Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 strains of subtypes B and E replicate in cutaneous dendritic cell-T-cell mixtures without displaying subtype-specific tropism. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • A report that genetic subtype E human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains display a preferential tropism for Langerhans cells (epidermal dendritic cells [DCs]) compared to genetic subtype B strains suggested a possible explanation for the rapid heterosexual spread of subtype E strains in Thailand (L. E. Soto-Ramirez et al., Science 271:1291-1293, 1996). In an independent system, we applied subtype E and B isolates to skin leukocytes, since skin is a relevant model for the histologically comparable surfaces of the vagina and ectocervix. Isolates of both HIV-1 subtypes infected DC-T-cell mixtures, and no subtype-specific pattern of infection was observed. Purified DCs did not support the replication of strains of either subtype B or E. Our findings do not support the conclusion that subtype E strains have a preferential tropism for DCs, suggesting that other explanations for the rapid heterosexual spread of subtype E strains in Asia should be considered.

publication date

  • October 1, 1997

Research

keywords

  • HIV-1
  • Langerhans Cells
  • Skin
  • T-Lymphocytes
  • Virus Replication

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC192162

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0030820369

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1128/JVI.71.10.8001-8007.1997

PubMed ID

  • 9311895

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 71

issue

  • 10