Th1 and th2 responses, HIV-1 coreceptors, and HIV-1 infection

J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2001 Jul-Sep;15(3):308-13.

Abstract

The Th1/Th2 model provides an interesting paradigm for understanding several pathophysiological processes and possibly for developing new immunotherapeutical strategies. In HIV-1 infection the interaction between the type of HIV-1 strain and the pathway of the ongoing T-cell effector response, despite its complexity, may represent one of the crucial mechanisms in determining the outcome of virus infection. While the possibility of an HIV-1-driven Th1 to Th2 switch of the immune response is still debated, evidence is accumulating to suggest that cytokines produced during an immune response can contribute to promote a selective pressure toward the evolution of HIV-1 viral strains with different tropism. This article summarizes the results of our recent studies in which the expression of CCR5 and CXCR4 HIV-1 co-receptors, as well as the activity of R5- or X4- tropic strains of HIV-1 in different in vitro models of Th1/Th2 polarization was analyzed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology*
  • Cell Polarity
  • Chemokine CCL5 / physiology
  • HIV-1*
  • Interleukin-12 / pharmacology
  • Interleukin-4 / pharmacology
  • Receptors, CCR5 / analysis
  • Receptors, CCR5 / physiology*
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / analysis
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / physiology*
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • Chemokine CCL5
  • Receptors, CCR5
  • Receptors, CXCR4
  • Interleukin-12
  • Interleukin-4