HIV-1 and interferons: who's interfering with whom?

T Doyle, C Goujon, MH Malim - Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2015 - nature.com
T Doyle, C Goujon, MH Malim
Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2015nature.com
The ability of interferons (IFNs) to inhibit HIV-1 replication in cell culture models has long
been recognized, and the therapeutic administration of IFNα to HIV-1-infected patients who
are not receiving antiretroviral therapy produces a clear but transient decrease in plasma
viral load. Conversely, studies of chronic HIV-1 infection in humans and SIV-infected animal
models of AIDS show positive correlations between elevated plasma levels of IFNs,
increased expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), biomarkers of inflammation and …
Abstract
The ability of interferons (IFNs) to inhibit HIV-1 replication in cell culture models has long been recognized, and the therapeutic administration of IFNα to HIV-1-infected patients who are not receiving antiretroviral therapy produces a clear but transient decrease in plasma viral load. Conversely, studies of chronic HIV-1 infection in humans and SIV-infected animal models of AIDS show positive correlations between elevated plasma levels of IFNs, increased expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), biomarkers of inflammation and disease progression. In this Review, we discuss the evidence that IFNs can control HIV-1 replication in vivo and debate the controversial role of IFNs in promoting the pathological sequelae of chronic HIV-1 infection.
nature.com