DC-SIGN, a Dentritic Cell-Specific HIV-1 Receptor Present in Placenta That Infects T Cells In Trans—A Review

Dendritic cells (DC) capture micro-organisms that enter peripheral mucosal tissues and then migrate to secondary lymphoid organs, where they present in antigenic form to resting T cells and thus initiate adaptive immune responses. Here we describe the properties of a DC-specific C-type lectin, DC-SIGN, that is highly expressed on DC present in mucosal tissues and binds to the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120. DC-SIGN does not function as a receptor for viral entry into DC, but instead promotes efficient infection in trans of cells that express CD4 and chemokine receptors. The interaction of DC-SIGN with HIV gp120 may be an important target for therapeutic intervention and vaccine development.