Fusion as a mediator of cytolysis in mixtures of uninfected CD4 super(+) lymphocytes and cells infected by human immunodeficiency virus

The authors describe an unusual type of cytopathology in which uninfected CD4 super(+) (helper/inducer) cells (cells expressing the human leukocyte antigen CD4) interact with cells persistently infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The data may explain the paradox that exists in vivo in which a dramatic depletion of CD4 super(+) lymphocytes occurs in the presence of a small number of HIV-infected CD4 super(+) cells. These new insights into the pathogenesis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) may lead to future therapeutic strategies.