How does HTLV-I persist despite a strong cell-mediated immune response?
Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a pathogenic retrovirus that infects human CD4(+) T lymphocytes. Despite its presence in T cells, HTLV-1 causes little overt immunosuppression. This host-virus relationship has therefore been exploited as an excellent model system for studying the dynamic interaction between a persistent retrovirus and the normal human immune system. We use a combination of mathematical and experimental techniques to identify key factors on both sides of the in vivo host-virus interaction that significantly determine HTLV-I proviral load and disease risk. We develop a model to describe how these factors interact to enable viral persistence.
Department of Immunology, Wright-Fleming Institute, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK. b.asquith@imperial.ac.uk
Becca
B
Asquith
Charles R M
CR
Bangham
D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D015481:HTLV-I Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D015486:HTLV-I Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D015490:HTLV-I Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D015368:Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D015493:Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D019562:Viral Load; D017735:Virus Latency
D015481:HTLV-I Antibodies; D015486:HTLV-I Antigens