THE ROLE OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN BINDING-FACTORS IN THE PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY OF AIDS

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gp120 and gp41 envelope protein s and Staphylococcus aureus protein A (SPA) all have Fc receptor (FcR) -like immunoglobulin binding factor (IBF) activity for the Fc constant fragments of human immunoglobulin G (IgG). Viral IBF may contribute t o the pathology of HIV by jamming the network of FcR signals that cont rol FcR-dependent immunity. Conversely, the bacterial IBF SPA has anti -retroviral activity that may involve antagonism of the immunopatholog ical action of viral IBF, strongly suggesting IBF may act as a double- edged sword that might be turned against viral invaders.