Early “Events” in Hiv Infection and Hiv-Associated Neoplasia

Extract

The course of HIV infection necessarily involves the initial establishment of the virus in a receptive host environment. HIV disease involves active intracellular replication of the virus and spread of the virus from the initial compartment of the infection. Finally, from the virus’ perspective _ virions must enter a compartment suitable for eventual host-host transmission. In the vernacular of HIV epidemiology this implies some sort of “exchange of bodily fluids”.

Recently, our research focus has been on tracking HIV during the early phases of infection. The goal is to piece together a full chronology of the disease at the tissue level. The emphasis will be on changes in lymphoid architecture that might ultimately be important in the pathogenesis of AIDS malignancies and offer insight into the dysfunctional aspects of immunity in the setting of retroviral infection. Because HIV disease often ultimately features a severe immunodeficiency, other pathogens by necessity play a role in shaping the “visible” immune response.