title: Modulation of the immunological synapse: a key to HIV-1 pathogenesis?
abstract: AIDS is the result of a constant struggle between the lentivirus HIV and the immune system. Infection with HIV interferes directly with the function of CD4(+) T cells and manipulates the host immune response to the virus. Recent studies indicate that the viral protein Nef, a central player in HIV pathogenesis, impairs the ability of infected lymphocytes to form immunological synapses with antigen-presenting cells and affects T-cell-receptor-mediated stimulation. An integrative picture of the abnormal behaviour of HIV-infected lymphocytes is therefore emerging. We propose that modulating lymphocyte signalling, apoptosis and intracellular trafficking ensures efficient spread of the virus in the hostile environment of the immune system.
authors: Oliver T. Fackler is at the Department of Virology, University of Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany. oliver_fackler@med.uni-heidelberg.de
authors: Oliver T
authors: OT
authors: Fackler
authors: Andres
authors: A
authors: Alcover
authors: Olivier
authors: O
authors: Schwartz
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000276:immunology*; D015693:Gene Products, nef / Q000276:immunology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D021381:Protein Transport / Q000276:immunology; D020239:Receptor Cross-Talk / Q000276:immunology; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D054311:nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
chemical_list: D015693:Gene Products, nef; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D054311:nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus