title: The role of glycosphingolipids in HIV/AIDS.
abstract: Much remains unknown about basic aspects of HIV-1 infection and cell susceptibility. Glycosphingolipid (GSL) binding by the HIV-1 adhesin gp120 has long been implicated in the infection of non-lymphoid cells, as well as CD4(+) T cells and monocytes, the primary targets of HIV-1 infection. We have identified the P(k) blood group antigen (a GSL) globotriaosylceramide (Gb(3)) as a new resistance effector against HIV-1 infection. Significantly, the α-galactosyltransferase (A4GALT, Gb(3) synthase) responsible for the synthesis of Gb(3) is included among markers genetically linked to HIV-1 resistance. Other GSLs, including GalCer and GM3, have been implicated as facilitators of HIV infection. This review will address the role of GSLs in HIV/AIDS but focus on the role of Gb(3) as a newly described natural resistance factor for the prevention of HIV infection and examine potential therapies that would utilize soluble analogues of this unique GSL.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Structure and Function Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Clifford A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Lingwood
authors.forename: Donald R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Branch
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002459:Cell Fusion; D006028:Glycosphingolipids / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D021962:Membrane Microdomains / Q000378:metabolism; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000378:metabolism; D053586:Virus Internalization
chemical_list: D006028:Glycosphingolipids; D011991:Receptors, Virus