Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Isiko Isaac, Obeagu Getrude Uzoma
Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe.
Department of Community Medicine, School of Public Health, NIMS University, Jaipur, India.
Medicine (Baltimore). 2025 Jun 20;104(25):e43039. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000043039.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition in infants is a critical public health concern, particularly in regions with high maternal HIV prevalence. The susceptibility of infants to HIV is influenced by a complex interplay of immunological factors, including maternal antibodies, innate immune responses, and the development of adaptive immunity. This review aims to elucidate the various immunological components that contribute to the risk of HIV transmission in infants and highlights the importance of understanding these factors for developing effective prevention strategies. Maternal antibodies provide passive immunity to infants, protecting them from infections during the early months of life. However, the presence of these antibodies can also modulate the infant's immune responses, potentially affecting their susceptibility to HIV. The innate immune system, characterized by the activity of natural killer cells and other immune cells, serves as the first line of defense against HIV. The functionality of these cells in infants is often limited, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of innate immune responses and their role in HIV acquisition. The adaptive immune response, involving T and B cells, is crucial for controlling viral infections. The maturation and functionality of these immune cells in infants significantly influence their ability to respond to HIV exposure.
婴儿感染人类免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）是一个关键的公共卫生问题，在孕产妇HIV感染率高的地区尤为如此。婴儿对HIV的易感性受到免疫因素复杂相互作用的影响，这些因素包括母体抗体、先天免疫反应和适应性免疫的发育。本综述旨在阐明导致婴儿HIV传播风险的各种免疫成分，并强调了解这些因素对于制定有效预防策略的重要性。母体抗体为婴儿提供被动免疫，保护他们在生命的最初几个月免受感染。然而，这些抗体的存在也可以调节婴儿的免疫反应，可能影响他们对HIV的易感性。以自然杀伤细胞和其他免疫细胞的活性为特征的先天免疫系统，是抵御HIV的第一道防线。婴儿中这些细胞的功能通常有限，这凸显了深入了解先天免疫反应及其在HIV感染中的作用的必要性。涉及T细胞和B细胞的适应性免疫反应对于控制病毒感染至关重要。婴儿中这些免疫细胞的成熟和功能显著影响他们对HIV暴露的反应能力。
