The dynamics of CD4+ T-cell depletion in HIV disease

Nature. 2001 Apr 19;410(6831):974-9. doi: 10.1038/35073648.

Abstract

The size and composition of the CD4+ T-cell population is regulated by balanced proliferation of progenitor cells and death of mature progeny. After infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, this homeostasis is often disturbed and CD4+ T cells are instead depleted. Such depletion cannot result simply from accelerated destruction of mature CD4+ T cells - sources of T-cell production must also fail. Ironically, this failure may be precipitated by physiological mechanisms designed to maintain homeostasis in the face of accelerated T-cell loss.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / virology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Death
  • Disease Progression
  • HIV / immunology
  • HIV / pathogenicity
  • HIV / physiology
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / physiopathology
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • Humans
  • Leukopoiesis
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Lymphoid Tissue / immunology
  • Lymphoid Tissue / virology
  • Models, Biological