Question

Which chemokine receptors have been identified as coreceptors for HIV?

Short answer

Answer: The two major chemokine receptors that act as coreceptors for HIV are CCR5 and CXCR4. CCR5 is primarily involved in the infection of R5-tropic viruses, which are commonly seen in the early stages of HIV infection and are less aggressive. CXCR4 is mainly involved in the infection of X4-tropic viruses, which are typically observed in the later stages of HIV infection and are associated with rapid disease progression, leading to AIDS.

Step-by-step solution

Understand HIV coreceptors

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infects human cells by attaching to specific receptors on the surface of the cell. Chemokine receptors, which are a family of G protein-coupled receptors, play a key role in this process, acting as coreceptors alongside the primary receptor, CD4. This allows the HIV virus to enter the cell, leading to infection and spread of the virus.

Identify the main chemokine receptors

Two major chemokine receptors have been identified as coreceptors for HIV. These are: 1. CCR5: C-C chemokine receptor type 5 2. CXCR4: C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4

Learn about the role of CCR5 in HIV infection

CCR5 is expressed on the surface of various immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells. It is mainly involved in the infection of HIV strains known as R5-tropic viruses, which preferentially use CCR5 as a coreceptor. R5-tropic viruses are commonly seen in the early stages of HIV infection and are known to be less aggressive compared to other strains.

Learn about the role of CXCR4 in HIV infection

CXCR4 is mainly expressed on T cells and is involved in the infection of HIV strains known as X4-tropic viruses. These viruses preferentially use CXCR4 as a coreceptor instead of CCR5. X4-tropic viruses are generally observed in the later stages of HIV infection and are associated with a more rapid progression of the disease, leading to the onset of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Recap the chemokine receptors for HIV

The main chemokine receptors identified as coreceptors for HIV are CCR5 and CXCR4. R5-tropic viruses use CCR5 for entry into host cells, and X4-tropic viruses use CXCR4. Both of these coreceptors play a crucial role in the infection process and disease progression.