The role of collagen deposition in depleting CD4+ T cells and limiting reconstitution in HIV-1 and SIV infections through damage to the secondary lymphoid organ niche.
The hallmark of HIV/SIV infections is the progressive depletion of CD4+ T cells that ultimately renders the host incapable of defending against AIDS defining opportunistic infections and malignancies. Although many potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain CD4+ T cell loss, we review here the growing evidence that fibrotic 'scarring' and consequent damage to the lymphatic tissue niche contributes to CD4+ T cell decline and limits CD4+ T cell re-population with retroviral therapy.
Estes
Jacob D
JD
AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Science Applications International Corporation-Frederick, Inc., National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA.
Haase
Ashley T
AT
Schacker
Timothy W
TW
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000276:immunology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D016097:Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D015302:Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000276:immunology*; D014779:Virus Replication
D003094:Collagen