GB virus C: the good boy virus?
GB virus C (GBV-C) is a lymphotropic human virus discovered in 1995 that is related to hepatitis C virus (HCV). GBV-C infection has not been convincingly associated with any disease; however, several studies found an association between persistent GBV-C infection and improved survival in HIV-positive individuals. GBV-C infection modestly alters T cell homeostasis in vivo through various mechanisms, including modulation of chemokine and cytokine release and receptor expression, and by diminution of T cell activation, proliferation and apoptosis, all of which may contribute to improved HIV clinical outcomes. In vitro studies confirm these clinical observations and demonstrate an anti-HIV replication effect of GBV-C. This review summarizes existing data on potential mechanisms by which GBV-C interferes with HIV, and the research needed to capitalize on this epidemiological observation.
Interdisciplinary Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
Nirjal
N
Bhattarai
Jack T
JT
Stapleton
D000818:Animals; D018178:Flaviviridae Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D029407:GB virus C / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D014779:Virus Replication