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
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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CD4 Antigens / physiology
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / virology*
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Cell Adhesion Molecules / physiology
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Cell Movement
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Cells, Cultured
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Cervix Uteri / cytology
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Coculture Techniques
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Dendritic Cells / immunology
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Dendritic Cells / physiology*
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Dendritic Cells / virology
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Female
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HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / metabolism*
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HIV Infections / transmission*
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HIV-1 / physiology*
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Humans
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Lectins / physiology
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Lymph Nodes / cytology
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Lymph Nodes / immunology
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Lymph Nodes / virology
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Lymphoid Tissue / cytology
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Lymphoid Tissue / virology
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Macromolecular Substances
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Male
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Mucous Membrane / cytology
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Mucous Membrane / virology*
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Receptors, CCR5 / physiology
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Receptors, HIV / physiology*
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Rectum / cytology
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Transfection
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Uterus / cytology
Substances
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CD4 Antigens
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Cell Adhesion Molecules
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HIV Envelope Protein gp120
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Lectins
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Macromolecular Substances
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Receptors, CCR5
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Receptors, HIV