Macrophages and HIV-1: An Unhealthy Constellation

Cell Host Microbe. 2016 Mar 9;19(3):304-10. doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2016.02.013.

Abstract

Lentiviruses have a long-documented association with macrophages. Abundant evidence exists for in vitro and, in a tissue-specific manner, in vivo infection of macrophages by the primate lentiviruses HIV-1 and SIV. However, macrophage contribution to aspects of HIV-1 and SIV pathogenesis, and their role in viral persistence in individuals on suppressive antiretroviral therapy, remains unclear. Here we discuss recent evidence implicating macrophages in HIV-1-mediated disease and highlight directions for further investigation.

Keywords: HIV-1; macrophage; pathogenesis; reservoir.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • HIV Infections / pathology*
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • HIV-1 / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Macaca
  • Macrophages / virology*
  • Models, Biological
  • Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology
  • Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / pathology
  • Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / virology
  • Simian Immunodeficiency Virus