Tissue-specific HIV-1 infection: why it matters.
The human immunodeficiency virus displays a narrow tropism for CD4+mononuclear cells, and activated CD4+T lymphocytes are the main target. When these cells are depleted by viral replication, bystander apoptosis and increased cell turnover mediated by immune activation, there is a progressive immunodeficiency (i.e., AIDS). Despite this specific cell tropism, HIV-infected persons demonstrate pathology in nearly every organ system. This article reviews current understanding of tissue-specific HIV-1 infection in the CNS, the genital tract, and gastrointestinal-associated lymphoid tissue.
University of California, San Diego, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stein Clinical Research Bldg MC 0679, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Maile Ay
MA
Karris
Davey M
DM
Smith
CNS; HIV-1; compartmentalization; gastrointestinal-associated lymphoid tissue; genital tract