Abstract

RUEDA RIOS, César Mauricio; VELILLA HERNANDEZ, Paula Andrea  and  RUGELES LOPEZ, María Teresa. Células T reguladoras naturales durante la infección por el VIH: el tejido linfoide como blanco primario de la replicación viral. Iatreia [online]. 2009, vol.22, n.2, pp.159-168. ISSN 0121-0793.

HIV infection is associated with a severe secondary immunodeficiency leading to opportunistic infections and malignancies. Alterations of the cellular immunity mediated by T cells and antigen presenting cells are common characteristics of this infection. Recently, it has been proposed that the immunoregulatory properties of several cell populations are partially responsible for these alterations. In fact, functional and quantitative alterations of the regulatory T cell (Treg) subpopulation have been described in sites of active viral replication such as lymphoid organs and the lymphoid tissue associated with the gastrointestinal mucosa. Although the role of Treg in HIV pathogenesis is unknown, different studies suggest that it could be dual: (1) to protect from tissue damage and from CD4+ T cell elimination caused by the immune hyperactivation; (2) to contribute to HIV pathogenesis. The accumulation of functional Tregs affects the development of the specific immune responses that would allow elimination of the pathogen, thus favouring its permanence in different tissues. This review presents the scientific evidence available on the effect of Treg cells during the pathogenesis of HIV infection.

Keywords : HIV; Intestinal mucosa; Lymphoid tissue; Regulatory T cells.