title: The HTLV-1 Virological Synapse.
abstract: Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1) spreads efficiently between T-cells via a tight and highly organized cell-cell contact known as the virological synapse. It is now thought that many retroviruses and other viruses spread via a virological synapse, which may be defined as a virus-induced, specialized area of cell-to-cell contact that promotes the directed transmission of the virus between cells. We summarize here the mechanisms leading to the formation of the HTLV-1 virological synapse and the role played by HTLV-1 Tax protein. We propose a model of HTLV-1 transmission between T-cells based on the three-dimensional ultrastructure of the virological synapse. Finally, in the light of recent advances, we discuss the possible routes of HTLV-1 spread across the virological synapse.
authors: Department of Immunology, Wright-Fleming Institute, Imperial College London, St. Mary's campus, Norfolk Place W2 1PG, London, UK.
authors: Mohamed
authors: M
authors: Nejmeddine
authors: Department of Immunology, Wright-Fleming Institute, Imperial College London, St. Mary's campus, Norfolk Place W2 1PG, London, UK.
authors: Charles R M
authors: CRM
authors: Bangham