The role of glycosphingolipids in HIV/AIDS.

Discov Med

Molecular Structure and Function Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Published: April 2011

Much remains unknown about basic aspects of HIV-1 infection and cell susceptibility. Glycosphingolipid (GSL) binding by the HIV-1 adhesin gp120 has long been implicated in the infection of non-lymphoid cells, as well as CD4(+) T cells and monocytes, the primary targets of HIV-1 infection. We have identified the P(k) blood group antigen (a GSL) globotriaosylceramide (Gb(3)) as a new resistance effector against HIV-1 infection. Significantly, the α-galactosyltransferase (A4GALT, Gb(3) synthase) responsible for the synthesis of Gb(3) is included among markers genetically linked to HIV-1 resistance. Other GSLs, including GalCer and GM3, have been implicated as facilitators of HIV infection. This review will address the role of GSLs in HIV/AIDS but focus on the role of Gb(3) as a newly described natural resistance factor for the prevention of HIV infection and examine potential therapies that would utilize soluble analogues of this unique GSL.

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