NK Cells in HIV Disease

Natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role in viral immunity. In the setting of HIV infection, epidemiologic and functional evidence support a role for NK cells in both protection from new infection and in viral control. Specifically, NK cells directly mediate immune pressure leading to virus ev...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current HIV/AIDS reports 2016-04, Vol.13 (2), p.85-94
Main Authors: Scully, Eileen, Alter, Galit
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antibodies, Viral - immunology
Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity - immunology
CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes - immunology
HIV Infections - immunology
HIV Infections - pathology
HIV Infections - virology
HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment (AL Landay
HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment (AL Landay, Section Editor)
HIV-1 - immunology
Humans
Killer Cells, Natural - immunology
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Section Editor
Topical Collection on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment
Viral Vaccines - immunology
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Summary:Natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role in viral immunity. In the setting of HIV infection, epidemiologic and functional evidence support a role for NK cells in both protection from new infection and in viral control. Specifically, NK cells directly mediate immune pressure leading to virus evolution, and NK cell receptor genotypic profiles, clonal repertoires, and functional capacity have all been implicated in virus containment. In addition, indirect NK cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity has been linked to vaccine-induced protective immunity against HIV infection. With recent advances in our understanding of NK cell deficiency, development, memory-like responses, and editing of the adaptive immune system, the opportunities to direct and exploit NK cell antiviral immunity to target HIV have exponentially grown. In this review, we seek to highlight the intersections between discoveries in basic NK cell biology and the challenges of HIV chronic infection, vaccine development, and cure/eradication strategies.
ISSN:1548-3568
1548-3576
DOI:10.1007/s11904-016-0310-3