Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda.
School of Nursing Science, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda.
Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Nov 1;103(44):e40384. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000040384.
The intricate interplay between the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the immune system has long been a focal point in understanding disease progression. Among the myriad of immune cells, basophils, often overshadowed, have recently emerged as pivotal contributors to the complex immunological landscape of HIV infection. This paper aims to provide a succinct overview of the enigmatic roles of basophils in HIV pathogenesis, elucidating their multifaceted functions and implications. Basophils, conventionally perceived as minor players in immune responses, exhibit active participation in HIV infection. Their activation triggered by viral antigens, cytokines, and immune complexes orchestrates a cascade of immune events, influencing immune modulation, cytokine release, and the activation of adaptive immune cells. Furthermore, basophils function as antigen-presenting cells, potentially impacting viral dissemination and immune dysregulation. Additionally, basophils serve as crucial regulators in HIV infection through cytokine secretion, notably interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-3, influencing immune cell differentiation, polarization, and antibody production. Their interactions with various immune cells intricately shape the immune response against HIV, impacting disease progression and immune equilibrium. Moreover, harnessing basophils as potential vaccine targets or immune modulators represents a compelling avenue for future research. In conclusion, the emerging understanding of basophils' multifaceted involvement in HIV infection challenges prior perceptions and underscores their significance in shaping immune responses and disease outcomes. This abstraction highlights the need for continued research to unlock the full potential of basophils, paving the way for novel strategies in combatting HIV/AIDS.
人类免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）与免疫系统之间错综复杂的相互作用一直是理解疾病进展的重点。在众多免疫细胞中，嗜碱性粒细胞常常被忽视，但最近它们已成为 HIV 感染复杂免疫景观的关键贡献者。本文旨在简要概述嗜碱性粒细胞在 HIV 发病机制中的神秘作用，阐明其多方面的功能和意义。嗜碱性粒细胞，通常被认为是免疫反应中的次要参与者，在 HIV 感染中表现出积极的参与。它们被病毒抗原、细胞因子和免疫复合物触发的激活，引发了一连串的免疫事件，影响免疫调节、细胞因子释放和适应性免疫细胞的激活。此外，嗜碱性粒细胞作为抗原呈递细胞发挥作用，可能影响病毒的传播和免疫失调。此外，嗜碱性粒细胞通过细胞因子分泌（特别是白细胞介素-4、白细胞介素-13 和白细胞介素-3）在 HIV 感染中充当关键的调节因子，影响免疫细胞的分化、极化和抗体产生。它们与各种免疫细胞的相互作用错综复杂地影响着针对 HIV 的免疫反应，影响疾病进展和免疫平衡。此外，利用嗜碱性粒细胞作为潜在的疫苗靶点或免疫调节剂代表了未来研究的一个有吸引力的途径。总之，对嗜碱性粒细胞在 HIV 感染中多方面作用的新认识挑战了先前的观念，并强调了它们在塑造免疫反应和疾病结局方面的重要性。这一概括强调了需要继续研究以释放嗜碱性粒细胞的全部潜力，为抗击 HIV/AIDS 开辟新的策略。
