DC-SIGN-mediated transfer of HIV-1 is compromised by the ability of Leishmania infantum to exploit DC-SIGN as a ligand

J Infect Dis. 2005 May 15;191(10):1665-9. doi: 10.1086/429673. Epub 2005 Apr 11.

Abstract

DC-SIGN (dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin) binds human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and facilitates transfer of virus to permissive cells. Leishmania parasites also exploit DC-SIGN as a receptor. Here, we report that transfer of HIV-1 to target cells is markedly reduced when DC-SIGN(+) cells are preincubated with Leishmania amastigotes before pulsing with virions. Moreover, binding of HIV-1 to DC-SIGN(+) cells is diminished by the presence of Leishmania amastigotes. Our findings provide novel insight into the complex interactions between HIV-1 and Leishmania parasites. The ability of both HIV-1 and Leishmania parasites to bind to the same cell-surface constituent to gain entry into dendritic cells might have an impact on the immunological and pathological events associated with HIV-1 infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / physiology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dendritic Cells / parasitology*
  • Dendritic Cells / virology*
  • HIV-1 / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Lectins, C-Type / physiology*
  • Leishmania infantum / physiology*
  • Protein Binding
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / physiology*

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • DC-specific ICAM-3 grabbing nonintegrin
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Receptors, Cell Surface