DC-SIGN on B lymphocytes is required for transmission of HIV-1 to T lymphocytes

PLoS Pathog. 2006 Jul;2(7):e70. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.0020070.

Abstract

Infection of T cells by HIV-1 can occur through binding of virus to dendritic cell (DC)-specific ICAM-3 grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) on dendritic cells and transfer of virus to CD4+ T cells. Here we show that a subset of B cells in the blood and tonsils of normal donors expressed DC-SIGN, and that this increased after stimulation in vitro with interleukin 4 and CD40 ligand, with enhanced expression of activation and co-stimulatory molecules CD23, CD58, CD80, and CD86, and CD22. The activated B cells captured and internalized X4 and R5 tropic strains of HIV-1, and mediated trans infection of T cells. Pretreatment of the B cells with anti-DC-SIGN monoclonal antibody blocked trans infection of T cells by both strains of HIV-1. These results indicate that DC-SIGN serves as a portal on B cells for HIV-1 infection of T cells in trans. Transmission of HIV-1 from B cells to T cells through this DC-SIGN pathway could be important in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / etiology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / pathology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Antigens, CD / analysis
  • B-Lymphocytes / chemistry*
  • B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • B-Lymphocytes / virology
  • Blood Cells / chemistry
  • Blood Cells / pathology
  • Blood Cells / virology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / chemistry
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / physiology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / virology*
  • CD40 Ligand / pharmacology
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism*
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / physiopathology
  • HIV-1 / pathogenicity*
  • HIV-1 / physiology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-4 / pharmacology
  • Lectins, C-Type / genetics
  • Lectins, C-Type / metabolism*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / physiology
  • Palatine Tonsil / chemistry
  • Palatine Tonsil / pathology
  • Palatine Tonsil / virology
  • Protein Binding
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • CLEC4M protein, human
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • CD40 Ligand
  • Interleukin-4