Binding of HIV-1 to Human Follicular Dendritic Cells

Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) are among the first cells involved in tissue damage after infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus type-1 (HIV-1). These cells, being of mesenchymal origin, contribute to the stroma of germinal centers in lymphoid organs. In the first phase after HIV-1 infection, these germinal centers are hyperplastic, with distinct fragmentations and indentations. At these locations, FDC give the impression of being damaged by the infection. An active role of HIV-1 components has been proposed in this process. HIV-1 proteins, complete virions and HIV-1 RNA have been observed in the germinal center, in higher density than at other locations of the lymphoid tissue. 1,2 Apparently, protein and virus particles are concentrated, presumably in the form of immune complex, in the labyrinth of cytoplasmic protusions of FDC in the germinal center. Studies on FDC purified from a lymph node of an HIV-1-infected patient, 3 and in vitro infection of FDC from normal tissue, 4 have provided support for the suggestion that the cells can be infected and actively produce virus.