The role of monocytes and macrophages in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection

Abstract

Cells of the macrophage lineage play an important role in initial infection with HIV-1 an contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease throughout the course of infection. Both blood monocytes and tissue macrophages can be infected with HIV-1 in vivo and in vitro, although the latter are more susceptible to infection. They express the CD4 receptor and chemokine co-receptors for HIV-1 entry, and hence are targets for HIV-1 infection. Cells of the macrophage lineage can be infected predominantly with macrophage (M)-tropic strains, although infection with some T cell line (T)-tropic strains or dual-tropic isolates of HIV-1 (exhibiting features of both M-tropic and T-tropic isolates) has also be..