DCs and NK cells: critical effectors in the immune response to HIV-1

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) and natural killer (NK) cells have central roles in antiviral immunity by shaping the quality of the adaptive immune response to viruses and by mediating direct antiviral activity. HIV-1 infection is characterized by a severe dysregulation of the antiviral immune response that starts during early infection. This Review describes recent insights into how HIV-1 infection affects DC and NK cell function, and the roles of these innate immune cells in HIV-1 pathogenesis. The importance of understanding DC and NK cell crosstalk during HIV infection for the developement of effective antiviral strategies is also discussed.

The Innate Immune System and Aging: What is the Contribution to Immunosenescence ?

“…Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in early pathogen defense especially against viral infections before the adaptive immune response becomes fully functional [8,74,75]. They also participate in the antitumoral response by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and destroying the tumor cells [76].…”

“…In the meantime DCS release Th1 cytokines which further enhance NK activation [91,92]. Thus, NK cells via this interaction with DCs can modulate the adaptive immune response against virus-infected or tumor cells [74].…”

HIV/AIDS: 30 Years of progress and future challenges

“…DCs are an essential component of both innate and adaptive immune activities [77]. In addition to their role as professional APCs, DCs produce cytokines that promote T-and B-cell functions.…”

“…IFN-g, IL-12), NK cells can influence HIV infection and the pathogenic course [77]. The interaction of the KIRs on NK cells with HIV-infected cells can have activating and inhibitory effects on NK-cell functions [77].…”

“…IFN-g, IL-12), NK cells can influence HIV infection and the pathogenic course [77]. The interaction of the KIRs on NK cells with HIV-infected cells can have activating and inhibitory effects on NK-cell functions [77]. As observed with adaptive T-and B-cell responses, recent evidence suggests that HIV can escape NK-cell activity by evolving away from recognition by activating KIRs [83].…”