The ability to sense infections is primordial to preserve organisms. Immune cells express pathogen sensors that induct innate and adaptive immune responses. Understanding how HIV-1 infection defeats these responses in most individuals remains an outstanding challenge. Since HIV-1 targets immune cells, innate immune sensors are remarkably positioned at the nexus of viral replication and immunity. Here, we discuss recent studies that have revealed innate sensing mechanisms of HIV-1 infection in plasmacytoid dendritic cells, monocyte-derived dendritic cells, monocyte-derived macrophages, and CD4+ T cells. These studies help understand how HIV-1 avoids antiviral innate immune sensors and how it induces pathogenic processes. Ultimately, this may contribute to therapy and vaccines.
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