| Literature DB >> 22325031 |
Nirjal Bhattarai1, Jack T Stapleton.
Abstract
GB virus C (GBV-C) is a lymphotropic human virus discovered in 1995 that is related to hepatitis C virus (HCV). GBV-C infection has not been convincingly associated with any disease; however, several studies found an association between persistent GBV-C infection and improved survival in HIV-positive individuals. GBV-C infection modestly alters T cell homeostasis in vivo through various mechanisms, including modulation of chemokine and cytokine release and receptor expression, and by diminution of T cell activation, proliferation and apoptosis, all of which may contribute to improved HIV clinical outcomes. In vitro studies confirm these clinical observations and demonstrate an anti-HIV replication effect of GBV-C. This review summarizes existing data on potential mechanisms by which GBV-C interferes with HIV, and the research needed to capitalize on this epidemiological observation. Published by Elsevier Ltd.Entities:
Mesh:
Year: 2012 PMID: 22325031 PMCID: PMC3477489 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2012.01.004
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Trends Microbiol ISSN: 0966-842X Impact factor: 17.079