Characterization of the early steps of infection of primary blood monocytes by human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

ABSTRACT: Blood-circulating monocytes migrate in tissues in response to danger stimuli and differentiate there into two major actors of the immune system: macrophages and dendritic cells. Given their migratory behavior and their pivotal role in the orchestration of immune responses, it is not surprising that cells of the monocyte lineage are the target of several viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). HIV-1 replicates in monocytoid cells to an extent that is influenced by their differentiation status and modulated by exogenous stimulations. Unstimulated monocytes display a relative resistance to HIV infection mostly exerted during the early steps of the viral life cycle. Despite intensive studies, the identity of the affected step remains controversial, although it is genera

SUBMITTER: Arfi V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2447095 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature