CD4+ T Cell Depletion in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: Role of Apoptosis
2011

Understanding CD4+ T Cell Depletion in HIV Infection

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Février Michèle, Dorgham Karim, Rebollo Angelita

Primary Institution: Institut Pasteur, France

Hypothesis

The review discusses the role of CD4+ T cell depletion in HIV pathogenesis and the mechanisms involved.

Conclusion

HIV infection leads to significant depletion of CD4+ T cells, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to chronic immune activation and disease progression.

Supporting Evidence

  • HIV infection leads to a dramatic loss of CD4+ T cells in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Chronic immune activation is a hallmark of HIV infection.
  • CD4+ T cells in the gut are particularly susceptible to HIV infection.
  • Successful antiretroviral therapy can partially restore CD4+ T cell populations.

Takeaway

HIV makes a lot of people sick by killing a type of immune cell called CD4+ T cells, especially in the gut, which helps keep our bodies healthy.

Methodology

This is a review article summarizing recent advances in understanding CD4+ T cell depletion in HIV infection.

Limitations

The review focuses primarily on human studies and may not encompass all aspects of HIV pathogenesis in other species.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/v3050586

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