Project

Back to overview

Chemokine receptor-mediated signal transduction in HIV infection

Applicant Thelen Marcus
Number 50289
Funding scheme NRP 38 Diseases of the Nervous System
Research institution Theodor Kocher Institut Universität Bern
Institution of higher education University of Berne - BE
Main discipline Cellular Biology, Cytology
Start/End 01.06.1997 - 30.09.2000
Approved amount 409'784.00
Show all

All Disciplines (2)

Discipline
Cellular Biology, Cytology
Immunology, Immunopathology

Keywords (7)

CD4+ CELLS; CHEMOKINE; ENDOCYTOSIS; SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION; CHEMOKINE RECEPTOR; CYTOSKELETON; HIV

Lay Summary (English)

Lead
Lay summary
HIV infection of human lymphocytes is mediated by two surface receptors, CD4 and a chemokine co-receptor. Sequential binding of the viral envelope protein subunit gp120 to CD4 and a chemokine receptor exposes the fusogenic subunit gp41. Thereafter the virus delivers its RNA to the host cells. Lateral mobility of the host receptors is required to form the fusogenic complex with the viral envelope protein. Little evidence is available that in resting T cells chemokine receptors associate with CD4. Moreover, CD4 appears to reside in distinct domains of the plasma membrane of resting T cells (1). The aim of the project is to characterize the proximal environment of chemokine receptors which mediate HIV infection. The experimental approach is designed to isolate chemokine receptor complexes from primary human CD4+ T cells. Separation and biochemical analysis of detergent insoluble domains of the plasma membrane may provide additional evidence on the composition of the fusion complex.
Direct link to Lay Summary Last update: 21.02.2013

Responsible applicant and co-applicants

Employees

-