Effects of HIV envelope glycoprotein on the induction of immune dysregulation in HIV infection

Abstract

The envelope glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been know to play an important role in the induction of immune dysregulation of HIV infection. Recent evidence suggests that HIV requires the chemokine receptors as a coreceptor. In addition, we found that HIV-2 (but not HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein can bind to not only CD 4 but also CD 8 molecules on human T cells. Based upon these findings, we discuss the effect of HIV envelope glycoprotein on the pathogenic role of HIV infection and the difference between HIV-1 and HIV-2 envelope glycoproteins in the biological characteristics and pathogenecity.