T cell signaling mechanisms that regulate HIV-1 infection

The ability of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-I) to establish a p ersistent infection is critically dependent on the cellular signals that re gulate HIV-I replication within target cells. Tile balance between numerous host factors that either enhance ol suppress viral infection determines th e clinical outcome. Perturbation of the steady-state level of viral replica tion can significantly influence the course and the speed at which the infe ction develops into clinical disease. Activation signals delivered to T cel ls by cytokines and antigen-presenting cells (APC), are key modulators of v iral replication. Our laboratory seeks to decipher how HIV-I exploits T cel l signaling mechanisms and host factors that regulate viral replication. El ucidation of the molecular mechanisms by which cellular signals regulate th e HIV-1 life cycle within target cells will significantly advance our under standing of host-virus interactions.