiotypic, anti-idiotypic feedback mechanism. The CD4 tropic area of HIV impersonates some components of that feedback loop resulting in increased CD4 lymphocyte destruction.
Kennedy
J R
JR
D000818:Animals; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D003384:Coxsackievirus Infections / Q000276:immunology; D005246:Feedback; D006678:HIV / Q000276:immunology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000276:immunology; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology
D015704:CD4 Antigens