DC-SIGN, a dendritic cell-specific HIV-1-binding protein that enhances trans-infection of T cells

Cell. 2000 Mar 3;100(5):587-97. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(00)80694-7.

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DC) capture microorganisms that enter peripheral mucosal tissues and then migrate to secondary lymphoid organs, where they present these in antigenic form to resting T cells and thus initiate adaptive immune responses. Here, we describe the properties of a DC-specific C-type lectin, DC-SIGN, that is highly expressed on DC present in mucosal tissues and binds to the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120. DC-SIGN does not function as a receptor for viral entry into DC but instead promotes efficient infection in trans of cells that express CD4 and chemokine receptors. We propose that DC-SIGN efficiently captures HIV-1 in the periphery and facilitates its transport to secondary lymphoid organs rich in T cells, to enhance infection in trans of these target cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • CD4 Antigens / physiology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / virology*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / physiology
  • Cell Movement
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cervix Uteri / cytology
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / physiology*
  • Dendritic Cells / virology
  • Female
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / metabolism*
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • HIV-1 / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Lectins / physiology
  • Lymph Nodes / cytology
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology
  • Lymph Nodes / virology
  • Lymphoid Tissue / cytology
  • Lymphoid Tissue / virology
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Male
  • Mucous Membrane / cytology
  • Mucous Membrane / virology*
  • Receptors, CCR5 / physiology
  • Receptors, HIV / physiology*
  • Rectum / cytology
  • Transfection
  • Uterus / cytology

Substances

  • CD4 Antigens
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120
  • Lectins
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Receptors, CCR5
  • Receptors, HIV