( How well an individual's immune system ...)Early-stage immune system control of HIV may depend on inherited factors

How well an individual's immune system controls HIV during the earliest phases of infection appears to depend on both the specific versions of key immune-system molecules called HLA Class I that have been inherited, as well as on the fragments of viral protein those molecules display to the T lymphocytes that usually destroy infected cells. In a report in the November issue of PLOS Medicine, researchers from the Partners AIDS Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital (PARC/MGH) report that specific HLA Class I/HIV viral fragment combinations are associated with a more powerful antiviral response, findings that may help develop vaccines against HIV.

"We found that only a limited number of viral protein fragments from HIV-1 are targeted by the immune system in early infection and that the versions of HLA Class I previously associated with slower HIV-1 disease progression also contribute more to this initial antiviral immune response," says Marcus Altfeld, MD, PhD, of PARC/MGH, the paper's lead author.

An essential aspect of the immune response involves educating T cells to recognize pathogens or other "non-self" proteins. This is done by means of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) receptors that sit on the surface of virtually every cell. Immune system cells that ingest bacteria or parasites digest those pathogens and display protein fragments on their surface membranes via HLA Class II proteins. Virally infected cells display viral proteins on HLA Class I molecules, which activate the CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocytes that usually destroy infected cells. Although the CD8 response against HIV is ultimately ineffective in protecting infection, several studies have suggested that it plays a key role in determining how quickly the disease progresses after initial infection.

HLA ?also called major histocompatibility complex (MHC) ?proteins are also the primary markers of tissues as "self." Unique to each individual, these are the factors tha
'"/>

Source:Massachusetts General Hospital

Page: 1 2 3
Related biology news :

1. Early-stage sperm cells created from human bone marrow
2. Fox Chase Cancer Center scientists identify immune-system mutation
3. Genetically modified natural killer immune cells attack, kill leukemia cells
4. Studies reveal methods viruses use to sidestep immune system
5. Jumping gene helps explain immune systems abilities
6. Scientists solve structure of key protein in innate immune response
7. Rats infected as newborns grew up vulnerable to memory problems during an immune challenge
8. NYU study reveals how brains immune system fights viral encephalitis
9. Chemists identify immune system mechanism for methamphetamine binges
10. Multi-purpose protein regulates new protein synthesis and immune cell development
11. Genetic defects give the immune system the green light to attack the pancreas