Role of collagen deposition in lymphatic tissues and immune reconstruction during HIV-1 and SIV infections

The hallmark of HIV-1/simian immunodeficiency virus infections is the progressive depletion of CD4 ⁺ T cells that ultimately renders the host incapable of defending against AIDS-defining opportunistic infections and malignancies. Although many potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain CD4 ⁺ T-cell loss, this review focuses on the growing evidence that collagen deposition and consequent fibrotic damage to the lymphatic tissue T-cell compartment contributes to CD4 ⁺ T-cell decline and limits CD4 ⁺ T-cell repopulation, even with highly active antiretroviral therapy.