Purinergic signaling and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome: From viral entry to therapy

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a serious condition associated to severe immune dysfunction and immunodeficiency. Mechanisms involved in HIV-associated immune activation, inflammation and loss of CD4+ T cells have been extensively studied, including those concerning purinergic signaling pathways. Purinergic signaling components are involved in viral entry and replication and disease progression. Research involving the participation of purinergic signaling in HIV infection has been not only important to elucidate disease mechanisms but also to introduce new approaches to therapy. The involvement of purinergic signaling in the pathogenesis of HIV infection and its implications in the control of the HIV infection are reviewed in this paper.

Keywords: Human immunodeficiency virus; Purinergic signaling; Immune activation; Inflammation

Core tip: This paper reviews the latest findings regarding the involvement of the purinergic signaling system and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. On the last 10 years, several studies have been published on the participation of purinergic signaling in HIV infection. The findings helped to elucidate disease mechanisms and proposed new targets and approaches to therapy. We have found that basic and clinical research on this field are very promising and must be further pursued.