HIV-2: the forgotten AIDS virus

Trends Microbiol. 2008 Dec;16(12):588-95. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2008.09.003. Epub 2008 Oct 27.

Abstract

HIV type 2 (HIV-2), a closely related retrovirus discovered a few years after HIV type 1, causes AIDS in only a minority of infected individuals. Determining why HIV-2 causes asymptomatic infection in most patients could further our understanding of HIV immunopathogenesis. Studies to date have suggested that both enhanced immune responses and lower viral replication could play a role. We summarize the important findings to date and highlight areas that warrant further exploration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • HIV Antibodies / blood
  • HIV Infections* / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections* / immunology
  • HIV Infections* / physiopathology
  • HIV Infections* / virology
  • HIV-2* / immunology
  • HIV-2* / pathogenicity
  • Humans
  • Prevalence

Substances

  • HIV Antibodies