Triggering TLR7 in mice induces immune activation and lymphoid system disruption, resembling HIV-mediated pathology.

Chronic immune activation is a major cause for progressive immunodeficiency in human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV) infection. The underlying trigger, however, remains largely unknown. HIV single-stranded RNA is a potent immune activator by triggering Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8.