Regulatory T cells and HIV-1 infection.
Recently, it has been emphasized that chronic generalized immune activation is a leading event in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. Supporting evidence comes from observations that in cases of lack of activation, infected subjects maintain a high number of T cells and do not develop AIDS-related events. Despite intensive studies, the exact mechanisms of T-cell activation are still not well understood and options for their control are limited. Very promising in this direction is a recently described T-cell subpopulation--regulatory T cells. Their functional activity and vitality are strongly dependent on the presence of IL-2. Better understanding of the mechanisms of T-cell activation, as well as the contribution of regulatory T cells to its control will increase therapeutic options for HIV-1-infected subjects. The application of immune-based therapy together with highly active antiretroviral therapy will lend a helping hand to the natural regulatory mechanisms in the control of infection.
Terzieva
Velislava
V
Department of Immunology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria. terzieva@ncipd.org
D000818:Animals; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D023421:Models, Animal; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*