High levels of unintegrated HIV-1 DNA in brain tissue of AIDS dementia patients
Article Abstract:
The retroviruses, such as HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus type 1) which causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome), are found in three forms in the host cell. These include: a linear form that is free or unintegrated; a circular unintegrated form; and a form that is integrated or inserted into the DNA of the host cell. High levels of the unintegrated forms of retroviruses are often associated with high levels of infection and the cytopathic effects that lead to cell death and underlie diseases, such as acquired immunodeficiency disease in cats. However, low levels of HIV-1 are found in AIDS patients, and it has been difficult to assess the forms of the virus which exist in humans. The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technique, in which a small amount of DNA can be amplified to quantities that then can be used in research, allows analysis of fresh tissue samples from AIDS patients. Each of the three forms of the virus was found in the blood and brain of AIDS patients. Patients with HIV encephalitis (swelling of the brain which causes AIDS dementia, characterized by confusion, disorientation and deterioration of intellectual capacity) had higher proportions of the unintegrated form of the virus in their brain tissues. Further research may lead to a therapeutic strategy to inhibit HIV-1 virus infection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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HIV-1 tropism for mononuclear phagocytes can be determined by regions of gp120 outside the CD4-binding domain
Article Abstract:
Viruses survive by invading cells in the body and taking over their genetic material, using it to replicate themselves. However, different viruses take up residence in different cell types; in the case of human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1), the virus associated with AIDS, cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (macrophages, which ingest foreign material) are the targets. However, not all HIV-1 strains are equally successful at invading these cells. The viral properties that enable successful infection of, or denote a tropism for, mononuclear phagocytes were investigated by testing 'natural' and recombinant strains in tissue culture for their infective ability. Results showed that this tropism is genetically controlled, and the essential DNA sequences were identified. The sequences include part of the gene for the viral envelope, which surrounds the genetic material, as well as other identified genes of HIV-1. Another critical region for mononuclear phagocyte tropism is that which directs binding to the CD4 molecule, which is located on the surfaces of some classes of T cells. The attraction of phagocytic cells for HIV-1 may explain the location of the virus in brain macrophages, which results in AIDS dementia. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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The SCID-hu mouse as a model for HIV-1 infection
Article Abstract:
The sever-combined immunodeficiency (SCID)-hu mouse model was used to determine the effects of virus infection on human tissue, especially the thymus. The SCID-hu mouse model was created by implantation of the mouse kidney capsule with human fetal liver and thymus. These implants were then inoculated with HIV-1. Results indicated significant depletion of the CD4 cells, a few weeks after infection. This results point to the growing importance of SCID-hu mouse in in vivo studies of HIV-1-induced pathology.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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