Immunopathogenesis of human T cell lymphotropic virus type I-associated neurologic disease.

Abstract

This review focuses on current approaches to understanding the immunopathogenesis of human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) type I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) based on newly developed molecular and immunologic techniques that have been adapted to studies of HTLV-I proviral load, HTLV-I mRNA, and HTLV-I tax-specific CD8 T cells. These methods enable researchers to study previously inaccessible aspects of this disease and allow a more detailed analysis of virus/host immune responses as they relate to disease specificity in this disorder. The role of HTLV-I-specific CD8 T cell immune responses is highlighted. The elucidation of the immunopathology of HAM/TSP will enhance our understanding of other HTLV-I-associated disorders plus other neurologic, hematologic, and inflammatory diseases for which viral etiologies have been suggested.

• Authors: Steven Jacobson
• Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis) Vol. 186 Suppl 2 Pg. S187-92 (Dec 01 2002) ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12424696 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• RNA, Messenger

Topics

• CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes (immunology)
• Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (immunology, metabolism)
• Humans
• Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic (immunology, pathology, physiopathology, virology)
• RNA, Messenger (metabolism)
• Viral Load