How Does Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Contribute to HIV-Mediated Immune Dysregulation

Title: How Does Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Contribute to HIV-Mediated Immune Dysregulation

Volume: 8 Issue: 3

Author(s): Adriano Boasso and Gene M. Shearer

Affiliation:

Keywords: Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, HIV, immune suppression

Abstract: Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) results in a chronic infection that progressively cripples the host immune defenses. HIV infection is associated with increased tryptophan (trp) catabolism by the cytokine-inducible enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). IDO has powerful immune suppressive activity, which could contribute to the immune dysfunction observed in HIV-infected patients. In this review we discuss the immune mechanisms that could mediate the HIV-induced increase of IDO activity (such as IFN-γ , IFN-α , CTLA-4/B7 and direct viral exposure). We then consider the current knowledge of IDO-mediated immune suppressive mechanisms with regard to different cell types (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells, B cells and regulatory T cells), from the perspective of their potential consequences for the HIV-infected host. HIV-induced, IDO-mediated trp catabolism may contribute to the perpetuation of HIV infection into its chronic phase by dampening efficient immune anti-viral responses. Therapeutic approaches aimed at manipulating this powerful immune suppressive mechanism might be considered in the setting of HIV infection.

Cite this article as:

Boasso Adriano and Shearer M. Gene, How Does Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Contribute to HIV-Mediated Immune Dysregulation, Current Drug Metabolism 2007; 8 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920007780362527