Faculty of Science
Microbiology and Immunology

HIV Nef drives immune dysfunction and susceptibility to opportunistic infection

Data plots illustrating Nef-based immune reprogramming

Publication Date

Publication Journal

Heliyon

Author(s)

Kyla Omilusik, Anna T. Reinicke, Genc Basha, Kyung Bok Choi, Lonna Munro, Cheryl G. Pfeifer, and Wilfred A. Jefferies 

The HIV virus compromises the immune system, leaving its host particularly susceptible to secondary infections. In this study, the authors genetically engineered mice to produce the HIV virus's Nef protein in T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. They observed that expressing Nef in this way drastically remodeled the immune system in the mice, impairing responses to both bacterial and viral pathogens. These findings indicate that Nef drives susceptibility to opportunistic infections and represents a viable avenue for therapeutic intervention.

  • Jefferies Lab

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Microbiology and Immunology

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