Quantitation of Productively Infected Monocytes and Macrophages of SIV-Infected Macaques
To assess the contribution of productively infected monocytes and macrophages to HIV and SIV infected cells in vivo, researchers developed a quantitative virus outgrowth assay based on similar assays used to quantitate CD4+ T cell latent reservoirs in antiretroviral therapy suppressed HIV- and SIV-infected individuals. [J Virol] Abstract|Full Article
CCR5 Interaction with HIV-1 Env Contributes to Env-Induced Depletion of CD4 T Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Scientists investigated CD4 T cell depletion mechanisms caused by the Env of a highly pathogenic CXCR4/CCR5 dual-tropic HIV-1 isolate R3A. They report that R3A infection induced depletion of both infected and uninfected “bystander” CD4 T cells, and treatment with CCR5 antagonist TAK-779 inhibited R3A-induced bystander CD4 T cell depletion without affecting virus replication. [Retrovirology] Full Article
Immune Responses to Endogenous Retroelements: Taking the Bad with the Good
Although retroelements are mainly recognized for their pathogenic potential, recent evidence suggests that this ‘enemy within’ may also have beneficial roles in tuning host immune reactivity. In this review, investigators discuss how the immune system recognizes and is shaped by endogenous retroelements. [Nat Rev Immunol] Abstract
Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the immunology of infectious disease research field.
SCIENCE NEWS
HIV-Positive Children and Adolescents: Added Benefit of Rilpivirine Not Proven
The German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care examined in an early benefit assessment whether rilpivirine has an added benefit for HIV-1-infected children and adolescents in comparison with the appropriate comparator therapy, i.e. the drug efavirenz in combination with abacavir plus lamivudine. According to the findings, such an added benefit of rilpivirine is not proven. [German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care] Press Release
Janssen to Unveil New Hepatitis B and C Data
Janssen Sciences Ireland UC announced it will present thirteen abstracts featuring new data on an investigational regimen for treatment of hepatitis B virus and approved and investigational regimens for the treatment of hepatitis C virus. [Press release from Janssen Sciences Ireland UC discussing research to be presented at the International Liver Congress™ 2016 of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), Barcelona] Press Release
$10 Million Grant Funds Infection-Focused Center
A new center at Stanford will focus on understanding the interactions between salmonella bacteria and immune cells infected by the pathogen, as well as on treating such infections. [Stanford Medicine] Press Release
