Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 strains of subtypes B and E replicate in cutaneous dendritic cell-T-cell mixtures without displaying subtype-specific tropism.
A report that genetic subtype E human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains display a preferential tropism for Langerhans cells (epidermal dendritic cells [DCs]) compared to genetic subtype B strains suggested a possible explanation for the rapid heterosexual spread of subtype E strains in Thailand (L. E. Soto-Ramirez et al., Science 271:1291-1293, 1996). In an independent system, we applied subtype E and B isolates to skin leukocytes, since skin is a relevant model for the histologically comparable surfaces of the vagina and ectocervix. Isolates of both HIV-1 subtypes infected DC-T-cell mixtures, and no subtype-specific pattern of infection was observed. Purified DCs did not support the replication of strains of either subtype B or E. Our findings do not support the conclusion that subtype E strains have a preferential tropism for DCs, suggesting that other explanations for the rapid heterosexual spread of subtype E strains in Asia should be considered.
Pope
M
M
Laboratory of Cellular Physiology and Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021, USA. popem@rockvax.rockefeller.edu
Frankel
S S
SS
Mascola
J R
JR
Trkola
A
A
Isdell
F
F
Birx
D L
DL
Burke
D S
DS
Ho
D D
DD
Moore
J P
JP
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000635:transmission; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D005260:Female; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24 / Q000032:analysis; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000821:virology*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000821:virology*; D013785:Thailand; D014779:Virus Replication
D016655:HIV Core Protein p24