Host membrane proteins in the HIV-induced membrane fusion: Role in pathogenesis and therapeutic potential of autoantibodies

Abstract

Host proteins such as receptors, adhesion and signaling molecules, promote virus-cell fusion, virus cell-cell transmission, and formation of multinucleated cells with outstanding properties. These events are implicated in virus dissemination and the induction of pathological effects such as the infection of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, placenta infection, and neurological complications. Antibodies directed to the host membrane proteins are produced during the natural HIV infection and may contribute significantly to virus inhibition. Antibodies against the HIV receptor have been approved for therapy and others targeting additional host membrane proteins are currently under evaluation. This review emphasizes the relevance of the different pathways of HIV spreading between cells and of antibodies directed to host membrane components in the development of broad-range therapeutics against HIV.