Mechanisms of HIV envelope-induced T lymphocyte apoptosis.
Infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is characterized by a progressive depletion of CD4 T lymphocytes, which leads to dysfunction of the immune system. Although a variety of mechanisms may contribute to the gradual T cell decline that occurs in HIV-infected patients, abnormal apoptosis of infected or bystander T lymphocytes is an important event leading to immunodeficiency. The HIV envelope glycoprotein plays a crucial role in HIV associated apoptosis through both death receptor-mediated and mitochondria-dependent pathways. This review summarizes current knowledge of Env-mediated T lymphocyte apoptosis.
State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
Zhi-Tao
ZT
Wan
Xu-Lin
XL
Chen
D017209:Apoptosis; D006678:HIV / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000821:virology*; D054299:env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000633:toxicity*
D054299:env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus