Abundant and superficial expression of C-type lectin receptors in ectocervix of women at risk of HIV infection.
OBJECTIVE
Dendritic cells (DCs) are among the first cells to encounter HIV after mucosal exposure and can bind virus via C-type lectin receptors (CLRs). Here, we characterized the distribution of various DC subtypes and the density of the CLRs, DC-SIGN, langerin, and mannose receptor in the ectocervix of HIV-seronegative women with low- and high-risk behavior for acquiring HIV.


METHODS
Cryosections from ectocervical biopsies, collected from sexually active low-risk healthy HIV immunoglobulin G-negative women (n = 10) and HIV immunoglobulin G-negative commercial sex workers (n = 8), were assessed by computerized image analysis.


RESULTS
We identified various distinct DC populations. CD11c(-)CD1a(+)langerin(+) cells were localized in the epithelium, whereas CD11c(+)CD1a(-)DC-SIGN and CD11c(-)CD1a(-)CD68(+)DC-SIGN(+)mannose receptor(+) cells were restricted to the lamina propria of the ectocervix. CD123(+) cells were found at low incidence and did not express any of the investigated CLRs. The density of CLR expression was significantly higher in the high-risk as compared with the low-risk women.


CONCLUSIONS
The superficial and abundant presence of potential HIV target cells makes the ectocervix a likely site for HIV transmission. The detected variations in density and localization of potential HIV receptors should be considered when developing topical prophylactic measures.
Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. taha.hirbod@ki.se
Taha
T
Hirbod
Tove
T
Kaldensjö
Lucia
L
Lopalco
Elin
E
Klareskog
Sonia
S
Andersson
Caterina
C
Uberti-Foppa
Davide
D
Ferrari
Mara
M
Manghi
Jan
J
Andersson
Karin
K
Loré
Kristina
K
Broliden
D000328:Adult; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000821:virology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D037241:Mannose-Binding Lectins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D011975:Receptors, Mitogen / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; 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; D011975:Receptors, Mitogen; D000099215:DC-Specific ICAM-3 Grabbing Nonintegrin; C121916:CD207 protein, human