CD4(+) T helper cells and the role they play in viral control.
The natural history of untreated HIV-1 infection is characterized by progressive erosion of the immune system with eventual loss of viral control. T helper cell responses to HIV-1 are typically weak or absent in chronically HIV-1 infected individuals. CD4(+) T helper cell responses have been shown to be important in a number of experimental viral infection systems, and here we explore the ways in which T helper cells might aid in the control of viruses in general and HIV-1 in particular. We first review the relationship between T helper cells and other arms of the immune system. We then focus on the role T helper cells play in viral control in murine and nonhuman primate models, and finally review what is known of CD4(+) T helper cell function in HIV-1 infection.
Massachusetts General Hospital and Partners AIDS Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRJ 504, Boston, MA 02114, USA. pnorris@partners.org
Philip J
PJ
Norris
Eric S
ES
Rosenberg
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D018448:Models, Immunological; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000276:immunology*
D015704:CD4 Antigens