Commentary
The pathogenesis of HIV infection: stupid may not be so dumb after all
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Correspondence: Stephen M Smith ssmith1824@aol.com
Saint Michael's Medical Center and The New Jersey Medical School, Newark New Jersey 07102, USA
Retrovirology 2006, 3:60 doi:10.1186/1742-4690-3-60
Published: 8 September 2006Abstract
In the mid-1990's, researchers hypothesized, based on new viral load data, that HIV-1 causes CD4+ T-cell depletion by direct cytopathic effect. New data from non-human primate studies has raised doubts about this model of HIV-1 pathogenesis. Despite having high levels of viremia, most SIV infections are well tolerated by their natural hosts. Two recent studies of these models provide information, which may be useful in determining how HIV-1 causes CD4+ T-cell loss. A full understanding of pathogenesis may lead to novel therapies, which preserve the immune system without blocking virus replication.