In HIV-1 pathogenesis the die is cast during primary infection.
The chronic stage of HIV-1 infection has been extensively described as a slowly evolving phase, in which the virus induces T-cell death slightly faster than the human body is able to recover. In contrast, T-cell and viral replication dynamics during primary infection have been less well studied. Recent studies in the SIV-macaque model and in HIV-positive patients during the acute infection period have highlighted the massive and irreversible depletion of CD4 memory T cells in the mucosa, particularly in the gut. Hence, gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) plays a central role in the early stages of HIV-1 pathogenesis. Due to its particular cytokine expression pattern, GALT may favour the differential replication of certain HIV-1 subtypes during primary infection, particularly of subtype C. This could enhance the chance of a successful transmission. Moreover, these early events taking place in GALT during primary infection have major implications for therapy and vaccine design.
Centlivre
Mireille
M
Sala
Monica
M
Wain-Hobson
Simon
S
Berkhout
Ben
B
D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000821:virology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory; D007422:Intestines / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D014779:Virus Replication