Sugar and Spice: Viral Envelope-DC-SIGN Interactions in HIV Pathogenesis

Authors: Su S.V.; Gurney K.B.; Lee B.

Source: Current HIV Research, Volume 1, Number 1, January 2003 , pp. 87-99(13)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

DC-SIGN is a calcium dependent lectin that binds to HIV envelope, gp120, with high affinity. Its expression on dendritic cells, coupled with its ability to facilitate the binding and subsequent transfer of virions to permissive T-cells, has led to the hypothesis that DC-SIGN may serve as a conduit the transfer of HIV from the peripheral mucosa to secondary lymphoid organs. Studies have shown that DC-SIGN bound virions can maintain their infectivity for prolonged periods of time despite evidence that DC-SIGN itself may serve as an antigen receptor. How HIV subverts the normal function of DC-SIGN to establish a primary infection in the host is unclear. Therefore, understanding the structural and immunological basis for DCSIGN's function will help us realize the role that DC-SIGN may play in viral transmission and pathogenesis. Importantly, DC-SIGN / envelope interactions may represent a new target for microbicide and vaccine development efforts. Here, we review recent studies on DC-SIGN's structure and function in an effort to present testable models of DC-SIGN's role in HIV pathogenesis.

Keywords: dc-sign; c-type lectins; dendritic cells; viral attachment; endocytic receptor; hiv transmission

Language: English

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570162033352129

Publication date: 2003-01-01

• Current HIV Research aims to cover all the latest and outstanding developments of HIV research. We invite comprehensive review articles and novel, pioneering work in the basic and clinical fields on all areas of HIV research, including virus replication and gene expression, HIV assembly, virus-cell interaction, viral pathogenesis, epidemiology and transmission, anti-retroviral therapy and adherence, drug discovery, the latest developments in HIV/AIDS vaccines and animal models, mechanisms and interactions with AIDS related diseases, social and public health issues related to HIV disease, and prevention of viral infection. Each issue of the journal contains a series of timely in-depth reviews and original research written by leaders in the field covering a range of current topics on HIV research. Periodically, the journal will invite guest editors to devote an issue on a particular area of HIV research of great interest that increases our understanding of the virus and its complex interaction with the host.

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