HIV-1 chemokine co-receptor CCR5 is expressed on the surface of human spermatozoa.
Viruses adhering to the sperm surface are described in the semen of HIV-1-infected individuals, although viral adhesion mechanisms have yet to be fully understood. We demonstrate, by cytometric analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy, the presence of beta-chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) on the periacrosomal region of ejaculated spermatozoa. CCR5 expressed on the sperm cell surface may allow sperm to act as virion cellular carriers during the sexual transmission of HIV-1 infection.
Muciaccia
Barbara
B
Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Padula
Fabrizio
F
Gandini
Loredana
L
Lenzi
Andrea
A
Stefanini
Mario
M
D005434:Flow Cytometry; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D019713:Receptors, CCR5 / Q000378:metabolism*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000821:virology
D019713:Receptors, CCR5