Replication and Pathogenesis of the Human T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphotropic Retroviruses

Abstract
Human retroviruses represent an emerging class of complex pathogens involved in a wide variety of maladies, including leukemias and lymphomas, diseases of the central nervous system, and immune function impairment. These have recently been reviewed by Wong-Staal and Gallo. Four different types of human retroviruses have been isolated to date: the etiological agents of a malignant T cell leukemia/lymphoma, the virus HTLV-I which causes the disease ATLL, two viruses associated with more benign forms of T-cell leukemia (HTLV-II), and the etiological agent of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome and related disorders (HIV). Additionally, retroviruses of genomic organization similar to that of HIV but differing markedly in DNA sequence have recently been isolated among persons in West Africa (Kanki et al. 1985; Clavel et al. 1986).