Distinct roles for DC-SIGN+-dendritic cells and Langerhans cells in HIV-1 transmission.
Dendritic cells (DCs) are thought to mediate HIV-1 transmission but it is becoming evident that different DC subsets at the sites of infection have distinct roles. In the genital tissues, two different DC subsets are present: the Langerhans cells (LCs) and the DC-SIGN(+)-DCs. Although DC-SIGN(+)-DCs mediate HIV-1 transmission, recent data demonstrate that LCs prevent HIV-1 transmission by clearing invading HIV-1 particles. However, this protective function of LCs is dependent on the function of the C-type lectin Langerin: blocking Langerin function by high virus concentrations enables HIV-1 transmission by LCs. Here, we will discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in HIV-1 transmission and viral clearance. A better understanding of these processes is crucial to understand and develop strategies to combat transmission.
de Witte
Lot
L
Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Nabatov
Alexey
A
Geijtenbeek
Teunis B H
TB
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000502:physiology; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000502:physiology; D037241:Mannose-Binding Lectins / Q000502:physiology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D000099215:DC-Specific ICAM-3 Grabbing Nonintegrin
D015703:Antigens, CD; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D037241:Mannose-Binding Lectins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D000099215:DC-Specific ICAM-3 Grabbing Nonintegrin; C121916:CD207 protein, human