Alvarez et al.
Jan 1, 2008
This study identifies the WFDC1/ps20 protein as a key factor influencing the permissiveness of CD4+ T cells to HIV-1 infection.
This study identifies the WFDC1/ps20 protein as a key factor influencing the permissiveness of CD4+ T cells to HIV-1 infection. The researchers show that ps20 expression correlates with increased HIV-1 susceptibility in memory CD4+ T cells, specifically those expressing CD45RO, a marker for memory T cells. The study demonstrates that ps20 enhances HIV-1 infection by promoting the adhesion of infected cells and increasing integrin (CD54) expression on T cells, which facilitates virus entry and spread.
Key findings include:
Ps20 Expression and HIV Susceptibility: Ps20 is highly expressed in HIV-permissive CD4+ T cells, and its expression significantly increases the permissiveness of these cells to HIV-1 infection.
Mechanism of Action: Ps20 facilitates HIV-1 infection through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. It enhances HIV entry by promoting intercellular adhesion via CD54, which is crucial for virus entry.
Regulation of Ps20: Blocking ps20 with specific antibodies or silencing its expression reduces HIV-1 infection, supporting its role as a crucial HIV permissivity factor.
Therapeutic Potential: These findings highlight ps20 as a potential target for therapeutic intervention to reduce HIV-1 transmission and replication, providing new avenues for treatment strategies.
The study was highlighted due to its significant findings on the innate immune modulation by ps20 and its implications for HIV pathogenesis.