Hong Kong Med J 2013;19(Suppl 5):S19-23
Suppression of cellular antibacterial effects by HIV
JCB Li, LLY Chan, HCH Yim, BKW Cheung, DCW Lee, ASY Lau
Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
1. Immunopathogenesis of HIV and mycobacterial infections is discussed.
2. HIV transactivator protein (Tat) is the viral factor responsible for favouring mycobacterial growth. This can be reversed by immunoregulatory cytokines such as IFN-γ.
3. The use of small molecule inhibitors of Tat to abrogate its suppressive effects on the immune functions of macrophages/monocytes may have a role on the design of new therapeutic strategies against both pathogens.
2. HIV transactivator protein (Tat) is the viral factor responsible for favouring mycobacterial growth. This can be reversed by immunoregulatory cytokines such as IFN-γ.
3. The use of small molecule inhibitors of Tat to abrogate its suppressive effects on the immune functions of macrophages/monocytes may have a role on the design of new therapeutic strategies against both pathogens.