Defective phagocytosis by human monocyte/macrophages following HIV-1 infection: Underlying mechanisms and modulation by adjunctive cytokine therapy

Abstract

Defective immunological function of cells of the macrophage lineage contributes considerably to the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. Impairment of phagocytosis of opportunistic pathogens such as Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), Pneumocystis carinii, Toxoplasma gondii or Candida albicans by peripheral blood monocytes, tissue macrophages and monocyte-derived macrophages following in vivo and in vitro HIV-1 infection is well documented. The development of opportunistic infections due to these pathogens in HIV-infected individuals at late stages of disease is attributed to defective monocyte/macrophage function. The mechanisms whereby HIV-1 impairs phagocytosis are not well known. A number of ..