The Effects of HIV Infection on Endothelial Function
Document Type
Review
Publication Date
1-1-2000
Description
Endothelial dysfunction and/or injury is pivotal to the development of cardiovascular and inflammatory pathology. Endothelial dysfunction and/or injury has been described in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Elaboration of circulating markers of endothelial activation, such as soluble adhesion molecules and procoagulant proteins, occurs in HIV infection. Certain endothelial cells, such as those lining liver sinusoids, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, bone marrow stromal endothelial cells or brain microvascular endothelial cells, have been shown to be variably permissive for HIV infection. Entry of virus into endothelial cells may occur via CD4 antigen or galactosyl-ceramide receptors. Other mechanisms of entry including chemokine receptors have been proposed. Nevertheless, endothelial activation may also occur in HIV infection either by cytokines secreted in response to mononuclear or adventitial cell activation by virus or else by the effects of the secreted HIV-associated proteins, gp 120 (envelope glycoprotein) and Tat (transactivator of viral replication) on endothelium. Enhanced adhesiveness of endothelial cells, endothelial cell proliferation and apoptosis as well as activation of cytokine secretion have all been demonstrated. Synergy between select inflammatory cytokines and viral proteins in inducing endothelial injury has been shown. In HIV infection, dysfunctional or injured endothelial cells potentiate tissue injury, inflammation and remodeling, and accelerate the development of cardiovascular disease.
Citation Information
Chi, D.; Henry, J.; Kelley, J.; Thorpe, R.; Smith, J. K.; and Krishnaswamy, G.. 2000. The Effects of HIV Infection on Endothelial Function. Endothelium: Journal of Endothelial Cell Research. Vol.7(4). 223-242. https://doi.org/10.3109/10623320009072210 PMID: 11201521 ISSN: 1062-3329