From Perplexity Deep Research : Could macrophages in AIDS patients be damaged enough to become infected with African Swine Fever?

Could macrophages in AIDS patients be damaged enough to become infected with African Swine Fever?

 In AIDS patients, several aspects of macrophage dysfunction could theoretically impact these restrictive mechanisms. First, HIV-induced alterations in cytokine production, particularly decreased interferon responses, might compromise antiviral states that normally help contain foreign pathogens. Research has shown that ASFV-infected human macrophages exhibit "decreased production of interferon (IFN)-α"1, suggesting that interferon pathways may be important in controlling ASFV infection. If HIV further suppresses these pathways, it could potentially enhance ASFV replication capacity.

Second, HIV infection disrupts lysosomal function in macrophages, which could impact ASFV containment. The search results indicate increased surface LAMP-1 expression in ASFV-infected human macrophages1, suggesting alterations in lysosomal membrane trafficking. Since lysosomes play critical roles in viral degradation, HIV-induced lysosomal dysfunction might theoretically favor ASFV persistence.

Third, programmed cell death represents another potential intersection point. ASFV has evolved multiple strategies to modulate cell death in susceptible species, including proteins that inhibit apoptosis and pyroptosis3. In human macrophages, premature cell death might normally function as a defense mechanism that limits viral replication before completion. If HIV alters these cell death pathways, it could potentially extend the window for ASFV replication attempts.