Natural killer cells during acute HIV-1 infection: clues for HIV-1 prevention and therapy. (15th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alrubayyi, Aljawharah; Rowland-Jones, Sarah; Peppa, Dimitra
• Is Part Of: AIDS. Volume 36:Number 14(2022)
• Page Start: 1903
• Page End: 1915
• Publication Date: 2022-11-15
• Subjects: acute HIV-1 infection -- antiretroviral therapy -- cytomegalovirus -- HIV-1 -- natural killer cells -- therapeutic treatment; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; AIDS (Disease); Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.9792005
• DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000003319
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9370

Abstract

Abstract : Despite progress in preexposure prophylaxis, the number of newly diagnosed cases with HIV-1 remains high, highlighting the urgent need for preventive and therapeutic strategies to reduce HIV-1 acquisition and limit disease progression. Early immunological events, occurring during acute infection, are key determinants of the outcome and course of disease. Understanding early immune responses occurring before viral set-point is established, is critical to identify potential targets for prophylactic and therapeutic approaches. Natural killer (NK) cells represent a key cellular component of innate immunity and contribute to the early host defence against HIV-1 infection, modulating the pathogenesis of acute HIV-1 infection (AHI). Emerging studies have identified tools for harnessing NK cell responses and expanding specialized NK subpopulations with adaptive/memory features, paving the way for development of novel HIV-1 therapeutics. This review highlights the knowns and unknowns regarding the role of NK cell subsets in the containment of acute HIV-1 infection, and summarizes recent advances in selectively augmenting NK cell functions through prophylactic and therapeutic interventions.