Extensive analysis of naturally occurring simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) and comparative phylogenetic studies with human immunodeficiency viruses (HIVs) suggests that the latter are close relatives of the SIVcpz viruses of chimpanzees (HIV-1) or the SIVsmm viruses of sooty mangabys (HIV-2).

Crossing of species barriers resulted in adaptation to the human host and subsequent acquisition of a pathogenic phenotype. Naturally occurring T lymphocyte-tropic lentiviral infections are highly prevalent and productive but are not usually pathogenic for native hosts. Crossing species barriers may produce an abortive infection or, as in the case of the HIVs, may enhance virulence after several cycles of transmission.

The large number of species carrying these viruses may suggest that infection confers an evolutionary advantage to the host. The virulent T-lymphocyte-tropic lentiviruses have a similar genomic structure and exhibit comparable replication strategies. Their major targets are lymphocytes populating lymphoid organs and tissues, and antigen-presenting cells (dendritic cells, mononuclear phagocytes). Within these targets the virus can replicate to very high titres and thereby exhaust CD4+ T cells, producing profound immunodeficiency. Although the infection of lymphoid organs and tissue is the pathologic hallmark of HIV infection, this virus also infects cells of the central nervous system

Further reading: Retroviruses: Molecular Biology, Genomics and Pathogenesis

Labels: hiv, HIV-1, HIV-2, Immunodeficiency Virus, Simian immunodeficiency virus, SIV, SIVsmm

Lentiviruses and Macrophages: Molecular and Cellular Interactions
Edited by: Moira Desport
Published: 2010 ISBN: 978-1-904455-60-8
In this timely book, top lentivirus and macrophage specialists comprehensively review cutting-edge topics in the molecular and cellular biology of the lentivirus-macrophage interaction. Topics include lentivirus tropism and disease, macrophage biology, macrophage in HIV-1 infection and disease progression, post-entry restrictions to lentiviral replication, HIV-2 tropism and disease, SHIV model of disease, the felid immunodeficiency viruses, EIAV, small ruminant lentiviruses, bovine lentiviruses, coinfections and superinfections.

Further reading: Lentiviruses and Macrophages: Molecular and Cellular Interactions

Labels: aids, books, dengue virus, hiv, lentivirus, lentiviruses, new book, virology books, virus books