[Cells of the immune system in the pathogenesis of HIV infections.].

ABSTRACT

For more than twenty years comprehensive research has been focusing on the pathogenesis of HIV infections. In this multifactorial complex a crucial role is played, in addition to virological aspects, by the mechanisms of the host's immune system. The paper focuses primarily on the role of T lymphocytes and of antigen - presenting cells - macrophages and dendritic cells - in HIV infections. It also discusses the control of HIV infections using neutralizing antibodies and HIV-1 specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and CD4+ T lymphocytes.