Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are the most abundant circulating leukocytes. They represent a first line of innate immunity against a large panel of microbial pathogens, pending development of specific immune responses. The role of PMN in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) disease has mainly been investigated from the point of view of the increased susceptibility of HIV-1-infected patients to bacterial and fungal infections. However, it is now clear that the relationship between PMN and HIV-1 is far more complex. This review examines both the beneficial and the detrimental effects of PMN during HIV infection.

Keywords:
Human immunodeficiency virus, Neutrophils, Virus-host cell interactions, Inflammatory diseases
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