Mechanisms of Host Resistance Against HIV Infection and Progression to AIDS

Abstract

Since the discovery in the early eighties of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), there have been reports of people who were completely resistant to infection with HIV and others who progressed at slower rates to AIDS. The present article summarises the mechanisms involved in resistance against HIV infection and progression to AIDS. The paper will specifically focus on the role of immunological mechanisms, genetics, ethnicity and cultural practices such as male circumcision in mitigating infection. The current understanding on host natural resistance against HIV infection and progression to AIDS would potentially contribute to better prevention strategies, delayed onset of AIDS in people living with HIV, the identification of more efficient types of therapy for AIDS patients and, possibly, appropriate vaccines against HIV/AIDS. This area of research has important implications for patient care through controlling factors that contribute to AIDS progression.

Keywords: AIDS; Disease, Progression; HIV; Resistance, Natural.

Figures 1a & 1b:

A simplified diagram showing that HIV requires a chemokine co-receptor (CCR5 or CXCR-4) in addition to the CD4, molecule the main receptor, to gain entry into the cell Figure 1a - Virus entry due to availability of both CD4 receptor and a chemokine co-receptor Figure 1b - No virus entry due to availability of only CD4 receptor as the chemokine co-receptor (CCR5 or CXCR4) is engaged in the binding to its ligand