HIV infection of thymocytes inhibits IL-7 activity without altering CD127 expression
2011
HIV Infection Affects IL-7 Activity in Thymocytes
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Young Charlene D, Angel Jonathan B
Primary Institution: Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Hypothesis
How does HIV infection impact CD127 expression and IL-7 activity in thymocytes?
Conclusion
HIV infection alters IL-7 responsiveness of thymocytes without affecting CD127 expression.
Supporting Evidence
- HIV infection does not change CD127 expression on thymocytes.
- HIV infection reduces IL-7-induced STAT-5 phosphorylation in thymocytes.
- HIV infection inhibits IL-7's ability to induce Bcl-2 expression in thymocytes.
Takeaway
HIV can make thymocytes less responsive to a key growth factor called IL-7, which helps in making new immune cells, even though it doesn't change the amount of a specific receptor on those cells.
Methodology
Thymocytes were infected with HIV in vitro and then analyzed for CD127 expression and IL-7 signaling effects.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on in vitro conditions, which may not fully replicate in vivo scenarios.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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