Section: Figures

Postdoctoral Position Available

Mario Stevenson, Ph.D.

Academic Role: Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Program in Molecular Medicine

Other Affiliation(s):
   Center for AIDS Research
   Interdisciplinary Graduate Program
   Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
   Program in Immunology and Virology

IS PRIMATE LENTIVIRUS DISSEMINATION
MACROPHAGE DEPENDENT?

The diagram proposes a model in which an antigen-presenting cell such as a macrophage upon HIV-1 infection, undergoes a physiological change which promotes recruitment of T cells to the site of infection. Studies in the laboratory suggest that b-chemokines, MIP-1a and MIP-1b are induced upon HIV-1 infection. Our studies implicate a specific viral gene product in promoting chemokine release, a consequence of this chemokine production is the formation of macrophage T cell conjugates through which dissemination of virions from the infected macrophage to uninfected T cells occurs. This method of cell-to-cell transfer is expected to be an extremely efficient mechanism for viral dissemination and may protect virions from immune clearance mechanisms of the host. In addition, the infected macrophage may allow long-term viral persistence in the face of highly active antiretroviral therapy. This model, if correct, has considerable implications for the understanding and treatment of HIV infection of humans.

Phone: 508 856 4581
E-mail: Mario.Stevenson@umassmed.edu
Keywords: Intracellular Trafficking, Virology, Infectious Disease

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Postdoctoral Position Available A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. Stevenson for additional details.