Studies of T cell and B cell dysfunction induced by IFN-α in HIV-1 infection

Lilian Chun Cha

    Research output: ThesisDoctoral Thesis

    319 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    HIV infection causes numerical and functional defects of T and B cells and although antiretroviral therapy corrects many of these defects, some persist. The effects of immune activation mediated by the cytokine, interferon (IFN)-a, are implicated and were investigated here. IFN-a inhibited interleukin (IL)-7-mediated proliferation of T cells but this was not attributed to inhibition of the STAT5 signalling pathway that is induced by IL-7. IFN-a also inhibited IL-21-induced production of lgG antibodies by B cells via impairment of phosphorylation of STAT3. These findings confirm that IFN-a impacts upon key processes necessary for T and B cell recovery and function.
    Original languageEnglish
    QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
    Awarding Institution
    • The University of Western Australia
    Supervisors/Advisors
    • Fernandez, Sonia, Supervisor
    • French, Martyn, Supervisor
    Award date22 Dec 2016
    Publication statusUnpublished - 2016

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