title: Immunoregulatory effects of HIV-1 Nef protein.
abstract: During HIV infection, the perturbation of the adaptive and innate immune responses contributes to the progressive immunosuppression leading to an increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and neoplastic diseases. Several impairments observed in HIV-infected patients include a gradual loss of CD4(+) T cells, CD8(+) T cell dysfunction, and a decreased number and function of natural killer (NK) cells. Moreover, a functional impairment and variation in the number of DC and B cells were observed during HIV infection. HIV-1 codes for proteins, including the accessory Nef proteins, that interacting with immune cells may contribute to AIDS pathogenesis. Here, we review the recent progress on the immunomodulatory effect of the accessory Nef protein and its role in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. (c) 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
authors.affiliation: Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Giovanna
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Quaranta
authors.forename: Benedetta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mattioli
authors.forename: Luciana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Giordani
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Viora
mesh_terms: D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology*; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000276:immunology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D054311:nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D054311:nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus; C514837:nef protein, Human immunodeficiency virus 1