Innate T-Cell Immunity in HIV Infections: The Role of Vg9Vd2 T Lymphocytes

Authors: Poccia F.; Gougeon M..L.; Agrati C.; Montesano C.; Martini F.; Pauza C.D.; Fisch P.; Wallace M.; Malkovsky M.

Source: Current Molecular Medicine, Volume 2, Number 8, December 2002 , pp. 769-781(13)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

There is growing interest in the use of innate immune reactions in the therapy and prophylaxis of various diseases. Natural T (NT) lymphocytes that recognize infected cells or microbial compounds without the classical genetic restriction by polymorphic MHC molecules are crucial components of innate immunity. NT cells bearing the V9V2 T-cell receptor (TCR) are broadly reactive against intracellular pathogens, can lyse human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected cells, and release cytokines capable of regulating HIV replication. The potent antiviral activities of V9V2 T cells may help to contain viral spread during acute HIV infection and / or to prevent the establishment of viral persistence. Substantial changes in the composition and function of circulating T-cell pools occur in HIV-infected patients. These changes a) may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of opportunistic infections and neoplasms, and b) are partly reversed by highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). In addition to direct antiviral activities, activated T cells influence dendritic cell maturation and the adaptive T-cell response. V9V2 T cells can be stimulated in vivo and in vitro by various nonpeptidic antigens (NpAgs) and recent animal experimental data suggest that activated V9V2 T cells may help to control SIV replication. Currently, NpAgs are being assessed as potential therapeutic agents in AIDS, tuberculosis and certain cancers susceptible to V9V2 T-cell effector mechanisms.

Keywords: aids; non-peptidic antigens; haart; cytokines; cytotoxicity; helper; nk receptors; daudi; lymphomas

Language: English

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1566524023361880

Publication date: 2002-12-01

• Current Molecular Medicine is an interdisciplinary journal focused on providing the readership with current and comprehensive reviews on fundamental molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, the development of molecular-diagnosis and/or novel approaches to rational treatment. The reviews should be of significant interest to basic researchers and clinical investigators in molecular medicine. Periodically the journal will invite guest editors to devote an issue on a basic research area that shows promise to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) of a disease or has potential for clinical applications.

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• By this author: Poccia F. ;  Gougeon M..L. ;  Agrati C. ;  Montesano C. ;  Martini F. ;  Pauza C.D. ;  Fisch P. ;  Wallace M. ;  Malkovsky M.

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