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The propensity of HIV-1 for genetic variation, a consequence of error-prone reverse transcription combined with high rates of replication, is thought to contribute to the establishment of persistent infection in the host despite the presence of a vigorous antiviral immune response. Protective immunity to viruses is mediated primarily by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which recognize viral peptides of 8-11 amino acids bound to major histocompatibility complex class I molecules on the surface of infected cells. In this review we examine the mechanisms by which mutation within peptide antigen-encoding regions of the viral genome enables HIV-1 to evade recognition by virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The discussion is relevant to other genetically unstable viruses and more generally to intracellular pathogens of variable antigenicity.

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Mol Med (Berl)

Publication Date

09/1998

Volume

76

Pages

699 - 708

Keywords

Antigenic Variation, HIV Antigens, HIV Infections, HIV-1, Humans, Lymphocyte Activation, Peptides, T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic