Lymphoid tissue structure and HIV-1 infection: Life or death for T cells

Ming Zeng, Ashley T. Haase, Timothy W. Schacker

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

80 Scopus citations

Abstract

Secondary lymphoid tissue (LT) structure facilitates immune responses and maintains homeostasis of T cells through production of survival factors, such as interleukin (IL)-7 that is 'posted' on the stromal fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC) network on which T cells traffic. Here, we examine the pathological changes that occur in LTs during HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection. Immune activation leads to collagen deposition and loss of the FRC network itself. This decreases access to IL-7 and reduces the major source of IL-7, both of which deplete naïve T cells to limit immune reconstitution with antiretroviral treatment. We discuss the implications of LT structure damage for the timing of antiretroviral therapy and consider the development of adjunctive antifibrotic agents to improve immune reconstitution in HIV infection.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)306-314
Number of pages9
JournalTrends in Immunology
Volume33
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2012
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Lymphoid tissue structure and HIV-1 infection: Life or death for T cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this