A fatal attraction: Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HIV-1 target DC-SIGN to escape immune surveillance.
Dendritic cells (DCs) are vital in the defense against pathogens. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that some pathogens subvert DC functions to escape immune surveillance. For example, HIV-1 targets the DC-specific C-type lectin DC-SIGN (DC-specific intercellular-adhesion-molecule-3-grabbing nonintegrin) to hijack DCs for viral dissemination. Binding to DC-SIGN protects HIV-1 from antigen processing and facilitates its transport to lymphoid tissues, where DC-SIGN promotes HIV-1 infection of T cells. Recent studies demonstrate that DC-SIGN is a universal pathogen receptor that also recognizes Ebola, cytomegalovirus and mycobacteria. Mycobacterium tuberculosis targets DC-SIGN by a mechanism that is distinct from that of HIV-1, leading to inhibition of the immunostimulatory function of DC and, hence, promotion of pathogen survival. A better understanding of DC-SIGN-pathogen interactions and their effects on DC function should help to combat infections.
Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center Amsterdam, v.d. Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Yvette
Y
van Kooyk
Ben
B
Appelmelk
Teunis B H
TB
Geijtenbeek
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007157:Immunologic Surveillance; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008358:Mannose / Q000378:metabolism; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D000099215:DC-Specific ICAM-3 Grabbing Nonintegrin
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008358:Mannose; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D000099215:DC-Specific ICAM-3 Grabbing Nonintegrin