Complement, Fc receptors and antibodies: a Trojan horse in HIV infection?
OBJECTIVE
Because complement is present in all fluids of the body, including serum, saliva and seminal fluid, and is found at mucosal surfaces and in the brain, all pathogens have to deal with complement proteins. Thus, immediately upon entering the host, independent on the route of infection, HIV activates the complement system. Although a first line of immune defense, complement cannot eliminate retroviral infections completely.


RESULTS
Recent data indicate that complement, in concert with non-neutralizing antibodies, contributes to the control of HIV replication at early stages of infection. In parallel or at later stages, complement and non-neutralizing antibodies may counteract the immune response by enhancing HIV infection via complement and Fc-receptor-positive cells in 'cis' and 'trans'.


CONCLUSIONS
This review highlights current knowledge in this field and emphasizes the contribution of complement and non-neutralizing antibodies in controlling versus and enhancing infection.
Stoiber
Heribert
H
Section of Hygiene & Microbiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria. hygiene@i-med.ac.at
D019067:Antibody-Dependent Enhancement; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D006678:HIV / Q000276:immunology*; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D011961:Receptors, Fc / Q000276:immunology*
D015483:HIV Antibodies; D011961:Receptors, Fc; D003165:Complement System Proteins