Title:Modulation of HIV Transmission by Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Molecular and Immunological Aspects
VOLUME: 10 ISSUE: 3
Author(s):Gary A. Jarvis and Theresa L. Chang
Affiliation:Center for Immunochemistry, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121 and Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA.
Keywords:Neisseria gonorrhoea, GC-HIV co-infection, HIV transmission.
Abstract:Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC), a major cause of pelvic inflammatory disease, can facilitate HIV transmission. In
response to GC infection, genital epithelial cells can produce cytokines, chemokines and defensins to modulate HIV
infection and infectivity. GC can also induce the production of cytokines and chemokines in monocytes and modulate T
cell activation. In vivo, an increase in the number of endocervical CD4+ T cells has been found in GC-infected women.
Additionally, GC appears to modulate HIV-specific immune responses in HIV-exposed sex workers. Interestingly, in
vitro, GC exhibits HIV enhancing or inhibitory effects depending on the HIV target cells. This review summarizes
molecular and immunological aspects of the modulation of HIV infection and transmission by GC. Future studies using a
multi-cellular system or in animal models will offer insight into the mechanisms by which GC increases HIV
transmission.
