HIV-1 infection and the hematopoietic microenvironment.

Abstract

HIV-1 infection causes abnormal hematopoiesis, which is the result of the interactions among HIV-1, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and hematopoietic microenvironment. However, the underlying mechanisms of abnormal hematopoiesis in HIV infection are still not completely understood. Recent studies on hematopoietic microenvironment provide new insights on HIV-1 pathogenesis. Based on these studies, we summarized the detrimental influences of HIV, mainly HIV viral proteins Gag, Tat, Gp120, and Nef, on hematopoietic microenvironment. These viral proteins interfere with the development of HSCs and hematopoiesis by affecting mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, endothelial cells, and related signaling factors within the microenvironment. At the same time, we introduced the research progress of targeted therapy for HIV viral proteins and tried to solve the hard-to-correct hematopoietic abnormalities after ART by combining targeted therapy with HIV viral proteins from the direction of hematopoietic microenvironment. Our manuscript will not only enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of HIV infection from the root of blood cell development but also have important implications for the functional cure of HIV infection.