Some interesting new research indicates that direct CD4 cell to CD4 cell contact might be a leading method by which HIV infects these immune system cells.
Scientists have known for years that CD4 cells can be directly infected by free-floating HIV particles in the blood, and have taken pretty pictures of this viral attack (to see one, click here). Treatments called entry inhibitors (like Fuzeon and Selzentry) effectively block this attack.
But now a team of scientists from UC Davis and Mount Sinai School of Medicine have actually filmed CD4 cells directly infecting other CD4 cells, and speculate that this might be "the predominant mode of [HIV] dissemination."
Why is this important? It might explain why HIV is able to elude many of the vaccines tested thus far (direct cell-to-cell infection avoids those pesky, free-floating antibodies). And it might lead to new treatments as well by defining a viral pathway which researchers can try to block.
The study was made possible after experts inserted a protein into HIV's genetic code which glows green when exposed to blue light. Check it out...
Thanks for posting this, and for a great blog in general. I'm sure it was just a typo but Isentress (aka Raltegravir) is an integrase inhibitor, not an entry one! Okay, what to make of this finding; well as a pozzie, I'm encouraged whenever something new is learnt about HIV, and this could have a real impact later on. However that excitement is tempered by the fact that this pet virus of mine is even more devious than imagined, and will take some stopping. Current projects in development such as entry inhibition, either by genetic engineering (Zinc Finger Nucleases), monoclonal antibodies (Pro 140, Ibalizumab) or epitope detection from "souped" up T cells all require HIV to enter as a free agent. Cell to cell HIV transfer will elude all these new attempts. So it's a bit depressing really. Would be interested to know what others think.
M.
So it is no wonder that all current vaccines have to fail.
But there are new ones in development, Anti-PS/PE that
target the cells, not the virus. Maybe they will have more luck in the future. Lets hope for gene theraphy or stem cells, Antibodies or drugs won't stop this evil virus :)
Thank you for the very interesting information. I teach nursing and teach the HIV content. One of the assignments is to send the students to sites such as your's for information related to living with HIV, the impact of the medications, etc. The new information that I find on this site has been very enlightening and helpful.
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Hi Peter,
Thanks for posting this, and for a great blog in general. I'm sure it was just a typo but Isentress (aka Raltegravir) is an integrase inhibitor, not an entry one! Okay, what to make of this finding; well as a pozzie, I'm encouraged whenever something new is learnt about HIV, and this could have a real impact later on. However that excitement is tempered by the fact that this pet virus of mine is even more devious than imagined, and will take some stopping. Current projects in development such as entry inhibition, either by genetic engineering (Zinc Finger Nucleases), monoclonal antibodies (Pro 140, Ibalizumab) or epitope detection from "souped" up T cells all require HIV to enter as a free agent. Cell to cell HIV transfer will elude all these new attempts. So it's a bit depressing really. Would be interested to know what others think.
M.
Very interesting indeed,
So it is no wonder that all current vaccines have to fail.
But there are new ones in development, Anti-PS/PE that
target the cells, not the virus. Maybe they will have more luck in the future. Lets hope for gene theraphy or stem cells, Antibodies or drugs won't stop this evil virus :)
Thank you for the very interesting information. I teach nursing and teach the HIV content. One of the assignments is to send the students to sites such as your's for information related to living with HIV, the impact of the medications, etc. The new information that I find on this site has been very enlightening and helpful.