Quiescent CD4+ T cells inhibit multiple stages of HIV infection

Abstract

Elucidating the block of quiescent CD4 + T cells to HIV infection has been an intensely debated issue. Early studies suggested that the virus could not infect this T cell subset; latter studies demonstrated that these cells could ineffi ciently support HIV infection. The kinetics of infection in quiescent cells was delayed and multiple stages of the viral life cycle were marred by ineffi ciencies. A number of restriction factors as well as cellular protein have been implicated in the potential block. However, to this date the mechanisms of HIV infection in quiescent cells are still unclear. Further understanding will open the way for better therapeutic approaches and much improved gene therapy protocols using HIV-based vectors.