Stochastic Model for Langerhans Cells and HIV Dynamics In Vivo

Waema R Mbogo,Livingstone S Luboobi,John W Odhiambo

doi:10.1155/2014/594617

Waema R Mbogo, Livingstone S Luboobi + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/594617

Copy DOI

Abstract

Many aspects of the complex interaction between HIV and the human immune system remain elusive. Our objective is to study these interactions, focusing on the specific roles of Langerhans cells (LCs) in HIV infection. In patients infected with HIV, a large amount of virus is associated with LCs in lymphoid tissue. To assess the influence of LCs on HIV viral dynamics during antiretroviral therapy, we present and analyse a stochastic model describing the dynamics of HIV, CD4+ T cells, and LCs interactions under therapeutic intervention in vivo and show that LCs play an important role in enhancing and spreading initial HIV infection. We perform sensitivity analyses on the model to determine which parameters and/or which interaction mechanisms strongly affect infection dynamics.

Highlights

HIV is a devastating human pathogen that causes serious immunological diseases in humans around the world
We derived and analysed a stochastic model describing the dynamics of HIV, CD+4 T cells, and Langerhans cells (LCs) interactions under therapeutic intervention in vivo
Our analysis shows that eradication of HIV is not possible without clearance of latently infected Langerhans cells

Summary

Introduction

HIV is a devastating human pathogen that causes serious immunological diseases in humans around the world. Apart from many plasma membrane determinants, LCs express CD+4 molecules which make them susceptible targets and reservoirs for HIV [7] Once infected, these cells due to their localization in areas at risk (skin, mucous membranes), their capacity to migrate from the epidermal compartment to lymph nodes, and their ability to support viral replication without major cytopathic effects could play a role of vector in the dissemination of virus from the site of inoculation to the lymph nodes and thereby contribute to the infection of T lymphocytes [7]. Langerhans cells (LCs), which are members of the dendritic cells family and are professional antigen-presenting cells, reside in epithelial surfaces such as the skin and act as one of the primary, initial targets for HIV infection [8] They specialize in antigen presentation and belong to the skin immune system (SIS) and play a major role in HIV pathogenesis.

The Role of LC in HIV Infection In Vivo

HIV Dynamics under Therapeutic Intervention

Simulation of the Models

Discussion