Dangerous liaisons at the virological synapse
Vincent Piguet, Quentin Sattentau
Vincent Piguet, Quentin Sattentau
Published September 1, 2004
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2004;114(5):605-610. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI22812.
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Dangerous liaisons at the virological synapse

Abstract

Cell-to-cell viral transmission facilitates the propagation of HIV-1 and human T cell leukemia virus type 1. Mechanisms of cell-to-cell transmission by retroviruses were not well understood until the recent description of virological synapses (VSs). VSs function as specialized sites of immune cell-to-cell contact that direct virus infection. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of VS formation provides a fascinating insight into how pathogens subvert immune cell communication programs and achieve viral spread.

Authors

Vincent Piguet, Quentin Sattentau

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Figure 2

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During DC–T cell viral transmission, rapid viral recycling to the DC–T c...
During DC–T cell viral transmission, rapid viral recycling to the DC–T cell zone of contact is observed. (A and B) HIV-1 is captured by C-type lectins (e.g., DC-SIGN) or other receptors and is internalized inside the DC. HIV-1 accumulates in intracellular compartments in DCs. (C and D) Upon encountering a CD4+ T cell, HIV-1 is rapidly redistributed from intracellular compartments to the zone of contact (the VS) between the DC and the CD4+ T cell. This leads to infection of the CD4+ T cell in trans and massive viral replication in DC–T cell clusters. Blue: DC nuclei; green: cytoplasm; orange: HIV-1 virions.