HIV-1 infection: A complex interplay between virus and host

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infects CD4⁺ T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. The ability of HIV-1 to replicate in these cells is dependent on host factors that act on different steps in the replication cycle. These host factors can either restrict or support viral replication. In addition, host factors can also play an important role in the course of infection. It is therefore crucial to comprehend the complex interplay between the virus and host factors to understand HIV-1 pathogenesis. Moreover, this knowledge can also be used for the development of new antiviral therapies aiming to control or eradicate HIV-1 infected cells in people with HIV-1. In this thesis we studied the effect of several novel and known host factors on HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis. The results presented in this thesis provide new insights in the complicated interplay between the virus and host in HIV-1 infection.